Cisco Intel Xeon Platinum (3rd Gen) 8360Y Hexatriaconta-core (36 Core) 2.40 GHz Processor Upgrade

This Cisco processor upgrade brings the high-density power of Intel Xeon Platinum, 3rd Generation, right into your Cisco data center environment. The 8360Y Hexatriaconta-core design packs 36 cores at a 2.40 GHz base clock, delivering impressive parallel performance for virtualization, analytics, database workloads, and large-scale cloud deployments. Engineered to thrive under demanding, multi-threaded workloads, this upgrade helps unlock faster query response times, accelerated AI inference, and smoother operation of consolidation strategies across mission-critical applications. Built with Cisco’s server ecosystems in mind, the 8360Y delivers enterprise-grade reliability, advanced security features, and optimized efficiency to support growing workloads without compromising stability or manageability. If you’re planning to scale your virtual machines, streamline containerized workloads, or future-proof your hardware for evolving software stacks, this upgrade is designed to deliver consistent, predictable performance across the most demanding data-center scenarios.

• The 8360Y brings 36 cores of Intel Xeon Platinum 3rd Gen performance, delivering robust multitasking capability for highly parallel workloads. With a base frequency of 2.40 GHz, it handles core-heavy applications, virtualization platforms, and data-intensive analytics with ease, enabling you to run more virtual machines per server and accelerate batch processing tasks without sacrificing latency or throughput. This level of core density is ideal for dense compute nodes, multi-tenant environments, and scalable compute clusters where every clock cycle matters.
• Designed for enterprise-grade reliability, the Xeon Platinum family is built to uphold service continuity. This upgrade supports essential reliability features common to Cisco deployments, including robust error-detection and retry mechanisms to minimize the impact of transient faults. In data centers that demand high uptime, such processors contribute to steady performance under load, reduce the risk of unplanned maintenance, and help ensure predictable behavior during peak utilization periods.
• Seamless Cisco integration means faster deployment and easier lifecycle management. The 8360Y is tailored to work with Cisco UCS and other Cisco-certified server platforms, enabling smoother BIOS, firmware, and driver alignment, and cleaner data-path consistency across your infrastructure. This compatibility translates into streamlined firmware updates, fewer integration headaches, and clearer upgrade paths as other components are modernized over time.
• Efficiency and thermal management are practical advantages in dense data-center environments. While delivering substantial compute power, this processor upgrade is designed to work within Cisco’s thermal envelopes and server cooling designs. In practice, you’ll experience a balance between high single-thread performance and energy efficiency across multi-core workloads, helping to manage power usage while maintaining the headroom you need for peak processing bursts during data-intensive operations.
• Value and future-proofing go hand-in-hand with this upgrade. By adopting a 3rd Gen Xeon Platinum processor, you gain access to the latest architectural improvements, expanded instruction sets, and platform features that support virtualization, large-scale databases, predictive analytics, and AI workloads. Investing in this upgrade helps extend the usable life of your Cisco servers and provides a solid foundation for evolving software-defined infrastructure and cloud-native applications.

Technical Details of Cisco Intel Xeon Platinum (3rd Gen) 8360Y Hexatriaconta-core

• Cores: 36
• Base clock: 2.40 GHz
• Processor family: Intel Xeon Platinum 3rd Gen
• Model: 8360Y
• Notes: Specifications reflect typical capabilities of the 8360Y in Cisco-certified server configurations; exact figures may vary by platform and firmware. For precise compatibility and supported features, consult Cisco hardware documentation and the platform’s specification sheets.

How to install Cisco Intel Xeon Platinum (3rd Gen) 8360Y Hexatriaconta-core

Installing a Cisco Xeon Platinum 3rd Gen upgrade requires careful handling to protect components and ensure reliable operation in your Cisco server environment. Follow these general steps to perform a safe installation, and always refer to your specific Cisco platform’s service manual for model-specific guidance and torque specifications.

• Power down the server completely, unplug the power cords, and ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge. Remove any external cabling and accessories, and open the chassis following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Inspect the motherboard socket and surrounding area for any residual dust or debris. If needed, use compressed air to clean the area gently, taking care not to dislodge nearby components or damage pins.
• Remove the existing CPU if you are upgrading an older processor. Release the heatsink retention mechanism, disconnect any fans or cooling modules carefully, and lift the heatsink away from the socket. Do not apply excessive force; ensure the motherboard is supported during removal.
• Align the 8360Y with the CPU socket using the notches and the platform’s alignment markers. Insert the processor firmly but without forcing it; a light, even seating action is sufficient to engage the socket pins and processor pins. If your platform uses a load mechanism, engage it as directed by Cisco’s service manual to secure the CPU in place.
• Apply thermal interface material as required by the platform, or confirm that the heatsink already has pre-applied TIM compatible with the Cisco server’s cooling solution. Reattach the heatsink evenly, ensuring even contact and proper mounting pressure. Reconnect any cooling fans or modules that were removed during the installation.
• Secure the heatsink and reassemble the server chassis. Reconnect power and all data cables, and boot the system. Enter the BIOS or UEFI to verify that the CPU is recognized and that memory and other critical components are detected. Update BIOS/firmware if prompted by the system, and perform any necessary driver updates to align with the new processor.
• Run a basic post-installation test to verify CPU temperature, load handling, and stability. Monitor CPU utilization and thermal performance under typical workloads to confirm expected behavior. If anomalies appear, consult Cisco support resources and perform a firmware rollback or re-installation of the upgrade as needed.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many cores does the Cisco Intel Xeon Platinum 8360Y upgrade have?
  A: It features 36 cores designed for high parallelism and heavy multi-threaded workloads common in virtualization, data analytics, and HPC tasks.
• Q: What is the base clock speed of this processor?
  A: The base clock speed is 2.40 GHz, providing a strong baseline for consistent performance while allowing capable bursts under load.
• Q: Is this upgrade compatible with Cisco UCS servers?
  A: Yes. The 8360Y Xeon Platinum 3rd Gen upgrade is intended for Cisco-certified server platforms and is designed to integrate with Cisco UCS and other supported Cisco server environments, subject to platform compatibility and firmware requirements.
• Q: What workloads is this processor best suited for?
  A: It excels in virtualization, dense multi-tenant environments, large-scale databases, analytics platforms, and AI inference workloads. It also improves overall efficiency for mixed workloads that require both high core counts and steady single-thread performance.
• Q: Do I need to update firmware or BIOS after installing the upgrade?
  A: Yes. After installation, update the system BIOS/firmware and drivers to ensure optimal compatibility, stability, and access to the latest platform features. Always follow Cisco’s official guidance for firmware updates when integrating a 3rd Gen Xeon upgrade.