Intel Xeon E5-2620 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2620 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 95 W six core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 12 threads at 2.0 GHz to 2.5 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 12
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 2.5 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2620 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, up to 2.5 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 15 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800 to 1333, 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 E5-2620 needs a motherboard with a LGA 2011 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 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 E5-2620 is
Intel Xeon E5-2620 is a six core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 for mainstream 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 95 W on a 32 nm process. Six cores with a wide turbo range made it the volume dual socket choice of the Romley launch.
No integrated graphics are present. Memory is DDR3 at 800, 1066 or 1333 MT/s over four channels with ECC, and the chip gives 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus two 7.2 GT/s QPI links. Twelve threads suit virtualization hosts with mixed guests.
Boards pair it with registered DIMMs in 1U and 2U chassis. All core loads sit near base clock, while lightly threaded tasks reach 2.5 GHz. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-2620 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller, principally C602 designs, carry it. The vendor CPU list must include the exact E5-2620 string with Sandy Bridge-EP microcode.
At 95 W full size server heatsinks with directed airflow apply. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers server rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3 at 800, 1066 or 1333 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs. Four populated channels per socket feed twelve threads.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket for Ethernet and storage controllers. Two QPI links at 7.2 GT/s join socket pairs. NUMA placement matters on dual boards.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 95 W. No retail mount exists, so replacements follow the chassis vendor.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2620 can step to faster Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP six and eight core parts on the same board, where power allows. Memory and storage carry over. A close step up is Intel Xeon E5-2630 with higher clocks.
A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for general virtualization duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2620 use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
Does the Xeon E5-2620 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Six cores give 12 threads with turbo to 2.5 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2620 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066 or 1333 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2620 for dual socket boards?
Yes. The 2600 numbering allows two sockets.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .