Intel Xeon E5-2670 socket: LGA 2011

The Intel Xeon E5-2670 uses the LGA 2011 socket. It is a 115 W eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server part with 16 threads at 2.6 GHz to 3.3 GHz.

Socket
LGA 2011
Launched
March 2012
Cores and threads
8 and 16
Base power
115 W
Segment
Server
Clocks
2.6 / 3.3 GHz

Intel Xeon E5-2670 specifications

Cores8
Threads16
Core architectureSandy Bridge-EP cores on 32 nm
Clocks2.6 GHz base, up to 3.3 GHz turbo
Cache20 MB
Processor base power (TDP)115 W
Manufacturing process32 nm
Memory supportDDR3-800 to 1600, four channels, ECC
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0, 40 lanes
Integrated graphicsNone (server board graphics)
MultiplierLocked
PackageFCLGA2011

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Xeon E5-2670 needs a motherboard with a LGA 2011 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
C600 seriesC602Works 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

TypeLGA, 2,011 contacts
Package size52.5 × 45 mm
IntroducedNovember 2011
MemoryDDR3 quad channel, up to 1866 MT/s, up to 64 GB on desktop boards
Cooler mounting holes80 × 80 mm

Read the full LGA 2011 socket guide

What the Xeon E5-2670 is

Intel Xeon E5-2670 is an eight core Sandy Bridge-EP server processor that Intel released in March 2012 for performance dual socket servers. It runs at 2.6 GHz base with turbo to 3.3 GHz, with 20 MB cache and Hyper-Threading for 16 threads. Power is rated at 115 W on a 32 nm process. High base plus large cache made it the balanced choice for virtualization and database clusters.

No integrated graphics are present. Memory spans DDR3-800 to 1600 over four channels with ECC, and the chip gives 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus two 8.0 GT/s QPI links. Thirty-two threads per pair of sockets pack dense mixed workloads.

Boards pair it with registered DIMMs in 2U chassis. All core work near 2.6 GHz keeps throughput high under load. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Xeon E5-2670 fits LGA 2011 in FCLGA2011 form. Dual socket Romley boards with the C600 series controller carry it, with C602 the reference. The vendor list must show the exact E5-2670 string.

At 115 W full size server heatsinks apply. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers server rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs. Two DIMMs per channel at 1600 MT/s give the best bandwidth for sixteen threads.

PCI Express is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 per socket. The 8.0 GT/s QPI links join socket pairs. NUMA aware placement guides VM assignment.

Cooling is vendor qualified for 115 W with directed airflow. No retail mount exists.

Upgrade paths

Within LGA 2011 the Xeon E5-2670 can step to faster Sandy Bridge-EP or Ivy Bridge-EP eight core parts on the same board, where power and cooling allow. Memory and storage carry over. A v2 comparison is Intel Xeon E5-2670 v2 on the same socket.

A platform move means a DDR4 generation. Keep the node for heavy threaded duty.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2670 use?

It uses LGA 2011. C600 series dual socket boards carry it.

Does the Xeon E5-2670 have Hyper-Threading?

Yes. Eight cores give 16 threads with turbo to 3.3 GHz.

What memory does the Xeon E5-2670 use?

DDR3 at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, four channels, with ECC and registered DIMMs.

Is the Xeon E5-2670 for dual socket boards?

Yes. The 2600 numbering allows two sockets.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Xeon E5-2670 Specifications (ARK)
  2. Intel Xeon E5-2670 Specs (TechPowerUp)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .