| Product Collection | Xeon Gold 6242 |
|---|---|
| Total Cores | 16 |
| Total Threads | 32 |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 3.90 GHz |
| Processor Base Frequency | 2.80 GHz |
| Cache | 22 MB |
| Bus Speed | 10.4 GT/s UPI |
| Max Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Memory Types | DDR4-2933 |
| Max # of Memory Channels | 6 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth | 140.8 GB/s |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 150 W |
| Socket | FCLGA3647 |
| Chipset Support | Intel C62x Series |
| Instruction Set Extensions | Intel SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 |
| Max CPU Configuration | 2 |
| Operating System Support | Windows Server, Linux, VMware |
| Virtualization Technology | Intel VT-x, Intel VT-d, Intel EPT |
| Status | Launched |
| Launch Date | Q2'19 |
| Instruction Set | 64-bit |
| Lithography | 14 nm |
| Max Thermal Design Power | 150 W |
| Min Thermal Design Power | 150 W |
| Scalability | 2S |
| Recommended Use | Virtualization, Databases, Enterprise Applications, High-Performance Computing |
Engineer's Note: The Intel Xeon Gold 6242 pairs 16 cores / 32 threads with a 2.80 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. 2.80 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.
2. Memory platform on the Intel Xeon Gold 6242: support for DDR4-2933, up to 1 TB of RAM, 6 memory channels, 140.8 GB/s of peak bandwidth. This is the headroom in-memory databases and dense VM farms need — capacity for growth, bandwidth for the data streams in between.
3. 22 MB of shared cache: a large last-level cache keeps hot working sets on-die, cutting memory round-trips for databases and compilers. Fewer main-memory accesses translate directly into lower average latency and better tail performance under load — often the difference you feel before any benchmark confirms it.
4. 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.
5. 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.
When you spec out virtualization hosts running dozens of VMs, the Intel Xeon Gold 6242 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 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.
Q: Do you offer bulk pricing for fleet upgrades?
A: Yes. Multi-socket refresh projects and fleet orders get consolidated pricing — request a quote through the form on this page with your target quantity, and our team responds with an offer typically within one business day.
Q: Is the Intel Xeon Gold 6242 compatible with my server?
A: The Intel Xeon Gold 6242 uses the FCLGA3647 socket. Check your motherboard's qualified processor list — any chassis with that socket and matching BIOS support will run it. Our team can confirm compatibility if you share your server model.
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: Can I mix this processor with different models in the same server?
A: In multi-socket servers, matched processors (same model, same stepping) are strongly recommended. Mixed models can cause boot failures or instability because memory controllers and QPI/UPI links negotiate to the lowest common configuration.