Intel Xeon E3-1280 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Xeon E3-1280 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Sandy Bridge server part at 3.5 GHz with turbo to 3.9 GHz and ECC memory.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- April 2011
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E3
- Clocks
- 3.5 / 3.9 GHz
Intel Xeon E3-1280 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.5 GHz base, 3.9 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB, ECC supported on server boards |
| PCI Express | 20 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | None (server part, uses board BMC video) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported (requires server board) |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E3-1280 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 series | Z77, Z75, H77, B75, Q77, Q75 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series: H61, H67, P67, Z68 | Z68, P67, H67, H61 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | 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 1155.
LGA 1155 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,155 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Xeon E3-1280 is
Intel Xeon E3-1280 is a quad core Sandy Bridge server processor that Intel released in April 2011 for single socket servers. It runs at 3.5 GHz base with turbo to 3.9 GHz and includes Hyper-Threading, so 4 cores give 8 threads. Cache is 8 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 95 W on a 32 nm process.
Eight fast threads suit entry virtualization with high per-thread speed. The chip sat near the top of the E3 launch range on clocks. Fixed firmware keeps behavior predictable.
There is no integrated graphics on this die, so server boards provide BMC video for management. Memory is DDR3 with ECC in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E3-1280 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Single socket server boards with C202, C204 and C206 chipsets carry Sandy Bridge E3 parts. The board BIOS must list the exact E3-1280 string.
Desktop boards may boot the chip electrically, but ECC and BMC management need a server board. Use a server board for the intended role.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB with ECC on server boards. ECC catches single bit errors in always on service. Capacity follows the board design.
PCI Express is 20 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for network and storage. Server boards spend lanes on reliable I/O.
Cooling is a 95 W server heatsink with directed airflow. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes server cooling stays chassis specific.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the E3-1280 can move to the E3-1290 for higher clocks on the same server board. Memory and storage carry over where the board lists both strings. A same socket reference at lower clocks is Intel Xeon E3-1270.
A platform move to a current server socket needs a new board and DDR4 memory. Keep the E3-1280 node for entry duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E3-1280 use?
It uses LGA 1155 in single socket server boards.
Does the Xeon E3-1280 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Four cores give 8 threads.
Does the Xeon E3-1280 have integrated graphics?
No. It is a server part without integrated graphics. Boards use BMC video.
What memory does the Xeon E3-1280 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333 with ECC on server boards, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Sources and verification
- Sandy Bridge Xeon list (E3-1280 3.5 GHz turbo 3.9 Apr 2011)
- Sandy Bridge-E Xeon notes (E3 mostly identical to desktop, IGPU absent unless noted)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .