Socket Geek

Intel Xeon E5-4650 socket: LGA 2011

The Intel Xeon E5-4650 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 130 W eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 16 threads at 2.7 GHz to 3.3 GHz.

Socket
LGA 2011
Launched
May 2012
Cores and threads
8 and 16
Base power
130 W
Segment
Server
Clocks
2.7 / 3.3 GHz

Intel Xeon E5-4650 specifications

Cores8
Threads16
Core architectureSandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm
Clocks2.7 GHz base, up to 3.3 GHz turbo
Cache20 MB
Processor base power (TDP)130 W
Manufacturing process32 nm
Memory supportDDR3-800 to 1600, four channels, ECC
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0, 40 lanes
Integrated graphicsNone (server board graphics)
MultiplierLocked
PackageFCLGA2011

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Xeon E5-4650 needs a motherboard with a LGA 2011 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
C600 seriesC602Works 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

TypeLGA, 2,011 contacts
Package size52.5 × 45 mm
IntroducedNovember 2011
MemoryDDR3 quad channel, up to 1866 MT/s, up to 64 GB on desktop boards
Cooler mounting holes80 × 80 mm

Read the full LGA 2011 socket guide

What the Xeon E5-4650 is

Intel Xeon E5-4650 is an eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in May 2012 as the top quad socket part of the launch. It runs at 2.7 GHz base with turbo to 3.3 GHz, with 20 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 16 threads. Power is rated at 130 W on a 32 nm process. High base plus large cache across four sockets made it the choice for large database and virtualization clusters.

No integrated graphics are present. Memory spans DDR3-800 to 1600 over four channels with ECC per socket, and each chip gives 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus two 8.0 GT/s QPI links. Sixty-four fast threads across four sockets handle heavy parallel estates.

Boards are four socket Romley designs with strong delivery and cooling. All core work near 2.7 GHz keeps throughput high under sustained load. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Xeon E5-4650 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Quad socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it, with vendor firmware for four socket operation. The vendor list must show the exact E5-4650 string.

At 130 W per socket, chassis power and cooling must cover four populated sockets. 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 per socket, with ECC and registered DIMMs. Two DIMMs per channel at 1600 MT/s give the best bandwidth for sixteen threads per socket.

PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket. The 8.0 GT/s QPI links join four sockets in a ring. NUMA aware placement guides VM and I/O assignment.

Cooling is vendor qualified for 130 W per socket with strong chassis airflow. No retail mount exists.

Upgrade paths

Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-4650 already tops the Sandy Bridge-EP four socket range, so the remaining path is Ivy Bridge-EP four socket parts where vendor lists allow. All sockets should match stepping. Memory and storage carry over.

A platform move means a DDR4 multi socket generation. Keep the cluster for heavy estate duty.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-4650 use?

It uses LGA 2011. Quad socket C600 series boards carry it.

Does the Xeon E5-4650 have Hyper-Threading?

Yes. Eight cores give 16 threads with turbo to 3.3 GHz.

What memory does the Xeon E5-4650 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 E5-4650 support?

Up to four sockets.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Xeon E5-4650 Specifications (ARK)
  2. Intel Xeon E5-4650 Specs (TechPowerUp)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .