Intel Xeon E5-2690 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2690 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 135 W eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 16 threads at 2.9 GHz to 3.8 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 16
- Base power
- 135 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.9 / 3.8 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2690 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 16 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.9 GHz base, up to 3.8 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 20 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 135 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 E5-2690 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 E5-2690 is
Intel Xeon E5-2690 is an eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 as the top dual socket part of the launch. It runs at 2.9 GHz base with turbo to 3.8 GHz, with 20 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 16 threads. Power is rated at 135 W on a 32 nm process. Very high base and turbo with eight cores made it the choice for HPC head nodes and database primaries.
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 fast threads per pair of sockets handle parallel simulation with strong single thread phases.
Boards pair it with registered DIMMs and fast fabrics in 1U and 2U chassis. All core work near 2.9 GHz keeps throughput high under sustained load. 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 E5-2690 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it, with C602 the reference. The vendor CPU list must include the exact E5-2690 string with Sandy Bridge-EP microcode.
At 135 W full size server heatsinks with strong chassis 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. Full population at 1600 MT/s feeds sixteen fast threads.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket. Two QPI links at 8.0 GT/s join pairs. NUMA placement matters on dual boards.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 135 W. No retail mount exists, so replacements follow the chassis vendor.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2690 already tops the Sandy Bridge-EP dual socket range, so the remaining path is Ivy Bridge-EP eight and ten core parts where vendor lists allow. Memory and storage carry over. A v2 comparison is Intel Xeon E5-2690 v2 on the same socket.
A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for flagship Sandy duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2690 use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
Does the Xeon E5-2690 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Eight cores give 16 threads with turbo to 3.8 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2690 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2690 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 .