Intel Xeon E5-2430L socket: LGA 1356
The Intel Xeon E5-2430L uses the LGA 1356 socket. It is a 60 W six core Sandy Bridge-EN server part with 12 threads at 2.0 GHz to 2.5 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 1356
- Launched
- May 2012
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 12
- Base power
- 60 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EN
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 2.5 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2430L specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EN cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, up to 2.5 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 15 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 60 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800 to 1333, three channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 24 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | None (server board graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1356 (45 × 42.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E5-2430L needs a motherboard with a LGA 1356 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| C600 series | C602 | 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 1356.
LGA 1356 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,356 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 45 × 42.5 mm |
| Introduced | May 2012 |
| Memory | DDR3-800 to 1600 with ECC, three channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Xeon E5-2430L is
Intel Xeon E5-2430L is a six core Sandy Bridge-EN server processor that Intel released in May 2012 for efficient dual socket servers. It runs at 2.0 GHz base with turbo to 2.5 GHz, with 15 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 12 threads. Power is rated at 60 W on a 32 nm process. The L suffix keeps power flat against the 2428L while adding 200 MHz base and 500 MHz turbo.
No integrated graphics are present, so display comes from the board management controller. Memory is DDR3 at 800, 1066 or 1333 MT/s over three channels with ECC, and the chip provides 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus one 7.2 GT/s QPI link for dual socket operation.
The wider turbo range gives responsive bursts for login storms and batch starts while idling efficiently. Boards pair it with registered DIMMs and RAID controllers in 1U twins. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering a spare.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-2430L fits LGA 1356 in FCLGA1356 form. The platform is the C600 series controller on Socket B2, with C602 on Romley-EN dual socket boards. The vendor CPU list must carry the exact E5-2430L string with Sandy Bridge-EN microcode.
At 60 W dense chassis with vendor heatsinks cover it easily. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers server BIOS rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3 at 800, 1066 or 1333 MT/s, three channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs. Three populated channels per socket feed twelve threads; half populated boards bottleneck throughput.
PCI Express is 24 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket for Ethernet and storage controllers. The QPI link at 7.2 GT/s joins two sockets on dual boards. Place I/O near the owning socket on NUMA systems.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 60 W with directed chassis airflow. No retail mount exists, so replacements follow the system vendor list.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1356 the Xeon E5-2430L can step to faster Sandy Bridge-EN or Ivy Bridge-EN six and eight core parts on the same board, where power and vendor lists allow. Memory and storage carry over. A single socket comparison is Intel Xeon E5-1428L with lower power.
A platform move means a new generation with DDR4. Keep the node for efficient virtualization duty where twelve Sandy threads still serve.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2430L use?
It uses LGA 1356. C600 series Socket B2 boards carry it.
How is the Xeon E5-2430L different from the E5-2428L?
Base is 2.0 GHz instead of 1.8 GHz, and turbo is 2.5 GHz instead of 2.0 GHz, at the same 60 W.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2430L use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066 or 1333 MT/s, three channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2430L for dual socket boards?
Yes. The 2400 numbering allows two socket operation.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .