Intel Xeon

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Intel Xeon is a high-performance version of Intel desktop processors intended for use in servers and high-end workstations. Xeon family spans multiple generations of microprocessor cores and two micro-architecture generations - NetBurst (Pentium 4) and Core. Xeon CPUs have the same features as Pentium 4/D, Core 2 Duo/Quad desktop microprocessors. Additionally, Xeon CPUs can work in dual processor systems. Special version of Xeon CPUs, Xeon MP, can be used in 4-way systems. Also, Xeon CPUs often have larger size of level 2 cache and/or include large level 3 cache.

Intel Xeon CPUs are almost always packaged differently from Pentium 4, Pentium D and Core 2 microprocessors, and, with a few exceptions, can work only in server-class motherboards. First Xeon CPUs were produced in 603-pin package. This package was quickly replaced by 604-pin package that fits socket 604 motherboards. Many modern Xeon processors are also manufactured in 771-land FC-LGA package - these processors require socket 771 motherboards.

Xeon Foster

Picture of: Intel Xeon 1.4 GHz - 80528KC017G0K (BX80528KL140GA)

1.4 GHz
FC-BGA on a 603-pin microPGA interposer

Top view

Xeon Foster MP

Picture of: Intel Xeon MP 1.4 GHz - YF80528KC017512 (BX80528KL140GD)

1.4 GHz
400 MHz FSB
256 KB L2 cache
512 KB L3 cache

Xeon Prestonia

Picture of: Intel Xeon 2 GHz - RN80532KC041512 (BX80532KC2000D / BX80532KC2000DU)

2 GHz
FC-BGA on a 603-pin microPGA interposer

Top view

Xeon Gallatin

Xeon MP Gallatin

Picture of: Intel Xeon MP 2 GHz - RN80532KC0411M (BX80532KC2000E)

2 GHz
400 MHz FSB
512 KB L2 cache
1 MB L3 cache

Xeon Nocona

Xeon Irwindale

Xeon MP Cranford

Xeon MP Potomac

Xeon Paxville

Xeon Sossaman

Xeon 3000

Picture of: Intel Xeon 3050 - HH80557KH0462M (BX805573050)

2.13 GHz
1066 MHz FSB
2 MB L2

Engineering sample

Xeon 3100

Xeon 3200

Xeon 3300

Xeon 3400

Xeon 3500

Xeon C3500

Xeon 3600

Xeon E3-1100

Xeon E3-1200

E3-1200 series for entry-level workstations and servers was the first Xeon family based on Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The family consists of dual-core and quad-core CPUs, and comes with such features as HyperThreading, Turbo Boost, VT-x and VT-d virtualization, Trusted Execution technology and Active Management Technology 7.0. All members of this family support SSE4, AES and AVX instructions. Standard-voltage processors from 1200 series have 80W - 95W power envelope, while a couple of low-power models have considerably lower 20W - 45 W TDP. About half of the E3-1200 parts integrate Intel HD 3000 graphics. Other integrated components on these microprocessors are dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, PCI Express 2.0, and Direct Media Interface (DMI) 2.0, that provides twice as much bandwidth as DMI on older Nehalem/Westmere processors.