Intel Xeon W-1290 socket: LGA 1200
The Intel Xeon W-1290 uses the LGA 1200 socket. It is the 80 W ten core workstation flagship with P630 graphics and ECC memory.
- Socket
- LGA 1200
- Launched
- May 2020
- Cores and threads
- 10 and 20
- Base power
- 80 W
- Codename
- Comet Lake
- Segment
- Workstation
- Family
- Intel Xeon W
- Clocks
- 3.2 / 5.2 GHz
Intel Xeon W-1290 specifications
| Cores | 10 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 20 |
| Core architecture | Skylake based cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz base, up to 5.2 GHz with Thermal Velocity Boost |
| Cache | 20 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 80 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2933 ECC UDIMM, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics P630 (350 MHz base, up to 1.20 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Supported, DDR4 ECC UDIMM |
| Package | FCLGA1200 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon W-1290 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1200 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 500 series | Z590, H570, B560, H510, Q570, W580 | Works out of the box |
| 400 series: Z490, H470, Q470, W480 | Z490, H470, Q470, W480 | Works out of the box |
| 400 series: B460, H410 | B460, H410 | 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 1200.
LGA 1200 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,200 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | April 2020 |
| Memory | DDR4 only |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Xeon W-1290 is
The Xeon W-1290 is a ten core, twenty thread workstation processor from the Comet Lake W-1200 family. It launched in May 2020 as the 80 W flagship for single socket CAD and creation, with a 3.2 GHz base and up to 5.2 GHz Velocity Boost. It balances core count against office friendly thermals.
Twenty megabytes of Smart Cache feed rendering, compilation and simulation threads. Boost layers run 5.0 GHz through Turbo 2.0, 5.1 GHz through Max 3.0, and 5.2 GHz Velocity Boost on a cool favored core. The 80 W envelope fits compact workstation towers without server noise.
P630 graphics with certified drivers cover CAD viewports and 4K timelines. Discrete Quadro cards handle large assemblies and GPU rendering. ECC UDIMM support protects long jobs from memory errors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The W-1290 fits LGA 1200 on W480 workstation boards. W480 unlocks ECC UDIMM support and workstation management. Consumer 400 series boards boot the chip but run memory without correction.
Ten cores want heatsinked power stages for sustained all core work. Entry H410 class boards throttle under long loads. Boards for LGA 1151 are incompatible.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide contrasts W480 with consumer chipsets for ECC buyers. A W480 board with a confirmed BIOS is the safe host.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2933 ECC UDIMM in two channels up to 128 GB is the rated setup. Two 32 GB ECC sticks suit rendering nodes with large scenes. Faster XMP kits are a consumer board feature, not a workstation one.
Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes drive a Quadro card, with NVMe through CPU or chipset lanes per board wiring. A W-1290 with an RTX A series card and dual NVMe SSDs is the studio standard of its era. Extra cards attach through chipset slots.
The 75 mm LGA 1200 pattern takes workstation towers for 80 W continuous. Sustained rendering needs case airflow more than cooler mass. Bracket notes sit in the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide.
Upgrade paths
On W480 the W-1290P raises clocks at 125 W for single thread CAD, while the W-1270 drops to eight cores for budget seats. Both reuse board and ECC memory. The W-1290 to W-1290P move suits modeling over rendering.
Embedded users can step to the 95 W W-1290E on W480E. Newer workstation platforms need new boards with DDR5 ECC for the next cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon W-1290 use?
It uses LGA 1200 on W480 workstation boards.
Does the W-1290 support ECC memory?
Yes, DDR4-2933 ECC UDIMM up to 128 GB.
How fast is the W-1290?
3.2 GHz base with up to 5.2 GHz Velocity Boost across ten cores.
What graphics are in the W-1290?
Intel UHD Graphics P630 with certified workstation drivers.
When did the W-1290 launch?
May 2020 with the Xeon W-1200 workstation family.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .