Intel Processors

Which Xeon generation each PowerEdge server uses

Each PowerEdge generation was built around one Xeon family and socket, and Intel's socket reference states that CPU sockets are not interchangeable between Xeon generations. Find your server's generation in the table, then choose a processor from the matching family.

Dell documents its 14th-generation R640 and R740 with both 1st and 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable, so either generation suits those servers; every PowerEdge generation in the table is under Dell PowerEdge servers. On the 16th-generation R660 and R760, Dell rates DDR5 at up to 4800 MT/s with 4th Gen processors and up to 5600 MT/s at one DIMM per channel with 5th Gen. Memory for every generation in the table is under Server Memory.

Xeon or Core: what makes a Xeon a server processor

Xeon is Intel's server line, and its specifications are built for memory capacity, I/O and multiple sockets. On Intel's ARK pages, a 4th Gen Xeon Scalable Gold processor lists eight DDR5 memory channels, up to 4TB of memory, 80 PCIe 5.0 lanes and three UPI links for two-socket servers, while a 14th-generation desktop Core i9 lists two memory channels, 192GB, 20 PCIe lanes and single-socket use only. ARK lists ECC memory support for both, footnoted that the feature may not be available on every system.

Other Xeon families

Older, smaller and multi-socket servers use other Xeon families, each tied to its own socket. Intel lists the E5-2400 and E5-2400 v2 on LGA1356, the E7 v2, v3 and v4 on LGA2011-1, the E3 v3 on LGA1150, and the E3 v5 and the Xeon E-2100 and E-2200 on LGA1151; the E5-4600 follows Intel's E5 rule, LGA2011-0 for v1 and v2 and LGA2011-3 for v3 and v4. Xeon 5500 and 5600 chips use LGA1366. AMD-based PowerEdge servers take the chips on AMD EPYC processors, and the full CPU range is under Processors (CPUs).

Shop by family or core count: Intel Xeon Scalable processors, Intel Xeon E5 processors, Intel Xeon E7 processors, and 8-core, 12-core, 16-core, 24-core and 32-core Xeon processors.

Intel Xeon processor questions

Where can I buy Intel Xeon server processors?

Enterasource sells tested Intel Xeon server processors from the Xeon 5500/5600 and E5-2600 families through 5th Gen Xeon Scalable; to match the exact part, compare the S-spec, Intel's spec code printed on the processor. Every CPU passes an inbound test on arrival and an outbound test before dispatch, and a processor held in stock can leave on the day of the order.

Which Xeon family does my PowerEdge server take?

Go by the server's generation. Dell pairs the 12th generation with Xeon E5-2600 and E5-2600 v2, the 13th with E5-2600 v3 and v4, the 14th with 1st and 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable, the 15th with 3rd Gen and the 16th with 4th and 5th Gen. Intel states that CPU sockets are not interchangeable between Xeon generations, so a chip from another family will not fit.

What is the difference between Xeon and Core processors?

Xeon is built for servers and Core for desktops and laptops. Intel's specifications for a 4th Gen Xeon Scalable Gold part list eight memory channels, up to 4TB of memory, 80 PCIe lanes and two-socket support, against two channels, 192GB, 20 lanes and single-socket use for a 14th-generation desktop Core i9. The sockets differ too, so the two lines are not interchangeable.