Intel Xeon E5-1660 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-1660 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 130 W six core Sandy Bridge-E server part with 12 threads at 3.3 GHz to 3.9 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 12
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-E
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 3.3 / 3.9 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-1660 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-E cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.3 GHz base, up to 3.9 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 15 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800 to 1600, four channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 40 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | None (server board graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA2011 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E5-1660 needs a motherboard with a LGA 2011 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| X79 enthusiast | X79 | 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 2011.
LGA 2011 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 2,011 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 52.5 × 45 mm |
| Introduced | November 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 quad channel, up to 1866 MT/s, up to 64 GB on desktop boards |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Xeon E5-1660 is
Intel Xeon E5-1660 is a six core Sandy Bridge-E server processor that Intel released in March 2012 as the top single socket workstation part. It runs at 3.3 GHz base with turbo to 3.9 GHz, with 15 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 12 threads. Power is rated at 130 W on a 32 nm process. The large cache and high clocks separate it from the 1650 for working sets that reuse data.
No integrated graphics are present. Memory spans DDR3-800 to 1600 over four channels with ECC, and the chip gives 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes for workstation GPUs and storage controllers. Twelve fast threads cover rendering, simulation and build workloads.
Workstation towers pair it with 32 GB to 64 GB of ECC DDR3 and a professional GPU. All core work near 3.3 GHz keeps throughput high 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 E5-1660 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Single socket workstation boards with the C600 series controller carry it, with X79 enthusiast boards accepting E5-1600 parts under Sandy Bridge-E support. The vendor list must show the exact E5-1660 string.
At 130 W large heatsinks with tower airflow apply. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers workstation rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC. The 15 MB cache trims memory trips for repeated data. Four populated channels give full bandwidth.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 for workstation GPUs and fast storage. Single socket operation keeps latency uniform.
Cooling is workstation grade for 130 W. The square ILM mount needs compatible brackets.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-1660 already tops the Sandy Bridge-E single socket range, so the remaining path is Ivy Bridge-E parts where vendor lists allow. Memory, storage and the GPU carry over. A slower six core comparison is Intel Xeon E5-1650.
A platform move means a DDR4 workstation generation. Keep the node for heavy workstation duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-1660 use?
It uses LGA 2011. Single socket workstation boards carry it.
How is the Xeon E5-1660 different from the E5-1650?
Base is 3.3 GHz instead of 3.2 GHz, turbo is 3.9 GHz instead of 3.8 GHz, and cache is 15 MB instead of 12 MB.
What memory does the Xeon E5-1660 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC.
Is the Xeon E5-1660 for dual socket boards?
No. The 1600 numbering is single socket only.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .