Intel Xeon 6520P specifications and in-depth review

Intel Xeon 6520P

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Xeon 6520P is an enterprise CPU built for demanding applications. With a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz across 24 cores, it features 48 threads for parallel processing tasks, making it well-suited for enterprise environments.

It supports ECC memory and offers a maximum memory capacity of 4000GB with DDR5 technology, providing reliable performance. The CPU also has a thermal design power (TDP) of 210W and supports PCIe 5.0, with a turbo boost frequency of 4 GHz for enhanced performance when needed.

Pros
  • Supports ECC memory, ensuring data integrity for mission-critical applications.
  • Equipped with 48 threads, offering strong parallel processing capabilities for multi-tasking workloads.
  • Has a turbo clock speed of 4 GHz, providing a performance boost when needed for demanding tasks.
  • Features 8 memory channels and a high bus transfer rate of 24 GT/s, improving data throughput and efficiency.
Cons
  • Does not include integrated graphics, limiting its suitability for tasks that require onboard GPU processing.
  • Has a high thermal design power (TDP) of 210W, which may require robust cooling solutions in demanding environments.
  • Does not feature an unlocked multiplier, limiting overclocking potential for users looking to push performance beyond stock settings.
Who is this for?

The Intel Xeon 6520P is ideal for enterprise environments and high-performance computing tasks that require reliable, error-correcting memory. Its 48 threads and turbo clock speed of 4 GHz make it well-suited for demanding workloads like data processing, server applications, and virtualization, where multitasking and speed are critical. The support for ECC memory further enhances its reliability, making it a strong choice for systems requiring maximum data integrity.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor is not ideal for general-purpose users or systems where integrated graphics are needed, as it lacks integrated graphics. Additionally, its high TDP of 210W means it requires substantial cooling and may not be suitable for compact or energy-efficient systems. Users looking for overclocking potential will also find the lack of an unlocked multiplier limiting.

General info:

Thermal Design Power (TDP) 210W
release date February 2025
semiconductor size 3 nm
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
Supports 64-bit
CPU temperature 95 °C
Has integrated graphics

The Intel Xeon 6520P features a thermal design power (TDP) of 210W, which reflects its high power consumption under load. Built with a 3 nm semiconductor size, it supports PCI Express 5.0 for fast data transfer. This processor is fully compatible with 64-bit systems, but it does not include integrated graphics, and it operates at a maximum temperature of 95°C.

Performance:

CPU speed 24 x 2.4 GHz
CPU threads 48 threads
turbo clock speed 4GHz
L3 cache 144 MB
L1 cache 2688 KB
L2 cache 48 MB
L2 core 2 MB/core
clock multiplier 24
Has an unlocked multiplier
L3 core 6 MB/core
Turbo Boost version 2

The Intel Xeon 6520P offers a base CPU speed of 2.4 GHz across 24 cores, with a total of 48 threads for efficient multitasking. It also supports Turbo Boost version 2, allowing the processor to reach a maximum turbo speed of 4 GHz when needed. For memory management, the CPU is equipped with a substantial 144 MB L3 cache, 48 MB L2 cache, and 2688 KB L1 cache to ensure quick access to frequently used data.

Memory:

Supports ECC memory
DDR memory version 5
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
maximum memory amount 4000GB
memory channels 8
bus transfer rate 24 GT/s

The Intel Xeon 6520P supports ECC memory for error correction, ensuring data integrity in critical environments. It utilizes DDR5 memory with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz and supports a maximum memory size of 4000GB. With 8 memory channels and a bus transfer rate of 24 GT/s, it is optimized for high-bandwidth memory operations.

Features:

uses multithreading
instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
Has NX bit

The Intel Xeon 6520P supports multithreading for enhanced parallel processing performance. It also includes a wide range of instruction sets such as MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, and SSE 4.1/4.2 to accelerate complex computations. Additionally, the CPU features the NX bit for improved security by preventing the execution of malicious code in certain memory areas.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 99016
PassMark result (single) 3349

The Intel Xeon 6520P achieves a total PassMark result of 99016, indicating its strong overall performance. In single-threaded tasks, it scores 3349 in the PassMark single-threaded benchmark, showcasing its efficiency in handling individual threads.

Final Verdict

The Intel Xeon 6520P is a powerful enterprise CPU designed for high-performance tasks, offering 48 threads and support for ECC memory to ensure reliability and efficient multitasking. Its 4 GHz turbo speed and robust memory capabilities make it ideal for data-intensive workloads. However, its lack of integrated graphics and high TDP may limit its versatility in certain systems. Overall, this processor is best suited for enterprise environments that demand raw computational power and stability, making it a solid choice for server or workstation use.

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