Intel Xeon E5-2603 v3 socket: LGA 2011-v3
The Intel Xeon E5-2603 v3 uses the LGA 2011-v3 socket. It is a six core Haswell-EP server part at a fixed 1.6 GHz and 85 W with 15 MB of cache and no Hyper-Threading or turbo.
- Socket
- LGA 2011-v3
- Launched
- September 2014
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 6
- Base power
- 85 W
- Codename
- Haswell-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 1.6 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2603 v3 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 6 |
| Core architecture | Haswell-EP cores on 22 nm |
| Clocks | 1.6 GHz (no boost) |
| Cache | 15 MB Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 85 W |
| Manufacturing process | 22 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4, four channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 40 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | None (server board graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA2011-3 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E5-2603 v3 needs a motherboard with a LGA 2011-v3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| C612 series | C612 | 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 2011-v3.
LGA 2011-v3 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 2,011 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 52.5 × 45 mm |
| Introduced | August 2014 |
| Memory | DDR4-2400, four channels, up to 128 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Xeon E5-2603 v3 is
The Xeon E5-2603 v3 is an entry Haswell-EP six core for basic dual socket servers on LGA 2011-v3. Intel set six cores and six threads at a fixed 1.6 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading. Fifteen megabytes of Smart Cache serve light infrastructure roles. Power is 85 W on 22 nm from September 2014. Fixed behavior suits storage heads and network services where even clocks matter.
A fixed 1.6 GHz rate keeps timing even across nodes without turbo variance. Six threads handle file serving and DNS with ECC protection. Cache size suits small working sets. No integrated graphics exist. An SSD fabric shapes response more than clocks in these roles. Buyers pick the 2603 v3 where entry cost beats thread count.
DDR4 ECC over four channels feeds each socket with two QPI links between dual nodes. The mix is a server socket for operators who want the lowest cost E5 v3 entry with protection at 85 W.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The E5-2603 v3 fits LGA 2011-v3 on C612 Grantley boards for single and dual socket use. Retail stepping validates broadly. Check the minimum BIOS. X99 desktop boards never suit this server entry chip.
ECC RDIMMs over four channels carry memory. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide is desktop focused, so follow server maps. Cooling is vendor 85 W heatsinks with rack airflow.
A twelve thread six core on the same socket adds threads where guests grow. Confirm power before moving from fixed entry parts to turbo parts.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4 ECC quad channel per socket suits light infrastructure. Even populations protect NUMA fairness. Registered DIMMs allow large counts. Speed steps per manual.
Forty PCIe lanes per socket feed NICs and HBAs for basic fabric. Dual socket placement should respect NUMA locality. Board manuals show slot maps.
Vendor 85 W cooling sustains fixed loads with front to back air. No retail cooler exists. Fixed clocks remove turbo planning.
Upgrade paths
Within the socket the Intel Xeon E5-2620 v3 with six cores and 12 threads adds Hyper-Threading and turbo on similar boards. The Intel Xeon E5-2608L v3 with six fixed threads is a lower power sibling where watts matter. Both share C612 mounting.
Newer sockets replace Grantley. The E5-2603 v3 covers entry hosts where six fixed threads at 85 W are enough.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon E5-2603 v3 use?
It uses LGA 2011-v3 on C612 Grantley boards.
How many cores does the Xeon E5-2603 v3 have?
Six cores and six threads at a fixed 1.6 GHz, no turbo, no Hyper-Threading.
How much cache does the Xeon E5-2603 v3 have?
15 MB of Smart Cache.
What is the TDP of the Xeon E5-2603 v3?
85 W for entry dual socket servers.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Xeon processors Haswell-based (Wikipedia, E5-2603 v3 no turbo no HT data)
- Haswell microarchitecture (Wikipedia, Haswell-EP data)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .