What You Need to Know About 8-Core LGA 2011 Processors

LGA 2011, also known as Socket R, provides the physical and electronic connection between the processor and the motherboard. It is exclusively used by high-end Intel processors and server platforms. When you need to share resources and data between multiple computer clients, or you are attempting to render complex technical or scientific data, these 8-core CPUs can process heavy workloads in parallel.

What type of motherboard is compatible with LGA 2011 processors?

LGA 2011 processors are only designed to work with the LGA 2011 socket on certain motherboards. They have limited backward and forward compatibility, and only work this way if the manufacturer of the motherboard has provided a BIOS or firmware update to make them compatible. LGA 2011-1 and 2011-3 are updated versions of the LGA 2011 socket, but due to electrical differences, they are not entirely compatible with each other. The socket also supports four DDR3 or DDR4 RAM channels. You can have up to three DIMMs, or dual in-line memory modules, per channel.

Which processors are compatible with Socket R?

The Intel Xeon series features quite a few microprocessors that use a Socket R to connect with the motherboard. These particular Xeon CPUs have eight cores:

  • Sandy Bridge-EP: The 32-nanometer Sandy Bridge architecture is part of the second generation of Intel's Core design. The EP stands for efficient performance. There are two Sandy Bridge lines with eight cores. The Xeon E5-26xx line features a dual-processor design. The Xeon E5-46xx features a quad-processor design.
  • Ivy Bridge-EP: The 22-nanometer Ivy Bridge architecture represents the third generation of the Intel Core design. Once again, the EP stands for efficient performance. There are three different lines of Ivy Bridge processors with eight cores. The Xeon E5-16xx v2 only has a single CPU. The Xeon E5-26xx v2 has a dual-processor design. The Xeon E5-46xx v2 has a quad-processor design.
What are the main features of LGA 2011 processors?

Unless otherwise stated by Intel, all processors that use Socket R share a similar set of features including:

  • Hyper-threading: This technology allows the computer to treat a single physical core as two distinct virtual cores, thus improving parallel processing.
  • Intel Enhanced SpeedStep: SpeedStep is a power-saving feature. It will automatically switch between different performance modes based on the demands of the software. The third version of SpeedStep can dynamically switch between a range of different frequencies.
  • Turbo Boost: This technology will automatically boost the clock speed while processing demanding tasks, as long as the power consumption and heat generation are kept in check.
  • Smart Cache: The CPU cache is a small pool of memory embedded directly on the CPU. When the CPU accesses cache data, it saves time and effort from accessing the main system RAM. Smart Cache technology allows the cache to be shared dynamically between all of the cores.
  • Virtualization: Virtualization allows multiple virtual operating systems or devices to use the CPU's resources. VT-x, VT-d, and VT-c are all supported in various processors.
  • XD Bit: Prevents certain malicious code from propagating through a network or computer system.
  • Intel TXT: Trusted Execution Technology is designed to provide a secure platform in a trusted and authenticated environment.