Intel Xeon E5-2640 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2640 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 95 W six core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 12 threads at 2.5 GHz to 3.0 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
- 2.5 / 3.0 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2640 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.5 GHz base, up to 3.0 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 E5-2640 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 E5-2640 is
Intel Xeon E5-2640 is a six core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 for performance dual socket servers. It runs at 2.5 GHz base with turbo to 3.0 GHz, with 15 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 12 threads. Power is rated at 95 W on a 32 nm process. High base clocks for the six core group suit application servers that run hot during business hours.
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 fast threads handle databases and virtualization hosts with consistent latency.
Boards pair it with registered DIMMs and fast RAID in 1U and 2U chassis. All core work near 2.5 GHz keeps response direct under load. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide contrasts this socketed server part with soldered designs.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-2640 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it, with C602 the reference. The vendor list must show the exact E5-2640 string.
At 95 W full size server heatsinks 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. Two QPI links at 7.2 GT/s join pairs. NUMA placement guides I/O assignment.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 95 W with directed chassis airflow. No retail mount exists.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2640 can step to eight core Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP parts on the same board, where power allows. Memory and storage carry over. A v2 comparison is Intel Xeon E5-2640 v2 on the same socket.
A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for application duty where fast Sandy cores still deliver.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2640 use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
How is the Xeon E5-2640 different from the E5-2630?
Base is 2.5 GHz instead of 2.3 GHz, and turbo is 3.0 GHz instead of 2.8 GHz, at the same 95 W.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2640 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066 or 1333 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2640 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 .