| Product Collection | Intel Xeon Gold |
|---|---|
| Processor Number | 5218 |
| Total Cores | 16 |
| Total Threads | 32 |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 3.90 GHz |
| Processor Base Frequency | 2.30 GHz |
| Cache | 22 MB |
| Bus Speed | 10.4 GT/s UPI |
| Number of UPI Links | 2 |
| UPI Speed | 10.4 GT/s |
| Max Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Memory Types | DDR4-2666 |
| Max Memory Channels | 6 |
| ECC Memory Supported | Yes |
| PCI Express Revision | 3.0 |
| PCI Express Lanes | 48 |
| Thermal Solution Specification | PCG 2019D |
| Max TDP | 125 W |
| Instruction Set | 64-bit |
| Instruction Set Extensions | Intel SSE4.2, Intel AVX, Intel AVX2, Intel AVX-512 |
| Socket | FCLGA3647 |
| Max CPU Configuration | 2 |
| Recommended Customer Price | N/A |
| Launch Date | Q2'19 |
| Lithography | 14 nm |
| Scalability | Up to 2S |
| Max Memory Speed | 2666 MHz |
Engineer's Note: The Intel Xeon Gold 5218 CPU | 2.3GHz | High-Core-Count Server Processor for Virtualization | SysPartsDirect pairs 16 cores / 32 threads with a 2.30 GHz base clock that boosts to 3.90 GHz on demand and 22 MB of on-die cache, making it a drop-in candidate for virtualization hosts running dozens of VMs. Its FCLGA3647 socket means it slots into existing platforms without board redesign. Positioned as the workhorse tier of the Scalable family, balancing per-core speed and core density, it is built for sustained multi-user workloads.
1. FCLGA3647 platform compatibility: matching sockets across your fleet simplifies spares management — one processor SKU covers many chassis generations, and upgrades become a socket swap rather than a board replacement. That matters at 3 a.m. when a node needs to be back in service before morning.
2. Memory platform on the Intel Xeon Gold 5218 CPU | 2.3GHz | High-Core-Count Server Processor for Virtualization | SysPartsDirect: support for DDR4-2666, up to 1 TB of RAM. This is the headroom in-memory databases and dense VM farms need — capacity for growth, bandwidth for the data streams in between.
3. 16 cores / 32 threads: hardware multi-threading lets each physical core run two instruction streams, so concurrent workloads — virtualization hosts running dozens of VMs — share the die without context-switch overhead. When you size licenses or plan VM placement, thread count is the number the scheduler actually sees.
4. 2.30 GHz base / 3.90 GHz turbo: the frequency governor drops light threads onto boosted cores, so single-threaded paths (license checks, stored procedures, log processing) finish fast while background jobs keep the remaining cores saturated. The result is responsive interactive performance without sacrificing aggregate throughput.
5. Scalability to 2-socket systems: in multi-socket servers the processors share memory over a coherent interconnect (10.4 GT/s UPI), letting a single OS instance use all cores and all RAM — the classic architecture for large relational databases and consolidation hosts.
When you spec out virtualization hosts running dozens of VMs, the Intel Xeon Gold 5218 CPU | 2.3GHz | High-Core-Count Server Processor for Virtualization | SysPartsDirect turns architectural decisions into predictable outcomes. Its 16-core layout sizes the node for expected concurrency, the 3.90 GHz turbo headroom keeps interactive paths responsive, and 1 TB of addressable memory gives the platform room to grow. Every unit passes functional testing before shipment, and our bulk-pricing desk keeps multi-socket refresh projects inside budget.
Q: What memory does it require?
A: The platform supports DDR4-2666. Use ECC registered memory (RDIMM/LRDIMM) — desktop UDIMMs are not compatible with Xeon sockets. Faster modules will downclock to the processor's rated speed.
Q: Does this CPU include a cooler?
A: Server processors are typically installed with chassis-specific heat sinks, so none is included. Match the heat sink to your server model for correct airflow direction — our team can advise on the right part.
Q: What workloads suit 16-core processors best?
A: With 16 cores / 32 threads, this processor is sized for multi-threaded server workloads: virtualization hosts, database servers, and application consolidation. Single-threaded-light environments (file servers, internal tools) will leave headroom unused.
Q: Is it new or refurbished? What warranty applies?
A: We offer both new and tested refurbished units — the condition is shown on each listing. All processors include a one-year warranty and pass functional testing (boot, memory controller, all cores) before dispatch.
Q: What is the thermal design power?
A: The TDP is listed in the specifications table. It stays within standard server cooling envelopes for the platform generation.