Intel Xeon X7542 socket: LGA 1567
The Intel Xeon X7542 uses the LGA 1567 socket. It is a 130 W six core Nehalem-EX multiprocessor part at 2.666 GHz with Turbo Boost to 2.8 GHz and 18 MB of L3 cache for up to eight socket nodes.
- Socket
- LGA 1567
- Launched
- March 30, 2010
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 6
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Nehalem-EX
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon X
- Clocks
- 2.67 / 2.8 GHz
Intel Xeon X7542 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 6 |
| Core architecture | Nehalem-EX cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.666 GHz base, 2.8 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (6 × 256 KB), 18 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 ECC, four channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1567 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon X7542 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1567 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7500 Boxboro | 7500 | 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 1567.
LGA 1567 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,567 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | March 2010 |
| Memory | DDR3 ECC registered with buffering, four channels per socket |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Xeon X7542 is
The Intel Xeon X7542 is a six core Nehalem-EX multiprocessor part from March 2010. It runs six Beckton cores at 2.666 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.8 GHz and no Hyper-Threading, so 6 cores give 6 threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 18 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 130 W on a 45 nm process.
The X7542 is unusual as the one Nehalem-EX without Hyper-Threading, which the Xeon family table calls out explicitly. Against the E6540 at 2.0 GHz it adds clocks for database threads that dislike HT overhead. Four QPI links at 5.86 GT/s scale nodes to eight sockets with 7500 Boxboro chipsets.
Memory is DDR3-1333 ECC in four channels per socket through buffering for large populations.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon X7542 fits LGA 1567 with 1567 lands. Boxboro 7500 boards boot Nehalem-EX natively. Multiprocessor operation needs matched steppings across sockets.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1333 ECC in four channels per socket with buffered DIMMs for large counts.
QPI links scale to eight sockets, with PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset.
Cooling uses server heatsinks rated for 130 W.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1567 the upgrade is an eight core such as the X7560 on the same board. Beyond LGA 1567 a move to Sandy Bridge E7 needs a new platform.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon X7542 use?
LGA 1567, the 1567-land package on 7500 Boxboro boards.
How many cores does the Xeon X7542 have?
Six cores and six threads at 2.666 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.8 GHz. It lacks Hyper-Threading unlike most Nehalem-EX parts.
What memory works with the Xeon X7542?
DDR3-1333 ECC in four channels per socket.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .