Intel Xeon E5-2643 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2643 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 130 W quad core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 8 threads at 3.3 GHz to 3.5 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 3.3 / 3.5 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2643 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.3 GHz base, up to 3.5 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 10 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 E5-2643 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 E5-2643 is
Intel Xeon E5-2643 is a quad core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 for frequency sensitive dual socket servers. It runs at 3.3 GHz base with turbo to 3.5 GHz, with 10 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 8 threads. Power is rated at 130 W on a 32 nm process. Four very fast cores suit per thread licensed software and latency sensitive services better than slower many core parts.
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 plus two 8.0 GT/s QPI links. High clocks with quad channel memory keep single threaded database and application tiers direct.
Boards pair it with registered DIMMs and fast storage in 1U and 2U chassis. All core work near 3.3 GHz behaves like a fast workstation with server I/O. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-2643 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 E5-2643 string with Sandy Bridge-EP microcode.
At 130 W full size server heatsinks with directed airflow apply. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers server pairing.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs. Four populated channels per socket feed eight fast threads.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket for network and storage controllers. Two QPI links at 8.0 GT/s join socket pairs. NUMA placement guides I/O assignment.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 130 W. No retail mount exists, so replacements follow the chassis vendor.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2643 can move to higher core Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP parts on the same board, trading clocks for threads. Memory and storage carry over. A v2 comparison is Intel Xeon E5-2643 v2 on the same socket.
A platform move means a DDR4 server generation. Keep the node for licensed per core duty where fast Sandy cores still matter.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2643 use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
Does the Xeon E5-2643 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Four cores give 8 threads with turbo to 3.5 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2643 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2643 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 .