Ampere Altra Q72-30 socket: LGA 4926

What the Altra Q72-30 is

The Ampere Altra Q72-30 is a 72-core server processor with a 3.0 GHz sustained frequency. It runs 72 single-thread Arm v8.2+ cores with no turbo, so 72 cores give 72 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core plus system cache on a 7 nm process. Power is rated at 195 W max with about 136 W usage power in a 4926-pin FCLGA package with order part number AC-107219502.

Full 3.0 GHz clocks with 72 cores split the gap between 64 and 80-core parts, which is why the Q72-30 suits buyers who want top frequency without the flagship 80-core price. Ampere sold the Q72-30 in the launch lineup. The chip supports enterprise RAS.

High clocks with a 195 W envelope suit performance cloud servers with DDR4 memory. That is why the Q72-30 shipped in frequency-sensitive hosts.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Q72-30 fits LGA 4926 performance servers with Altra support. It needs a 4926-land board with Ampere firmware and a BIOS that lists the Q72-30. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Performance cloud servers are the natural match. Boards listing the Q72-30 accept the chip with a 195 W heatsink.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is eight channels of DDR4-3200 ECC through the on-chip controllers, up to 4 TB per socket. PCIe Gen4 with 128 lanes per socket feeds storage and networking. Cooling uses server heatsinks rated for 195 W.

Upgrade paths

On the same socket, a move to an Altra Q80-30 such as Ampere Altra Q80-30 adds 8 cores at 210 W when density matters. An Altra Q64-30 such as Ampere Altra Q64-30 trims 8 cores at 180 W.

A move to Altra Max adds density. The LGA 4926 page lists the range.