Intel Xeon E5-1600 and E5-2600 processor details

Three months ago, we published a story, that included high-level details on four different Xeon E5 families. Two of these families, E5-1600 and E5-2600, are scheduled to launch in the forth quarter 2011. Initially, the Xeon processors, coupled with C600 series (Patsburg-B) chipset, will be introduced as part of Romley platform. In the first quarter 2012, E5-2600 CPUs will be also available with Cave Creek chipset as part of Crystal Forest-Server platform. The differences between the platforms are in the number of available Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 ports, different CPU connect options, and varying level of support for such features as QuickAssist Technology and Asynchronous DRAM Refresh. For more detailed list of differences we can refer you to the slide below:

[The slide was removed at Intel's request]

As the "Sandy Bridge-EP" core name suggests, Xeon E5-1600 / E5-2600 processors will be built on 32nm Sandy Bridge microarchitecture, and the lineup will include models with 4, 6 and 8 cores, or up to 16 threads, operating at 50W - 95W power levels. With the exception of integrated HD graphics, the microprocessors will support all SB features: HyperThreading, VT-x / VT-d / VT-c, AES and AVX instruction, and Trusted Execution Technology. The E5 chips will boast up to 20 MB L3 cache, 2 QPI links, 40 PCIe Gen3 lanes, 4 DMI 2.0 lanes, and integrated quad-channel DDR3 memory controller:

[The slide was removed at Intel's request]

The memory controller will support up to 3 DIMMs per channel. When used with 8GB DIMMs, single CPU may utilize up to 96 GB of RAM, or up to 192 GB in dual-processor configuration. The Xeons will work with registered and unregistered DDR3 memory, including low-voltage one, with data rates up to 1600 MHz. The E5-1600 and E5-2600 parts will be produced in LGA2011 package, which is compatible with socket R (socket 2011) motherboards. Only the E5-2600 family will support dual-processing.

Recently, one of Sandy Bridge-EP engineering samples emerged on eBay. The CPU with QDF number Q19D and core stepping A1 is currently listed at $1,359.99 "Buy It Now" price. The eight-core sample has 1.6 GHz core frequency with fully unlocked clock multiplier, 3.2 GHz QPI link frequency, 20 MB L3 cache, HyperThreading technology, but no Turbo Boost or Trusted Execution Technologies. Please see the linked auction for processor features and more detailed CPU specifications. The processor was listed for about week, and, although the auction was widely covered by other hardware news sites, nobody bought it.