Intel Xeon E5-2660 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2660 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 95 W eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 16 threads at 2.2 GHz to 3.0 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
- 2.2 / 3.0 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2660 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 16 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.2 GHz base, up to 3.0 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 E5-2660 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 E5-2660 is
Intel Xeon E5-2660 is an eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 for mainstream dual socket servers. It runs at 2.2 GHz base with turbo to 3.0 GHz, with 20 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 16 threads. Power is rated at 95 W on a 32 nm process. The wide turbo range covers both all core throughput and single threaded bursts.
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. Thirty-two threads per pair of sockets pack dense virtualization hosts.
Boards pair it with registered DIMMs in 1U and 2U chassis. The 800 MHz turbo headroom helps interactive loads while batch work sits near base. 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 E5-2660 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it. The vendor CPU list must include the exact E5-2660 string.
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 assignment.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 95 W. No retail mount exists.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2660 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 E5-2660 v2 on the same socket.
A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for general virtualization duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2660 use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
Does the Xeon E5-2660 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Eight cores give 16 threads with turbo to 3.0 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2660 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2660 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 .