Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q socket: LGA 4189
The Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q uses the LGA 4189 socket. It is a 270 W 38-core Ice Lake-SP server processor built for liquid cooling, with ECC memory support.
- Socket
- LGA 4189
- Launched
- April 2021
- Cores and threads
- 38 and 76
- Base power
- 270 W
- Codename
- Ice Lake-SP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon Platinum
- Clocks
- 2.6 / 3.7 GHz
Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q specifications
| Cores | 38 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 76 |
| Core architecture | Sunny Cove (Ice Lake-SP) |
| Clocks | 2.6 GHz base, up to 3.7 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 57 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 270 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 Platinum 8368Q 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 Platinum 8368Q is
The Xeon Platinum 8368Q is a 38-core server processor that Intel released in April 2021 with the Ice Lake-SP range for 2-socket systems. Its Sunny Cove cores run 2.6 GHz base to 3.7 GHz turbo with Hyper-Threading for 76 threads. Cache is 57 MB with 1.25 MB of L2 per core.
The Q suffix marks a liquid cooled design with higher sustained clocks than the air cooled twin. The 2.6 GHz base leads the 38-core group for hosts that hold speed across all threads. 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 8368Q fits the LGA 4189 socket on Whitley boards for Ice Lake-SP that support liquid cooling. 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 liquid ready boards for Q suffix parts.
Two-socket operation is the design point for Xeon Platinum dual processor parts. A buyer choosing the Q model must plan the full liquid loop with rack manifolds and coolant distribution, since air heatsinks cannot hold its sustained clocks. Confirm the facility supports direct liquid cooling 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 liquid cooled 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 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 270 W with sustained high clocks, vendor-qualified liquid cooling is the design point. 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 8368, the 8368Q adds base clock and turbo for liquid cooled racks. The standard part suits air cooled halls, while this Q part suits facilities with coolant distribution that hold higher sustained speed. Both share Whitley boards and 57 MB of cache.
Moving to LGA 4677 needs new boards and DDR5 memory for Sapphire Rapids generations. The 8368Q fits a liquid cooled cloud node, a dense HPC tier, or a flagship virtual farm with high clocks.
For used buyers, the Q part makes sense only with the full liquid loop in place. When air cooling must do, the standard twin gives the same cores on the same board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q use?
It uses LGA 4189 on liquid ready Whitley boards for Ice Lake-SP.
How many cores does the Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q have?
38 cores with 76 threads, 2.6 GHz base and up to 3.7 GHz turbo, with 57 MB of cache.
What memory does the Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q support?
DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s with ECC in 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket.
What does the Q suffix mean on the Xeon Platinum 8368Q?
The Q marks a liquid cooled design with higher sustained clocks than the air cooled twin.
What is the TDP of the Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q?
270 W with liquid cooling as the design point. Air heatsinks cannot hold its sustained clocks.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Xeon processors Ice Lake-based (Platinum 8368Q 2.6 to 3.7 GHz, 270 W)
- Intel Xeon Platinum 8368Q Processor (Intel ARK)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .