Intel Xeon E5-4640 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-4640 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 95 W eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 16 threads at 2.4 GHz to 2.8 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- May 2012
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 16
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.4 / 2.8 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-4640 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 16 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.4 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 E5-4640 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 E5-4640 is
Intel Xeon E5-4640 is an eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in May 2012 for quad socket servers. It runs at 2.4 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 modest power per socket made it a density choice for four socket clusters.
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. Sixty-four threads across four sockets handle virtualization and databases at scale.
Boards are four socket Romley designs with vendor firmware. All core work near 2.4 GHz keeps throughput steady across the ring. 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 E5-4640 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Quad socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it. The vendor list must include the exact E5-4640 string.
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 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels per socket, 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 four sockets. NUMA tuning is essential.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 95 W per socket. No retail mount exists.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-4640 can step to faster Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP four socket parts on the same board, where vendor lists allow. All sockets should match. Memory and storage carry over.
A platform move means a DDR4 multi socket generation. Keep the cluster for dense duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-4640 use?
It uses LGA 2011. Quad socket C600 series boards carry it.
Does the Xeon E5-4640 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Eight cores give 16 threads with turbo to 2.8 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E5-4640 use?
DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels per socket, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
How many sockets does the Xeon E5-4640 support?
Up to four sockets.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .