Intel Xeon E3-1280 v2 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 69 W quad core Ivy Bridge server part with Hyper-Threading at 3.6 GHz to 4.0 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- May 2012
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 69 W
- Codename
- Ivy Bridge
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E3
- Clocks
- 3.6 / 4.0 GHz
Intel Xeon E3-1280 v2 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Ivy Bridge cores on 22 nm |
| Clocks | 3.6 GHz base, up to 4.0 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 69 W |
| Manufacturing process | 22 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 32 GB, ECC |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | None (no integrated graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E3-1280 v2 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 | Needs a BIOS update Needs a BIOS update from the board maker before an Ivy Bridge processor is installed. |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | Not supported |
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 E3-1280 v2 is
Intel Xeon E3-1280 v2 is a quad core Ivy Bridge server processor that Intel released in May 2012 for fast single socket servers. It runs at 3.6 GHz base with turbo to 4.0 GHz, with 8 MB Intel Smart Cache and Hyper-Threading for 8 threads. Power is rated at 69 W on a 22 nm process. Very high clocks with eight threads suit latency sensitive application tiers.
No integrated graphics are present, so display comes from the board management controller. Memory is DDR3 at 1333 or 1600 MT/s in two channels with ECC unbuffered DIMMs, and the chip gives 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes. Fast cores with ECC cover databases and virtualization hosts.
Boards pair it with unbuffered ECC UDIMMs and fast RAID in pedestal and rack chassis. All core work near 3.6 GHz keeps response direct under load. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. C202, C204, C206 and C216 server boards are the validated home with ECC support. Desktop 7 series boards boot it with a current BIOS where the maker list names the SKU, with non-ECC UDIMMs and a discrete card for displays.
At 69 W standard server heatsinks apply. The board must list the exact E3-1280 v2 string. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains why the support list decides.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 32 GB, with ECC unbuffered DIMMs on C-series boards. Two matched UDIMMs feed eight threads. Registered DIMMs are not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 3.0 for network and storage controllers.
Cooling follows the 69 W server rating with a standard heatsink and chassis airflow.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 1155 the Xeon E3-1280 v2 can move to the faster E3-1290 v2 on the same board, where cooling allows. Memory and storage carry over. A slower comparison without graphics is Intel Xeon E3-1270 v2 on the same socket.
A platform move means a DDR4 server generation. Keep the node for latency sensitive server duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E3-1280 v2 use?
It uses LGA 1155. C200 series server boards are the validated home.
Does the Xeon E3-1280 v2 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Four cores give 8 threads with turbo to 4.0 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E3-1280 v2 use?
DDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 32 GB, with ECC unbuffered DIMMs.
Does the Xeon E3-1280 v2 have integrated graphics?
No. Server boards provide display through a management controller.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .