Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6240 Octadeca-core (18 Core) 2.60 GHz Processor Upgrade

Power the most demanding data-center workloads with the Cisco Intel Xeon Gold 6240 (2nd Gen), an 18-core, 36-thread powerhouse engineered for reliability, scalability, and accelerated performance in enterprise server environments. This upgrade is designed for Cisco servers that demand robust multi-threaded throughput, advanced virtualization capabilities, and enterprise-grade reliability. Built on Intel’s 14 nm process and the second generation Xeon Scalable family, the 6240 combines high core density with substantial memory bandwidth, enabling Cisco servers to sustain dozens of virtual machines, handle large in-memory caches, and accelerate analytics pipelines with predictable latency. The octadeca-core design (18 cores, 36 threads) ensures excellent parallelism for concurrent user sessions and microservices, while Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology unlocks aggressive clock speeds when workloads spike, yet keeps energy consumption in check during steady-state operation. The CPU integrates enterprise-grade reliability features such as ECC memory support and hardware-assisted error detection, helping administrators avoid downtime due to transient hardware faults. With a large 24.75 MB L3 cache, the processor reduces data fetch latency and improves throughput for data-intensive tasks, delivering snappy responses even under heavy load. The 14 nm process node contributes to improved efficiency per instruction, supporting density-friendly configurations in rack- and blade-based Cisco deployments and reducing total cost of ownership for scalable workloads. The 6240 is designed for Socket P LGA-3647, enabling straightforward upgrades in compatible Cisco servers while preserving system balance with existing motherboards, power supplies, and cooling solutions. In addition to raw compute, this processor supports PCIe connectivity for accelerators, NVMe storage, and high-performance networking adapters—ideal for virtualization hosts, software-defined storage, and multi-tenant environments. Whether you’re running SAP HANA, Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, Elasticsearch, or containerized applications on Kubernetes, the 6240 provides consistent, scalable performance for mission-critical workloads while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability, security, and manageability essential for data centers and edge deployments alike.

• 18 cores and 36 threads deliver exceptional parallel processing for virtualization, large databases, and analytics, enabling dense consolidation without sacrificing stability or responsiveness.
• Intel Turbo Boost up to 3.90 GHz provides bursts of speed for latency-sensitive tasks, maintaining strong performance during peak demand while preserving energy efficiency during normal operation.
• 24.75 MB L3 cache minimizes memory bottlenecks, accelerates large data sets, and improves throughput for high-concurrency workloads and real-time analytics.
• Enterprise-grade reliability features including ECC memory support, error detection, and dependable hardware protections help maintain uptime for mission-critical applications.
• Socket P LGA-3647 compatibility enables straightforward upgrades in supported Cisco servers, aligning with existing power, cooling, and I/O architectures for a seamless integration.

Technical Details of Cisco Intel Xeon Gold 6240 (2nd Gen)

• Model: Intel Xeon Gold 6240 (2nd Gen)
• Generation: 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable (Skylake-SP)
• Cores / Threads: 18 cores / 36 threads
• Base Frequency: 2.60 GHz
• Turbo Frequency: Up to 3.90 GHz
• Cache: 24.75 MB L3
• Process Technology: 14 nm
• Socket: LGA-3647 (Socket P)
• TDP: 150 W
• Memory Support: DDR4 with ECC for server-grade reliability
• PCIe: PCIe 3.0 lanes for high-speed I/O, accelerators, and storage
• Security & Virtualization: Intel VT-x, VT-d virtualization technology; AES-NI and other security features

how to install Cisco Intel Xeon Gold 6240 (2nd Gen)

Installing the Cisco Intel Xeon Gold 6240 (2nd Gen) requires careful preparation to safeguard performance and reliability in a Cisco server environment. Begin by confirming compatibility: verify the motherboard supports the LGA-3647 Socket P socket and that the system firmware is current for 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable CPUs. Power down the server completely, unplug all cables, and discharge static electricity before handling components. Remove the existing heatsink, cooling solution, and processor following the vendor’s maintenance procedures, and inspect the socket for any debris or bent pins. Align the 6240 with the socket notches and gently seat it to ensure even contact across all contact points; avoid forcing the processor into place. Apply a thin, even layer of thermal interface material if your cooler requires it; then reattach the heatsink or cooling assembly, ensuring secure mounting and adequate airflow. Reconnect power, fans, and I/O cables, then boot into the BIOS/UEFI and confirm CPU recognition, core count, and memory configuration. Enable virtualization features if needed (such as VT-x and VT-d) and verify that the platform’s security features are active. Once the system boots into the operating system, monitor CPU temperatures and utilization under representative workloads to validate stability. Update chipset, firmware, and driver packages to fully leverage the processor’s capabilities and to maintain compatibility with Cisco server management tools, hypervisors, and storage solutions. If you are deploying in a clustered or multi-socket environment, ensure that memory channels and NUMA settings are configured optimally to maximize latency efficiency and bandwidth for the workload mix.

• Ensure motherboard compatibility with LGA-3647 Socket P and verify BIOS support for 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable CPUs before purchase or install.
• Prepare thermal design compliance: select a cooler rated for the CPU’s 150 W TDP and verify adequate airflow in your chassis or rack cabinet.
• Use thermal paste or a factory-supplied TIM as required by the cooler’s installation instructions to ensure proper thermal transfer between the die and heatsink.
• Apply proper static precautions: ground yourself, avoid touching contact points, and handle components by the edges to prevent damage.
• Configure BIOS/UEFI settings for optimal performance: enable necessary virtualization features, confirm memory mode (e.g., ECC support), and apply any microcode updates supplied by Cisco or the motherboard vendor.
• After installation, perform POST tests and monitor system temperatures, power envelopes, and thermal throttling behavior under typical workloads to ensure stable operation.
• Update all firmware and drivers, including the server BIOS, chipset, memory controller, and storage controllers, to maximize reliability and compatibility with Cisco management tools.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads benefit most from the 6240 (2nd Gen) upgrade?
  A: Virtualization hosts, large-scale databases, analytics pipelines, and multi-tenant applications benefit from the high core count, large cache, and strong memory bandwidth of the 6240. It is well-suited for SAP HANA, Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, Elasticsearch, and containerized workloads on Kubernetes.
• Q: How does the 18-core design impact performance per watt?
  A: The 18 cores deliver ample parallelism for multi-threaded tasks while the 14 nm process and Turbo Boost technology help maintain energy efficiency by delivering peak performance only when needed, reducing sustained power draw during typical workloads.
• Q: Is ECC memory required or supported?
  A: ECC memory is supported, which is important for maintaining data integrity in server environments and minimizing the risk of data corruption in long-running workloads.
• Q: Can this CPU be used in single- or multi-socket configurations?
  A: The Xeon Gold 6240 is designed for Socket P LGA-3647 and supports configurations appropriate for 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable deployments. Compatibility depends on the Cisco server model and motherboard capabilities.
• Q: What security features are included?
  A: The processor includes hardware-assisted security features such as AES-NI, virtualization protections, and other enterprise-grade capabilities to enhance data protection and safe virtualization.
• Q: Do I need to update firmware before installing?
  A: Yes. Update the server BIOS/firmware to the latest version supported by Cisco and the motherboard vendor to ensure proper microcode support and stability for the 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable CPUs.