Intel Xeon Gold 6342 socket: LGA 4189
The Intel Xeon Gold 6342 uses the LGA 4189 socket. It is a 230 W 24-core Ice Lake-SP server processor with ECC memory support.
- Socket
- LGA 4189
- Launched
- April 2021
- Cores and threads
- 24 and 48
- Base power
- 230 W
- Codename
- Ice Lake-SP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon Gold
- Clocks
- 2.8 / 3.5 GHz
Intel Xeon Gold 6342 specifications
| Cores | 24 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 48 |
| Core architecture | Sunny Cove (Ice Lake-SP) |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz base, up to 3.5 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 36 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 230 W |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s ECC, 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket |
| PCI Express | 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes per socket |
| Interconnect | 3× UPI at 11.2 GT/s |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Package | FCLGA4189, 77.5 × 56.5 mm |
| Sockets supported | Up to 2 sockets |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Xeon Gold 6342 needs a motherboard with a LGA 4189 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the LGA 4189 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
LGA 4189 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 4,189 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 77.5 × 56.5 mm |
| Introduced | April 2020 |
| Memory | DDR4 with ECC, up to 8 channels on Ice Lake-SP and 6 channels on Cooper Lake-SP |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Xeon Gold 6342 is
The Xeon Gold 6342 is a 24-core server processor that Intel released in April 2021 with the Ice Lake-SP range for 2-socket systems. Its Sunny Cove cores run 2.8 GHz base to 3.5 GHz turbo with Hyper-Threading for 48 threads. Cache is 36 MB with 1.25 MB of L2 per core.
The chip pairs a high 2.8 GHz base with 24 cores at 230 W for hosts that hold speed across all threads. The 3.5 GHz burst helps single thread tasks that stall on slower cores. The 10 nm process pairs 8 channels of DDR4-3200 with 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
There is no integrated graphics on this model, so setup relies on board BMC graphics. ECC memory support guards data across long uptime. The socket package is FCLGA4189 at 77.5 × 56.5 mm.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 6342 fits the LGA 4189 socket on Whitley boards for Ice Lake-SP. Cedar Island boards for Cooper Lake share the socket name but do not accept this chip, so the board generation must match the processor generation. The server vendor CPU support list names the exact boards for Gold parts.
Two-socket operation is the design point for Xeon Gold dual processor parts, with single socket boards possible where the vendor qualifies them. A buyer building fast 2-socket nodes should confirm power delivery for 230 W parts before ordering.
Check memory population rules for 2-socket boards when ordering. Sixteen DIMM slots per socket is the platform shape, and both sockets should match in capacity and speed.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s in 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket, with ECC support. Fast hosts use RDIMM pairs across all channels for bandwidth with integrity. The controller does not accept DDR5.
The CPU supplies 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes per socket for network cards and NVMe storage. Two-socket boards split lanes across slots and onboard controllers, so the board specifications state which slots reach full speed. Three UPI links at 11.2 GT/s carry socket to socket traffic.
At 230 W, vendor-qualified performance air or liquid heatsinks with strong directed chassis airflow are needed. Mounting is board specific with no retail pattern, and the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide explains why server sockets list no desktop bracket.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Xeon Gold 6336Y, the 6342 trades profile tuning for sustained speed at higher power. The Y part tunes cores to workload needs at 185 W, while this part holds a 2.8 GHz base at 230 W. Both share Whitley boards and 24-core layouts.
Moving to LGA 4677 needs new boards and DDR5 memory for Sapphire Rapids generations. The 6342 fits a fast virtual host, a build server, or a database tier with heavy threads.
For used buyers, the clock-led 24-core Gold makes sense when sustained speed leads. When power limits dominate, the Y twin gives tuning options at lower heat on the same board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon Gold 6342 use?
It uses LGA 4189 on Whitley boards for Ice Lake-SP. Cedar Island Cooper boards share the socket name but do not accept it.
How many cores does the Intel Xeon Gold 6342 have?
24 cores with 48 threads, 2.8 GHz base and up to 3.5 GHz turbo, with 36 MB of cache.
What memory does the Intel Xeon Gold 6342 support?
DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s with ECC in 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket.
What graphics does the Intel Xeon Gold 6342 include?
None on the chip. Setup relies on board BMC graphics.
What is the TDP of the Intel Xeon Gold 6342?
230 W. Performance air or liquid heatsinks with strong directed chassis airflow are needed.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Xeon processors Ice Lake-based (Gold 6342 2.8 to 3.5 GHz, 230 W)
- Intel Xeon Gold 6342 Processor (Intel ARK)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .