Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N socket: LGA 4189

The Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N uses the LGA 4189 socket. It is a 225 W 36-core Ice Lake-SP server processor for network roles, with ECC memory support.

Socket
LGA 4189
Launched
April 2021
Cores and threads
36 and 72
Base power
225 W
Codename
Ice Lake-SP
Segment
Server
Clocks
2.4 / 3.5 GHz

Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N specifications

Cores36
Threads72
Core architectureSunny Cove (Ice Lake-SP)
Clocks2.4 GHz base, up to 3.5 GHz turbo
Cache54 MB
Processor base power (TDP)225 W
Manufacturing process10 nm
Memory supportDDR4 up to 2933 MT/s ECC, 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket
PCI Express64 PCIe 4.0 lanes per socket
Interconnect3× UPI at 11.2 GT/s
ECC memoryYes
PackageFCLGA4189, 77.5 × 56.5 mm
Sockets supportedUp to 2 sockets

Motherboard compatibility

Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N 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

TypeLGA, 4,189 contacts
Package size77.5 × 56.5 mm
IntroducedApril 2020
MemoryDDR4 with ECC, up to 8 channels on Ice Lake-SP and 6 channels on Cooper Lake-SP
Cooler mounting holesBoard specific (server heatsink)

Read the full LGA 4189 socket guide

What the Xeon Platinum 8351N is

The Xeon Platinum 8351N is a 36-core server processor that Intel released in April 2021 with the Ice Lake-SP range for 2-socket systems. Its Sunny Cove cores run 2.4 GHz base to 3.5 GHz turbo with Hyper-Threading for 72 threads. Cache is 54 MB with 1.25 MB of L2 per core.

The N suffix marks network and NFV specialization for packet work that spreads across many cores. The 10 nm process pairs 8 channels of DDR4-2933 with 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high speed network cards. Two-socket operation keeps scale out cost below larger Platinum builds.

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 8351N 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 N suffix parts.

Two-socket operation is possible with Xeon Platinum dual processor parts, with single socket boards possible where the vendor qualifies them. A buyer building NFV nodes should confirm the board network slot layout matches the packet workload 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 2933 MT/s in 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket, with ECC support. Packet nodes 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 high speed network cards and NVMe storage. NFV nodes split lanes across several NICs, so the board specifications state which slots reach full speed. Three UPI links at 11.2 GT/s carry socket to socket traffic.

At 225 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 Platinum 8352V, the 8351N trades SaaS tuning for network features at higher power. The V part suits cloud roles at 195 W, while this N part suits packet roles with NFV features. Both share Whitley boards and 36-core layouts.

Moving to LGA 4677 needs new boards and DDR5 memory for Sapphire Rapids generations. The 8351N fits an NFV node, a packet broker, or a dense edge host with many queues.

For used buyers, the N part makes sense when network features matter. When memory speed matters more, DDR4-3200 Platinum parts give faster channels on the same board.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N 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 Platinum 8351N have?

36 cores with 72 threads, 2.4 GHz base and up to 3.5 GHz turbo, with 54 MB of cache.

What memory does the Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N support?

DDR4 up to 2933 MT/s with ECC in 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket.

What does the N suffix mean on the Xeon Platinum 8351N?

The N marks network and NFV specialization for packet work across many cores.

What is the TDP of the Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N?

225 W. Performance air or liquid heatsinks with strong directed chassis airflow are needed.

Sources and verification

  1. List of Intel Xeon processors Ice Lake-based (Platinum 8351N 2.4 to 3.5 GHz, 225 W)
  2. Intel Xeon Platinum 8351N Processor (Intel ARK)

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