Intel Xeon w3-2525 socket: LGA 4677
The Intel Xeon w3-2525 uses LGA 4677, the LGA workstation socket for Sapphire Rapids Xeon W with W790 chipsets, DDR5 RDIMM memory and 64 PCIe Gen5 lanes. The 8-core chip at 175 W suits mainstream workstation boards.
- Socket
- LGA 4677
- Launched
- August 2024
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 16
- Base power
- 175 W
- Codename
- Sapphire Rapids
- Segment
- Workstation
- Family
- Intel Xeon W
- Clocks
- 3.5 / 4.5 GHz
Intel Xeon w3-2525 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 16 |
| Core architecture | Golden Cove (P-cores only, monolithic) |
| Clocks | 3.5 GHz base, up to 4.5 GHz boost |
| Cache | 22.5 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 175 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 (10 nm) |
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 RDIMM with ECC, 4 channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 5.0 x64 |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Package | FCLGA4677 (77.5 by 56.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon w3-2525 needs a motherboard with a LGA 4677 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| W790 workstation | W790 | 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 4677.
LGA 4677 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 4,677 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 77.5 × 56.5 mm |
| Introduced | 2023 |
| Memory | DDR5-4800 Registered DIMMs with ECC, 8 channels up to 4 TB on W-3500 and W-3400, 4 channels on W-2500 and W-2400 |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (workstation heatsink) |
What the Xeon w3-2525 is
The Xeon w3-2525 is an 8-core and 16-thread workstation processor that launched in August 2024 as the entry Sapphire Rapids-64L refresh for mainstream workstations. Eight Golden Cove Performance-cores with Hyper-Threading and no Efficient-cores give 16 threads at 3.5 GHz base and up to 4.5 GHz boost. Cache is 22.5 MB of Smart Cache. Processor base power is 175 W, which fits single-socket mainstream boards with standard workstation cooling.
The high 3.5 GHz base keeps single-threaded CAD responsive while 8 cores handle background tasks. Four-channel DDR5-4800 RDIMM with ECC feeds the die from board memory. Up to 64 Gen5 lanes serve one GPU plus NVMe RAID without dual-socket cost.
Entry workstations with fast interaction fit here. Eight cores at high base cover design plus documents together. Buyers who need 10 cores for larger assemblies should take the Intel Xeon w3-2535 with 26.2 MB cache instead, since this w3 prioritizes entry cost.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The w3-2525 fits LGA 4677 on W790 mainstream boards with 175 W delivery. Boards accept W-2400 plus W-2500 refresh SKUs with a BIOS that lists the part. The FCLGA4677 package uses the E1A carrier.
Memory is DDR5-4800 RDIMM with ECC in 4 channels. Locked multiplier keeps tuning to power limits. Population is 1 DIMM per channel at 4800 MT per s or 2 per channel at 4400 MT per s.
Entry shoppers compare W-2500 8-core and 10-core parts on cache and clocks. The w3-2525 trails on threads. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains vendor lists.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR5-4800 RDIMM with ECC in 4 channels is the W-2500 entry standard. CAD models plus datasets should be sized together. Matched quartets are preferred.
PCIe gives 64 Gen5 lanes from the CPU plus 28 chipset lanes for GPU, NVMe and LAN. Fixed splits mean plans must match the manual.
Cooling is workstation 175 W with vendor-qualified air. No retail cooler ships with tray supply.
Upgrade paths
LGA allows moves within the vendor list, such as to 10-core W-2500 parts with similar cooling. Memory and NVMe can also grow. BIOS must support the target.
The bandwidth leap is to 8-channel W-3500. A working w3-2525 serves entry desks for years.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon w3-2525 use?
It uses LGA 4677 on W790 mainstream workstation boards. A BIOS that lists the refresh is required.
How many cores does the Xeon w3-2525 have?
Eight cores and 16 threads at 3.5 GHz base and up to 4.5 GHz boost, with 22.5 MB of cache at 175 W.
What memory does the w3-2525 support?
DDR5-4800 RDIMM with ECC in 4 channels.
Can the w3-2525 be upgraded?
Yes, to higher-core W-2500 parts on the same board where power, cooling and BIOS allow.
Sources and verification
- Intel Xeon W-3500 and W-2500 Sapphire Rapids Refresh lineup table w3-2525 8 cores (Wccftech)
- Intel Xeon W W790 chipset DDR5 workstations memory lanes (Kingston)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .