Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6248 Icosa-core (20 Core) 2.50 GHz Processor Upgrade

Upgrade the performance and efficiency of your Cisco server with the Cisco Intel Xeon Gold 6248 (2nd Gen) processor. A true icosa-core powerhouse, this 20-core, 40-thread CPU is engineered to handle demanding data-center workloads—from virtualization and database processing to complex analytics and enterprise applications. Built on Intel’s 14 nm process for the 2nd Generation Xeon Scalable family, this upgrade delivers robust multi-core performance, exceptional cache density, and enterprise-grade reliability in a compact, upgrade-friendly package. With a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a turbo frequency up to 3.90 GHz, it provides the headroom needed to scale up workloads during peak demand while maintaining efficient power usage. The Socket P LGA-3647 interface allows a straightforward upgrade path that can be placed on the PCB without soldering, enabling Cisco servers to gain significant performance improvements without a full motherboard replacement.

• Unmatched multi-core performance for virtualization and data workloads: Featuring 20 cores and 40 threads, this Xeon Gold 6248 delivers parallel processing power essential for running multiple virtual machines, containers, and concurrent enterprise services. The combination of high core count and strong single-thread performance helps accelerate virtualization hosts, database instances, and analytics pipelines, driving improved throughput and lower latency across workloads.
• Large, fast cache for data-intensive applications: With 27.50 MB of L3 cache, this processor minimizes memory access bottlenecks and improves data reuse for heavy workloads like in-memory databases, ERP systems, and large-scale analytics. The substantial cache helps reduce latency and increase throughput in environments where rapid data access is critical to service delivery.
• Upgrade-friendly platform with Socket P LGA-3647: Designed to slot into Cisco servers that support the Socket P LGA-3647 interface, this upgrade simplifies the path to higher performance. No soldering is required when upgrading, enabling a cleaner, less invasive transition that preserves existing PCIe configurations and server chassis. A 150 W TDP supports sustained performance under heavy workloads, while maintaining reliability and stability in data-center deployments.
• Enterprise-grade reliability with 64-bit processing: As a Xeon Gold 2nd Gen processor, it delivers robust 64-bit processing capabilities, extensive virtualization support, and enterprise-grade reliability features that are critical for mission-critical workloads. This enables secure, scalable operation for virtualized environments, multi-tenant deployments, and long-running applications in Cisco data centers.
• Versatile performance across diverse workloads: From virtualized workloads and database engines to ERP, analytics, and cloud-ready services, this processor is designed to handle a wide spectrum of enterprise tasks. Its blend of core count, turbo frequency, and cache makes it a versatile upgrade for Cisco systems needing a reliable performance uplift without a full platform replacement.

Technical Details of Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6248 Icosa-core (20 Core) 2.50 GHz Processor Upgrade

• Processor family: Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6248
• Cores / Threads: 20 cores / 40 threads
• Base clock: 2.50 GHz
• Max turbo frequency: Up to 3.90 GHz
• Cache: 27.50 MB L3 cache
• Lithography / process: 14 nm
• Socket: Socket P LGA-3647
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 150 W
• Instruction set: 64-bit processing
• Upgrade suitability: Designed for compatible Cisco server platforms with Socket P LGA-3647 support; no soldering required for upgrade on compatible PCB

how to install Cisco Intel Xeon Gold (2nd Gen) 6248 Icosa-core (20 Core) 2.50 GHz Processor Upgrade

• Power down the Cisco server completely and unplug from the power source. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling any internal components.
• Open the chassis and locate the Socket P LGA-3647 processor socket. If a heatsink or cooling assembly is attached, carefully detach it following the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring you do not disturb surrounding components.
• Remove the existing processor if present. Gently release the load mechanism holding the CPU in place and lift it away from the socket, avoiding any bending of pins or damage to the socket.
• Align the new Xeon Gold 6248 correctly with the LGA-3647 socket using the notches or alignment markers. Carefully place the processor into the socket without applying force to the pins. Lock the socket lever to secure the CPU in place.
• Apply a suitable amount of thermal interface material (TIM) if your heatsink requires it, or reuse the existing thermal paste if it is still in good condition. Reinstall the heatsink/cooling assembly securely, ensuring solid contact with the CPU for effective heat transfer.
• Reconnect any fans or cooling systems, reassemble the chassis, and reconnect power. Enter the server’s BIOS/UEFI setup to verify the CPU is recognized. Check for the correct core count and turbo capabilities, and apply any necessary BIOS updates or microcode patches recommended by Cisco or the motherboard vendor.
• Boot into the operating system and run baseline performance tests and stability checks. Verify system temperatures under load and confirm that the upgrade maintains stability across typical Cisco workloads like virtualization and database processing.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the Xeon Gold 6248 (2nd Gen) best suited for?
  A: This 20-core, 40-thread processor excels in virtualization, large-scale databases, ERP and enterprise applications, analytics workloads, and other data-center tasks that demand high parallel processing, generous L3 cache, and reliable performance over extended periods.
• Q: What is the base clock and turbo speed of this processor?
  A: The base clock is 2.50 GHz with a turbo frequency up to 3.90 GHz, enabling strong performance during burst workloads while maintaining power efficiency during steady-state operation.
• Q: What socket does this CPU use and is it easy to upgrade?
  A: It uses the Socket P LGA-3647 interface. The upgrade is designed for compatible Cisco servers and can be installed on the PCB without soldering, simplifying the transition to higher performance.
• Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP) of this CPU?
  A: The processor has a TDP of 150 watts, which requires appropriate cooling and adequate power supply capacity in the server system to maintain sustained performance.
• Q: Does this processor support ECC memory and virtualization features?
  A: Intel Xeon Gold processors typically support ECC memory and robust virtualization features, providing reliability and data integrity in enterprise environments. Confirm compatibility with your server motherboard and BIOS to enable these features.