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Intel Xeon 6521P specifications and in-depth review

Intel Xeon 6521P

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Xeon 6521P is a high-performance processor in the enterprise CPU category, offering impressive processing power with 48 threads and a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz. Its thermal design power (TDP) is 225W, making it suitable for demanding workloads in data centers and enterprise environments.

This processor features advanced technical specifications, including support for ECC memory and maximum memory bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s. It also supports DDR5 memory with a maximum speed of 6400 MHz, alongside a large 144 MB L3 cache and 48 MB L2 cache for enhanced performance in multi-threaded tasks.

Pros
  • Supports multithreading, allowing efficient handling of multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Large 144 MB L3 cache and 48 MB L2 cache improve data access speeds for complex workloads.
  • Supports ECC memory for error correction, enhancing system stability and reliability in critical applications.
  • High memory bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s and support for DDR5 memory with a max speed of 6400 MHz enable fast data transfer for demanding tasks.
Cons
  • Does not include integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for visual tasks.
  • Maximum operating temperature of 100°C could necessitate advanced cooling solutions in high-performance environments.
  • Locked clock multiplier prevents overclocking for users seeking customizable performance boosts.
Who is this for?

The Intel Xeon 6521P is ideal for high-performance enterprise environments, such as data centers or servers, where handling large workloads is critical. Its 48 threads and high memory bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s make it well-suited for parallel processing and intensive applications like scientific computing, virtualization, or large-scale databases that require fast and reliable performance.

Who is this NOT for?

This processor is not suitable for tasks requiring integrated graphics or those needing a low power draw, as it lacks integrated graphics and has a high 225W TDP, making it less efficient for systems where power consumption and thermal management are crucial. It is also not ideal for users looking for overclocking capabilities, as its clock multiplier is locked.

General info:

Thermal Design Power (TDP) 225W
release date February 2025
semiconductor size 3 nm
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
Supports 64-bit ✓
CPU temperature 100 °C
Has integrated graphics ✕

The Intel Xeon 6521P features a 225W Thermal Design Power (TDP), indicating its high power consumption and cooling requirements for demanding tasks. Built on a 3 nm semiconductor size, it offers advanced performance efficiency. This processor supports PCIe 5.0 for faster data transfer and is fully compatible with 64-bit processing. However, it does not include integrated graphics, and its maximum operating temperature is 100°C.

Performance:

CPU speed 24 x 2.6 GHz
CPU threads 48 threads
turbo clock speed 4.1GHz
L3 cache 144 MB
L1 cache 2688 KB
L2 cache 48 MB
L2 core 2 MB/core
clock multiplier 26
Has an unlocked multiplier ✕
L3 core 6 MB/core
Turbo Boost version 2

The Intel Xeon 6521P is a highly capable processor featuring a total clock speed of 24 x 2.6 GHz and 48 threads, making it suitable for parallel computing tasks. It offers a 144 MB L3 cache and 48 MB L2 cache, providing substantial storage for frequently accessed data, which boosts overall performance. With Turbo Boost version 2.0, it can reach speeds of up to 4.1 GHz, although it does not have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

Memory:

Supports ECC memory ✓
maximum memory bandwidth 409.6 GB/s
DDR memory version 5
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
maximum memory amount 4000GB
memory channels 8

The Intel Xeon 6521P supports ECC memory, providing error correction for enhanced data reliability. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s, it ensures high-speed data transfer for demanding workloads. The processor also supports DDR5 memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, and can handle up to 4000GB of memory across 8 memory channels.

Features:

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

The Intel Xeon 6521P utilizes multithreading, allowing it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously for improved efficiency. It supports a variety of instruction sets, including MMX, AES, AVX, and more, enabling compatibility with a wide range of software. Additionally, it features the NX bit, which helps protect against certain types of malware by preventing the execution of code from non-executable memory regions.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 57970
PassMark result (single) 2829

The Intel Xeon 6521P achieves a PassMark score of 57970, indicating its strong overall performance. Its single-threaded performance is reflected in a PassMark score of 2829, showcasing its efficiency in tasks that rely on a single core.

Final Verdict

The Intel Xeon 6521P is a powerful and reliable processor designed for demanding enterprise environments, offering impressive performance with its 48 threads and high memory bandwidth. It excels in scenarios requiring parallel processing and large-scale workloads, thanks to its extensive cache and support for ECC memory. While its lack of integrated graphics and locked multiplier limit its use in certain scenarios, it remains a top choice for data centers and other high-performance applications where stability and processing power are paramount.

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