AMD EPYC 7542 socket: SP3
The AMD EPYC 7542 uses SP3, the LGA socket for EPYC server processors. The 32-core high clock chip at 225 W leads its class.
AMD EPYC 7542 specifications
| Cores | 32 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 64 |
| Core architecture | Zen 2 (Rome) |
| Clocks | 2.9 GHz base, up to 3.4 GHz boost |
| Cache | 16 MB L2 plus 128 MB L3 |
| Default TDP | 225 W |
| Manufacturing process | TSMC 7 nm FinFET |
| Memory support | DDR4-3200 ECC, 8 channels |
| PCI Express | 128 PCIe Gen4 lanes per socket, up to 160 in 2P |
| Integrated graphics | None (BMC graphics on board) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported, DDR4 ECC RDIMM |
| Package | SP3 LGA4094 |
| Cooler in the box | None, server heatsink required |
Motherboard compatibility
AMD EPYC 7542 needs a motherboard with a SP3 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the SP3 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
SP3 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 4,094 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 58.5 × 75.4 mm |
| Introduced | June 2017 |
| Memory | DDR4 ECC RDIMM, 8 channels to DDR4-3200, up to 4 TB per socket |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the EPYC 7542 is
The EPYC 7542 is a 32-core, 64-thread high frequency server processor from Rome. It launched in August 2019 for latency sensitive clouds with a 2.9 GHz base and up to 3.4 GHz boost at 225 W. Binned chiplets hold the highest base clock of any 32-core Rome part.
Near 3 GHz sustained across 32 cores suits trading, telco and real time analytics. Sixteen megabytes of L2 back fast threads. The 225 W envelope needs premium cooling for the privilege of clocks.
Dual socket scaling reaches 64 fast cores per box for performance regions. The 7542 costs more per core than 7502 parts for lower tail latency. Buyers who bill response times fit here.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The EPYC 7542 fits SP3 on single and dual socket boards rated for 225 W. Strong VRM cooling decides sustained clocks at this band. Vendor lists confirm firmware.
Performance dual socket pairs total 64 fast cores for latency sensitive regions. Redundant high wattage power supplies follow the manual. The How to find your CPU socket type guide covers server sockets.
Milan high clock parts later offered similar roles on these boards with updates.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Eight DDR4-3200 ECC channels feed 64 fast threads at full bandwidth. Low latency DIMM tuning helps trading workloads most. ECC stays enabled for correctness.
PCIe Gen4 lanes total 128 per socket for low latency NICs and NVMe. Tick data and order gateways attach directly to CPU lanes. Dual socket builds reach 160 lanes.
The 225 W class needs top tier air or liquid cooling. Data center set points decide boost more than cooler brand. Torque patterns for the large package follow the manual.
Where this Rome part fits
Thirty two fast cores fit financial clouds, telco cores and real time bidding where microseconds bill. High base clocks beat dense slow cores for these deals. The 128 MB L3 keeps hot paths on package.
Performance regions standardize on dual socket 7542 pairs with low latency networking. Pair with NVMe redo logs and 100 Gb NICs. The AMD EPYC 7502 covers the same cores cheaper for batch work.
Model total cost with power and cooling before choosing dense alternatives.
Upgrade paths
On SP3 the high frequency path continues to Milan F SKUs with vendor firmware. Density grows to 48-core parts where latency allows.
SP5 high clock Genoa parts serve later refreshes. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide details 225 W cooling.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD EPYC 7542 use?
It uses SP3 on single and dual socket server boards.
Why choose the 7542 over the 7502?
Higher 2.9 GHz base clocks for latency sensitive work at 225 W against 180 W.
How much cache does the 7542 have?
16 MB of L2 plus 128 MB of L3.
Does the 7542 scale dual socket?
Yes. It runs one or two sockets.
When did the EPYC 7542 launch?
August 2019 with the Rome family.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .