Ampere Altra Q80-33 socket: LGA 4926
The Ampere Altra Q80-33 uses the LGA 4926 socket. It is a 250 W 80-core Arm server processor at up to 3.3 GHz for flagship single and dual-socket cloud servers.
- Socket
- LGA 4926
- Launched
- 2022
- Cores and threads
- 80 and 80
- Base power
- 250 W
- Codename
- Altra
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Ampere Altra
- Clocks
- 3.3 GHz
Ampere Altra Q80-33 specifications
| Cores | 80 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 80 (single-thread cores) |
| Core architecture | Altra (Arm v8.2+) |
| Clocks | 3300 MHz sustained, no turbo |
| Cache | 128 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, 32 MB system cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 250 W |
| Manufacturing process | 7 nm |
| Memory support | Eight channels of DDR4-3200 ECC, up to 4 TB per socket |
| PCI Express | 128 PCIe Gen4 lanes per socket |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Package | LGA 4926 (FCLGA, 4926 lands, 77.08 × 67.00 mm) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Integrated graphics | None |
Motherboard compatibility
Ampere Altra Q80-33 needs a motherboard with a LGA 4926 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the LGA 4926 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
LGA 4926 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 4,926 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 77.08 × 67.00 mm |
| Introduced | March 2020 |
| Memory | Eight channels of DDR4-3200 ECC memory through the on-chip controllers |
| Cooler mounting holes | LGA backplate and retention frame |
What the Altra Q80-33 is
The Ampere Altra Q80-33 is an 80-core server processor with a 3.3 GHz maximum frequency. It runs 80 single-thread Arm v8.2+ cores at a consistent frequency with no turbo, so 80 cores give 80 threads. Cache is 1 MB of L2 per core with 64 KB of L1 instruction and 64 KB of L1 data per core plus a 32 MB system level cache on a 7 nm process. Power is rated at 250 W max with about 187 W usage power in a 4926-pin FCLGA package with order part number AC-108025002.
Single-threaded cores with private caches remove the noisy-neighbour effect of threaded rivals, which is why the Q80-33 at 3.3 GHz suits predictable cloud workloads. Ampere lists the Q80-33 as the top Altra bin. The chip supports SBSA Level 4, GICv3 interrupt virtualization and SMMUv3 I/O virtualization with enterprise RAS.
Top clocks with 80 cores and a 250 W envelope suit flagship cloud servers with DDR4 memory and Gen4 NVMe storage. The consistent frequency holds under load instead of boosting. That is why the Q80-33 heads single and dual-socket cloud racks.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Q80-33 fits LGA 4926 cloud servers with Altra support. It needs a 4926-land board with Ampere firmware and a BIOS that lists the Q80-33. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Flagship cloud servers are the natural match. Boards from ASRock Rack and GIGABYTE list the Q80-33 with 250 W heatsinks. The Mt. Jade developer board takes lower-power Altra parts instead.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is eight channels of DDR4-3200 ECC RDIMM and LRDIMM through the on-chip controllers, up to 16 DIMMs and 4 TB per socket with strict population rules. ECC with symbol-based correction and DDR4 RAS features comes from the die. PCIe Gen4 with 128 lanes per socket feeds NVMe and 100 GbE cards, 192 lanes in two-socket systems.
Cooling uses 2U server heatsinks on the LGA frame with front-to-back airflow rated for 250 W. Firmware is Tianocore EDKII or AMI AptioV with AST2500 BMC management on most boards.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket, a move to an Altra Q80-30 such as Ampere Altra Q80-30 keeps the board for 300 MHz less at 210 W when power budgets tighten. The Q80-30 shares the 80-core die with lower clocks. An Altra Max M128-30 adds 48 cores at the same 250 W when density matters.
A move to AmpereOne needs a new platform. The LGA 4926 page lists the Altra to Altra Max range for planning.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Altra Q80-33 use?
LGA 4926 in a 4926-land FCLGA package. It is a 250 W 80-core Arm server part at up to 3.3 GHz.
What memory does the Q80-33 use?
Eight channels of DDR4-3200 ECC RDIMM and LRDIMM, up to 4 TB per socket.
How many PCIe lanes does the Q80-33 provide?
128 PCIe Gen4 lanes per socket, 192 lanes in two-socket systems.
What is the upgrade path from the Q80-33?
An Altra Q80-30 for 300 MHz less at 210 W, or an Altra Max M128-30 for 128 cores.
Sources and verification
- Ampere Altra datasheet Q80-33 250W (Ampere)
- Ampere Altra family specs LGA4926 (Newegg)
- Single Socket LGA 4926 board (ASRock Rack)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .