Intel Xeon Platinum 9221 socket: BGA 5903
The Intel Xeon Platinum 9221 uses the BGA 5903 package on large compute boards. The 32 core soldered chip cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 5903
- Launched
- July 2019
- Cores and threads
- 32 and 64
- Base power
- 250 W
- Codename
- Cascade Lake-AP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon Platinum
- Clocks
- 2.3 / 3.7 GHz
Intel Xeon Platinum 9221 specifications
| Cores | 32 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 64 |
| Core architecture | Cascade Lake-AP cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 2.3 GHz base, up to 3.7 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 |
| Cache | 71.5 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 250 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2933 ECC, twelve channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 from the processors |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported with RDIMMs |
| Package | FC-BGA5903 (soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Xeon Platinum 9221 needs a motherboard with a BGA 5903 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 5903 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 5903 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 5,903 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | April 2019 |
| Memory | DDR4-2933 ECC, twelve channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Xeon Platinum 9221 is
The Xeon Platinum 9221 pairs two 16 core dies for 32 cores with Hyper-Threading. It launched in the third quarter of 2019 with a 2.3 GHz base and up to 3.7 GHz boost at 250 W. Intel positions it as the entry to dual die density for HPC nodes.
Seventy one point five megabytes of cache feed parallel solvers across 64 threads. The moderate base clock balances throughput with node power limits. Boost lifts single thread setup phases before all core runs dominate.
There is no integrated graphics, so management controllers handle display output. The process is 14 nm. ECC RDIMMs in twelve channels protect large memory footprints. Note that some lists show a 2.1 GHz base for this SKU, while Intel ARK lists 2.3 GHz, and this page uses the manufacturer value.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 9221 solders to BGA 5903 permanently. System vendors tune board power for 250 W with high airflow or liquid. There is no socketed alternative on this package.
Memory is DDR4-2933 ECC in twelve channels for large bandwidth. Population follows vendor rules for multi terabyte nodes. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows where specs list FC-BGA5903.
LGA 3647 single die boards cannot take this dual die part. Contacts and board wiring differ. Replacement means node replacement.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2933 ECC RDIMMs in twelve channels suit memory bound HPC. Matched sets across channels sustain bandwidth for solvers. Capacity planning should precede board orders, since soldered CPUs cannot move to larger boards later.
PCIe 3.0 from the processors feeds NVMe and fabric adapters. Exact splits depend on node design for GPUs or Omni-Path. Check vendor block diagrams for lane sharing.
Cooling is vendor qualified for 250 W with even pressure across the large package. No retail pattern exists. Service follows node swap procedures rather than socket handling.
Upgrade paths
Soldered BGA blocks CPU upgrades. Larger memory where slots remain and faster fabric extend cluster life. Node refresh restores efficiency.
Within BGA 5903, the Intel Xeon Platinum 9222 mirrors these clocks as a second source option. The Intel Xeon Platinum 9242 adds sixteen more cores at 350 W for denser racks. Both share the same package family.
Past BGA 5903 newer Xeon families need different sockets. The 9221 covers entry dual die density where 32 cores must run for cluster years.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon Platinum 9221 use?
It uses BGA 5903 soldered to large compute boards.
How many cores does the 9221 have?
Thirty two cores with Hyper-Threading give 64 threads. Base is 2.3 GHz with boost to 3.7 GHz per Intel ARK.
Does the 9221 include integrated graphics?
No. It needs board management for display. Compute nodes run headless.
What memory does the 9221 support?
DDR4-2933 ECC in twelve channels.
When did the 9221 launch?
Third quarter of 2019 with Cascade Lake-AP, listed as Q3 2019 by Intel.
Sources and verification
- Intel Xeon Platinum 9221 Processor specifications (Intel)
- Intel Xeon Platinum 9222 Processor specifications (Intel)
- Intel Xeon Platinum Cascade Lake-AP Processors List (SysRqmts)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .