Intel Xeon E5-4603 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-4603 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 8 threads at 2.0 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- May 2012
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.0 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-4603 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 10 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800 and 1066, 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 E5-4603 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 E5-4603 is
Intel Xeon E5-4603 is a quad core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in May 2012 for entry quad socket servers. It runs at a fixed 2.0 GHz with no turbo, with 10 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 8 threads per ARK. Power is rated at 95 W on a 32 nm process. The 4600 numbering allows four socket operation with two QPI links per CPU in a ring.
No integrated graphics are present. Memory is limited to DDR3-800 and 1066 over four channels with ECC. The chip gives 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus two 6.4 GT/s QPI links. Thirty-two threads across four sockets suit scale out work that values socket count over clocks.
Boards are four socket Romley designs with the C600 series controller and vendor firmware. Fixed low clocks keep behavior deterministic across sockets. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-4603 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Quad socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it. The vendor list must show the exact E5-4603 string with Sandy Bridge-EP microcode, since four socket firmware differs from dual socket releases.
At 95 W per socket, chassis cooling must cover four populated sockets. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers server pairing.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-800 and 1066, four channels per socket, with ECC and registered DIMMs. Balance DIMMs across all four sockets, since remote memory crosses QPI links.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket. Two QPI links per CPU at 6.4 GT/s join four sockets in a ring. NUMA tuning matters greatly at this scale.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 95 W per socket with strong chassis airflow. No retail mount exists.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-4603 can move to faster Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP four socket parts on the same board, where vendor lists allow. All four sockets should match stepping and speed. Memory and storage carry over.
A platform move means a DDR4 multi socket generation. Keep the cluster for scale out duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-4603 use?
It uses LGA 2011. Quad socket C600 series boards carry it.
How many sockets does the Xeon E5-4603 support?
Up to four sockets. The 4600 numbering allows quad operation.
What memory does the Xeon E5-4603 use?
DDR3-800 and 1066, four channels per socket, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Does the Xeon E5-4603 have turbo boost?
No. It runs at a fixed 2.0 GHz with Hyper-Threading for 8 threads.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .