Intel Xeon E5-2603 socket: LGA 2011
The Intel Xeon E5-2603 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is an 80 W quad core Sandy Bridge-EP server part without Hyper-Threading at 1.8 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2011
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Base power
- 80 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 1.8 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-2603 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 1.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 10 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 80 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800 and 1066, four channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 40 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | None (server board graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA2011 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E5-2603 needs a motherboard with a LGA 2011 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| C600 series | C602 | 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.
LGA 2011 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 2,011 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 52.5 × 45 mm |
| Introduced | November 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 quad channel, up to 1866 MT/s, up to 64 GB on desktop boards |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Xeon E5-2603 is
Intel Xeon E5-2603 is a quad core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 for entry dual socket servers. It runs at a fixed 1.8 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 10 MB. Power is rated at 80 W on a 32 nm process. The missing features mark the bottom of the E5-2600 line.
No integrated graphics are present. Memory is limited to DDR3-800 and 1066 over four channels with ECC. The chip gives 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus two 6.4 GT/s QPI links for dual socket pairs.
Fixed low clocks with four plain cores suit cold and archival nodes where cost per socket matters most. Boards pair it with basic registered DIMMs and SATA RAID. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5-2603 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it. The vendor list must include the exact E5-2603 string with Sandy Bridge-EP microcode.
At 80 W standard server cooling applies. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers server BIOS rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-800 and 1066, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs. The slower ceiling reflects the entry position; populate four channels regardless.
PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket. Two QPI links at 6.4 GT/s join pairs. Keep I/O near its socket on NUMA boards.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 80 W with chassis airflow. No retail mount exists.
Upgrade paths
Within LGA 2011 almost any E5-2600 move up from the E5-2603 adds turbo, threads or memory speed on the same board. A direct step with higher fixed clocks is Intel Xeon E5-2609 without Hyper-Threading. Memory may step to faster DIMMs with the new SKU.
A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for cold duty where four plain Sandy cores still serve.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2603 use?
It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.
Does the Xeon E5-2603 have Hyper-Threading or turbo?
Neither. Four cores give 4 threads at a fixed 1.8 GHz.
What memory does the Xeon E5-2603 use?
DDR3-800 and 1066, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.
Is the Xeon E5-2603 for dual socket boards?
Yes. The 2600 numbering allows two sockets.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .