AMD Opteron X3421 socket: Socket FP4
The AMD Opteron X3421 uses Socket FP4 as a soldered BGA package. It tops the Toronto server SoCs with the highest clocks and 8 graphics units for edge servers.
- Socket
- Socket FP4
- Launched
- June 2017
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 15 W
- Codename
- Toronto
- Segment
- Embedded
- Family
- AMD Opteron X
- Clocks
- 2.1 / 3.4 GHz
AMD Opteron X3421 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Excavator (Toronto) |
| Clocks | 2.1 GHz base, up to 3.4 GHz boost |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (no L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Manufacturing process | 28 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2400 ECC, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 8 lanes from the SoC |
| Integrated graphics | Radeon R7 (8 CU, up to 800 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Package | FP4 BGA (soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
AMD Opteron X3421 needs a motherboard with a Socket FP4 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket FP4 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Socket FP4 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 968 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | 2016 |
| Memory | DDR3-2133 and DDR4-1600, one or two channels, ECC not supported |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Opteron X3421 is
The Opteron X3421 is a quad core, four thread server SoC with a 2.1 GHz base and up to 3.4 GHz boost. It carries 2 MB of shared L2 cache with no L3 on the 28 nm process. HPE lists a 12 to 35 W configurable range, with databases naming 15 W nominal.
It tops the X3000 line for clocks on both CPU and graphics sides. Two Excavator modules cover edge virtualization where ECC matters. Toronto names this server silicon. The multiplier is locked.
Radeon R7 graphics with 8 compute units up to 800 MHz cover setup displays and edge video tasks. Memory runs as DDR4-2400 ECC in two channels. The chip is soldered in the FP4 BGA package.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The X3421 is soldered to the server board in the Socket FP4 package and cannot be replaced. Upgrading means replacing the board or the whole server. Reviews position it against low power Atom rivals for cost sensitive edge nodes.
Boards tune the same silicon between 12 W quiet operation and 35 W performance modes. ECC UDIMMs correct single bit errors during long uptimes. Check the server vendor list for the exact SoC before ordering boards.
There is no socket retention or cooler choice beyond the vendor heatsink. Service follows the server maker manual.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support covers DDR4-2400 ECC in two channels up to 32 GB on MicroServer boards. ECC protection matters more as uptime grows, since error rates scale with memory size and time. Two matched UDIMMs give dual channel speed.
PCI Express arrives as version 3.0 with 8 lanes from the SoC for NICs and storage controllers. Edge servers wire SATA and network through the chipset lanes. There is no cooler to swap, so thermal design stays with the vendor.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered FP4. The only moves are more ECC memory where slots allow it, larger drives, or a whole server replacement. The X3421 already tops its package stack.
Staying on this board, ECC memory and matched DIMMs help more than chasing clocks. The locked multiplier removes overclocking as a tuning option.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Opteron X3421 use?
It uses Socket FP4 as a soldered BGA package on server boards. The chip cannot be replaced.
How many cores does the X3421 have?
Four cores and four threads at 2.1 GHz base with up to 3.4 GHz boost, the fastest X3000 clocks, at 15 W nominal with up to 35 W configurable.
Which graphics does the X3421 include?
Radeon R7 with 8 compute units up to 800 MHz for setup displays and edge video tasks.
What memory does the X3421 support?
DDR4-2400 ECC in two channels up to 32 GB.
What is the codename of the X3421?
Toronto, the server name for this Excavator silicon. It derives from the Merlin Falcon embedded family.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .