Intel Xeon Gold 6338N socket: LGA 4189
The Intel Xeon Gold 6338N uses the LGA 4189 socket. It is a 185 W 32-core Ice Lake-SP server processor for network roles, with ECC memory support.
- Socket
- LGA 4189
- Launched
- April 2021
- Cores and threads
- 32 and 64
- Base power
- 185 W
- Codename
- Ice Lake-SP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon Gold
- Clocks
- 2.2 / 3.5 GHz
Intel Xeon Gold 6338N specifications
| Cores | 32 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 64 |
| Core architecture | Sunny Cove (Ice Lake-SP) |
| Clocks | 2.2 GHz base, up to 3.5 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 48 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 185 W |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s ECC, 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket |
| PCI Express | 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes per socket |
| Interconnect | 3× UPI at 11.2 GT/s |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Package | FCLGA4189, 77.5 × 56.5 mm |
| Sockets supported | Up to 2 sockets |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Xeon Gold 6338N needs a motherboard with a LGA 4189 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the LGA 4189 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
LGA 4189 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 4,189 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 77.5 × 56.5 mm |
| Introduced | April 2020 |
| Memory | DDR4 with ECC, up to 8 channels on Ice Lake-SP and 6 channels on Cooper Lake-SP |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Xeon Gold 6338N is
The Xeon Gold 6338N is a 32-core server processor that Intel released in April 2021 with the Ice Lake-SP range for 2-socket systems. Its Sunny Cove cores run 2.2 GHz base to 3.5 GHz turbo with Hyper-Threading for 64 threads. Cache is 48 MB with 1.25 MB of L2 per core.
The N suffix marks network and NFV specialization for packet work that spreads across many cores. The 10 nm process pairs 8 channels of DDR4-2666 with 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high speed network cards. Two-socket operation keeps scale out cost below Platinum builds.
There is no integrated graphics on this model, so setup relies on board BMC graphics. ECC memory support guards data across long uptime. The socket package is FCLGA4189 at 77.5 × 56.5 mm.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 6338N fits the LGA 4189 socket on Whitley boards for Ice Lake-SP. Cedar Island boards for Cooper Lake share the socket name but do not accept this chip, so the board generation must match the processor generation. The server vendor CPU support list names the exact boards for N suffix parts.
Two-socket operation is possible with Xeon Gold dual processor parts, with single socket boards possible where the vendor qualifies them. A buyer building NFV nodes should confirm the board network slot layout matches the packet workload before ordering.
Check memory population rules for 2-socket boards when ordering. Sixteen DIMM slots per socket is the platform shape, and both sockets should match in capacity and speed.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s in 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket, with ECC support. Packet nodes use RDIMM pairs across all channels for bandwidth with integrity. The controller does not accept DDR5.
The CPU supplies 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes per socket for high speed network cards and NVMe storage. NFV nodes split lanes across several NICs, so the board specifications state which slots reach full speed. Three UPI links at 11.2 GT/s carry socket to socket traffic.
At 185 W, vendor-qualified performance air heatsinks with strong directed chassis airflow are needed. Mounting is board specific with no retail pattern, and the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide explains why server sockets list no desktop bracket.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Xeon Gold 6338T, the 6338N trades thermal tolerance for cores and network tuning. The 24-core T part suits warm edge sites, while this 32-core N part suits dense packet roles. Both share Whitley boards and 2-socket scaling.
Moving to LGA 4677 needs new boards and DDR5 memory for Sapphire Rapids generations. The 6338N fits an NFV node, a packet broker, or a dense edge host with many queues.
For used buyers, the N part makes sense when network features matter. When memory speed matters more, DDR4-3200 Gold parts give faster channels on the same board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon Gold 6338N use?
It uses LGA 4189 on Whitley boards for Ice Lake-SP. Cedar Island Cooper boards share the socket name but do not accept it.
How many cores does the Intel Xeon Gold 6338N have?
32 cores with 64 threads, 2.2 GHz base and up to 3.5 GHz turbo, with 48 MB of cache.
What memory does the Intel Xeon Gold 6338N support?
DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s with ECC in 8 channels, up to 4 TB per socket.
What does the N suffix mean on the Xeon Gold 6338N?
The N marks network and NFV specialization for packet work across many cores.
What is the TDP of the Intel Xeon Gold 6338N?
185 W. Performance air heatsinks with strong directed chassis airflow are needed.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Xeon processors Ice Lake-based (Gold 6338N 2.2 to 3.5 GHz, 185 W)
- Intel Xeon Gold 6338N Processor (Intel ARK)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .