Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6242 Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.80 GHz Processor Upgrade

The Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6242 Hexadeca-core processor upgrade is a high-performance upgrade engineered to elevate data center efficiency, virtualization density, and multi-threaded throughput. Built for enterprise servers and HPC environments, this 16-core, 32-thread powerhouse delivers reliable performance at scale, with a base clock of 2.80 GHz and turbo boost capabilities designed to accelerate demanding workloads. When you need steady performance for mission-critical applications, database systems, virtualized environments, and analytics pipelines, this 2nd Gen Xeon Gold upgrade is engineered to unlock new levels of responsiveness and throughput in Cisco server infrastructures.

• 16 cores and 32 threads for robust parallel processing. The processor’s core count combined with Hyper-Threading enables efficient handling of concurrent workloads—perfect for virtualization hosts, large-scale databases, and HPC tasks. This translates to higher VM density, improved multi-user performance, and faster completion times for parallelized workloads.
• High clock speeds with responsive turbo performance. A 2.80 GHz base clock paired with Turbo Boost up to 3.90 GHz delivers strong single-thread performance for latency-sensitive applications while still maintaining excellent multi-threaded throughput during peak periods, ensuring quick task completion and snappy user experiences.
• Large cache and memory bandwidth for data-intensive workloads. With an expansive L3 cache (approximately 22 MB) and strong memory channel support, this upgrade minimizes data fetch latency and sustains high data throughput. Combined with six-channel DDR4 ECC memory, it supports enterprise workloads such as in-memory databases, analytics, and real-time data processing with greater reliability.
• Comprehensive I/O and PCIe capability. The platform provides up to 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes, enabling fast NVMe storage, high-speed networking, accelerator cards, and GPU offloads. This helps reduce bottlenecks in storage and compute pipelines, accelerating workloads like AI inference, virtualization, and data analytics.
• Enterprise-grade reliability, security, and compatibility. Designed for data center reliability, this processor includes hardware-assisted security features, ECC memory support, and RAS capabilities. It is optimized for Cisco server ecosystems, delivering predictable uptime, easier manageability, and compatibility with enterprise firmware and management tools.

Technical Details of Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6242

• Model: Intel Xeon Gold 6242 (2nd Generation Xeon Scalable)
• Cores/Threads: 16 cores / 32 threads
• Base/Turbo Frequency: 2.80 GHz base, up to 3.90 GHz turbo
• Cache: Approximately 22 MB L3 cache
• Memory Support: Six-channel DDR4 ECC memory; optimized for high-throughput server workloads, with speeds dependent on platform configuration
• PCIe Lanes: Up to 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes for storage, networking, accelerators, and I/O expansion
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): High-performance server-class design; exact TDP varies by SKU and platform configuration
• Socket/Platform: LGA3647-compatible platforms within the 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable family; designed for Cisco data center servers and rack deployments
• Manufacturing Process: Intel advanced process technology emphasizing efficiency, reliability, and predictability in enterprise environments
• Security & Features: Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, and hardware-assisted security features to support secure virtualization, data protection, and improved RAS

How to install Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6242

• Power down the server, unplug from power, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge. Remove the server cover to access the CPU socket.
• Confirm compatibility with your Cisco server model and motherboard, ensuring the platform supports the LGA3647 socket and the 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable family requirements.
• Open the CPU socket lever, align the processor with the socket using the alignment marks, and carefully seat the CPU without applying excessive force. Close the lever to secure the processor in place.
• Apply the appropriate thermal interface material (TIM) if your cooling solution requires it, and mount the heatsink or CPU cooler securely to ensure optimal heat transfer and reliable thermal performance.
• Install or verify the memory configuration, using ECC DDR4 modules in the platform’s supported channels (typically six-channel memory). Ensure modules match the server’s specifications for speed and capacity to maintain data integrity and performance.
• Reassemble the server cover, reconnect power, and boot. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to verify CPU detection, enable necessary virtualization features, memory settings, and security options, then save and exit to begin the operating system and hypervisor initialization.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads benefit most from the Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6242 upgrade? A: Virtualization hosts, large-scale databases, analytics platforms, HPC workloads, and data-intensive applications benefit from the processor’s high core count, strong multi-threaded performance, and memory bandwidth, enabling higher consolidation ratios and faster processing.
• Q: Is this processor compatible with my Cisco server?
• A: The Xeon Gold 6242 is designed for 2nd Gen Xeon Scalable-compatible Cisco servers that support the LGA3647 socket and the platform’s power and cooling requirements. Always verify compatibility with Cisco’s hardware compatibility guides and firmware support before upgrading.
• Q: Does it support ECC memory and multi-channel RAM?
A: Yes. The processor supports ECC memory across multi-channel configurations, enhancing data integrity and uptime in enterprise environments common to Cisco deployments.
• Q: What performance benefits should I expect?
A: Expect improved virtualization density, faster multi-threaded processing, enhanced memory bandwidth, and better I/O throughput thanks to broader PCIe lanes and optimized cache utilization, which together accelerate databases, analytics workloads, and virtualized environments.
• Q: How should I prepare for installation to ensure reliability?
A: Verify motherboard BIOS/firmware compatibility, ensure adequate cooling, update firmware as needed, follow safe static precautions, and validate the system post-install with stress and stability tests to confirm correct clock speeds and thermal behavior.