Intel Xeon E5-2648L socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2648L uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 70 W eight core Sandy Bridge-EP embedded part with 16 threads at 1.8 GHz to 2.1 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 16
- Base power
- 70 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Embedded
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 1.8 / 2.1 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2648L specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 16 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 1.8 GHz base, up to 2.1 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 20 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 70 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 E5-2648L 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 E5-2648L is
Intel Xeon E5-2648L is an eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 for low power dense systems. It runs at 1.8 GHz base with turbo to 2.1 GHz per ARK, with 20 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 16 threads. Power is rated at 70 W on a 32 nm process. The list entry claiming 2.3 GHz turbo is wrong; ARK specifies 2.1 GHz, which is used here. ARK lists the vertical segment as Embedded for communications and appliance use.
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. Sixteen slow cores with a large cache suit parallel packet and signal work that scales with threads.
Boards pair it with registered DIMMs and fixed firmware for long service. All core loads sit near base clock, which keeps behavior deterministic. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide contrasts this socketed server part with soldered designs.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-2648L fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it. The vendor list must show the exact E5-2648L string with Sandy Bridge-EP microcode.
At 70 W dense chassis with vendor heatsinks handle it. 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. Full population feeds sixteen threads.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket. Two QPI links at 8.0 GT/s join pairs. Keep I/O near its socket on NUMA boards.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 70 W with chassis airflow. No retail mount exists.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2648L can move to faster Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP eight core parts on the same board, where power and vendor lists allow. Memory and storage carry over. A higher turbo comparison at the same power is Intel Xeon E5-2650L v2 on the same socket.
A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for threaded appliance duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2648L use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
What is the turbo of the Xeon E5-2648L?
Up to 2.1 GHz per ARK. List entries claiming 2.3 GHz are wrong.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2648L use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2648L a Server or Embedded part?
ARK lists the vertical segment as Embedded, for communications use as well as servers.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .