Intel Xeon E6540 socket: LGA 1567
The Intel Xeon E6540 uses the LGA 1567 socket. It is a 105 W six core Nehalem-EX part at 2.0 GHz with Turbo Boost to 2.266 GHz and 18 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1567
- Launched
- March 2010
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 12
- Base power
- 105 W
- Codename
- Nehalem-EX
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 2.27 GHz
Intel Xeon E6540 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Nehalem-EX cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, 2.266 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 18 MB L3 (shared) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 105 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 ECC, four channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1567 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E6540 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1567 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7500 Boxboro | 7500 | 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 1567.
LGA 1567 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,567 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | March 2010 |
| Memory | DDR3 ECC registered with buffering, four channels per socket |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Xeon E6540 is
The Intel Xeon E6540 is a six core Nehalem-EX part from March 2010. It runs six Beckton cores at 2.0 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.266 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for twelve threads. Cache is 18 MB of shared L3 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 105 W.
The E6540 balances core count and power for virtualization hosts on up to eight sockets. Against the E7540 it matches cache and threads at the same 105 W with slightly lower turbo.
Memory is DDR3 ECC in four channels per socket.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E6540 fits LGA 1567 with 1567 lands. Boxboro 7500 boards boot it natively.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3 ECC in four channels per socket.
QPI links scale to eight sockets, with PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset.
Cooling uses server heatsinks rated for 105 W.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1567 the upgrade is an eight core such as the X7550 on the same board. Beyond LGA 1567 a move to Sandy Bridge E7 needs a new platform.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon E6540 use?
LGA 1567, the 1567-land package on 7500 Boxboro boards.
How many cores does the Xeon E6540 have?
Six cores and twelve threads at 2.0 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.266 GHz, with 18 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Xeon E6540?
DDR3 ECC in four channels per socket.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .