Intel Xeon E5-2650 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2650 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 95 W eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 16 threads at 2.0 GHz to 2.8 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 16
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 2.8 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2650 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 16 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, up to 2.8 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 20 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 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 E5-2650 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 E5-2650 is
Intel Xeon E5-2650 is an eight 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 2.8 GHz, with 20 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 16 threads. Power is rated at 95 W on a 32 nm process. Eight cores with a large cache at moderate power made it a virtualization favorite with many small guests per host.
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. The wide turbo range covers both all core throughput and single threaded management tasks.
Boards pair it with registered DIMMs in 1U and 2U chassis. Thirty-two threads per pair of sockets pack dense guest counts. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide contrasts this large socketed server part with soldered designs.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-2650 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it. The vendor list must include the exact E5-2650 string with Sandy Bridge-EP microcode.
At 95 W standard 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, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs. Full population feeds sixteen threads per socket.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket. Two QPI links at 8.0 GT/s join pairs. NUMA aware placement guides VM and I/O assignment.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 95 W with chassis airflow. No retail mount exists.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2650 can step to faster Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP eight core parts on the same board, where power allows. Memory and storage carry over. A v2 comparison is Intel Xeon E5-2650 v2 on the same socket.
A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for dense guest duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2650 use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
Does the Xeon E5-2650 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Eight cores give 16 threads with turbo to 2.8 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2650 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2650 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 .