Intel Xeon E3-1260L socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Xeon E3-1260L uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 45 W quad core Sandy Bridge server part at 2.4 GHz with turbo to 3.3 GHz and ECC memory.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- April 2011
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 45 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E3
- Clocks
- 2.4 / 3.3 GHz
Intel Xeon E3-1260L specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.4 GHz base, 3.3 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 45 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB, ECC supported on server boards |
| PCI Express | 20 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 2000 (650 MHz to 1250 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported (requires server board) |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E3-1260L needs a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 series | Z77, Z75, H77, B75, Q77, Q75 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series: H61, H67, P67, Z68 | Z68, P67, H67, H61 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1155.
LGA 1155 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,155 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Xeon E3-1260L is
Intel Xeon E3-1260L is a quad core Sandy Bridge server processor that Intel released in April 2011 for low power single socket servers. It runs at 2.4 GHz base with turbo to 3.3 GHz and includes Hyper-Threading, so 4 cores give 8 threads. Cache is 8 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 45 W on a 32 nm process.
The L suffix marks low power for dense racks where watts per socket decide node counts. Eight threads at 45 W serve virtual guests well. Fixed firmware keeps behavior predictable.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 2000 at 650 MHz to 1250 MHz for BMC-adjacent board video. Memory is DDR3 with ECC in two channels. The chip launched in the second quarter of 2011.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E3-1260L fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Single socket server boards with C202, C204 and C206 chipsets carry Sandy Bridge E3 parts. The board BIOS must list the exact E3-1260L string.
Desktop boards may boot the chip electrically, but ECC and BMC management need a server board. Use a server board for the intended role.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB with ECC on server boards. ECC catches single bit errors in always on service. Capacity follows the board design.
PCI Express is 20 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for network and storage. Server boards spend lanes on reliable I/O.
Cooling is a 45 W server heatsink with directed airflow. Lower power eases chassis thermal budgets.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the E3-1260L can move to the E3-1270 for higher clocks at 80 W on the same server board. Memory and storage carry over where the board lists both strings. A same socket low power dual reference is Intel Xeon E3-1220L.
A platform move to a current server socket needs a new board and DDR4 memory. Keep the E3-1260L node for efficient duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E3-1260L use?
It uses LGA 1155 in single socket server boards.
What does the L suffix mean on the Xeon E3-1260L?
The L suffix marks low power at 45 W with the same 8 MB cache.
What memory does the Xeon E3-1260L use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333 with ECC on server boards, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Does the Xeon E3-1260L have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Four cores give 8 threads.
Sources and verification
- Intel Xeon E3-1260L Processor (Intel ARK, 4 cores, 2.4 GHz, turbo 3.3, 45W, HD2000, ECC, Q2-11)
- Sandy Bridge (Wikipedia, E3-1260L 2.4 GHz turbo 3.3 HD2000 45W)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .