HPE Intel Xeon Platinum (4th Gen) 8461V Octatetraconta-core Processor Upgrade

Experience unparalleled enterprise performance with the HPE Intel Xeon Platinum (4th Gen) 8461V Octatetraconta-core processor upgrade. Engineered for data centers, virtualization clusters, and high-demand workloads, this CPU delivers massive multi-threaded throughput, exceptional reliability, and scalable headroom for future growth. Boasting 48 physical cores and 96 threads, it is designed to handle complex analytic tasks, large-scale databases, AI inference, and dense virtual machine environments without compromising latency or precision. The 4th generation Xeon Platinum family combines advanced architectural enhancements with robust, enterprise-grade security features, enabling your infrastructure to run hotter, longer, and more efficiently, all while preserving the operational integrity that mission-critical applications demand. The processor’s architectural efficiency is optimized for 64-bit processing, enabling fast, multi-core execution of modern workloads and ensuring compatibility with contemporary software ecosystems. Its high core-count capacity translates into superior parallelism, reduced queue times, and enhanced service levels for businesses that rely on consistent, predictable performance.

• Massive multi-core performance: With 48 cores and 96 threads, this Xeon Platinum upgrade is designed to accelerate virtualization, database, and analytics workloads. It enables concurrent processing of multiple virtual machines, containers, or data streams, delivering improved throughput and reduced latency under heavy load.
• High clock speed for demanding tasks: The processor features a base clock of 2.20 GHz and a turbo/overclocking speed of 3.70 GHz, enabling fast execution of single-threaded and lightly threaded tasks while preserving energy efficiency during steady-state operation.
• Large on-chip cache for fast data access: A 97.50 MB L3 cache minimizes memory bottlenecks, improves instruction throughput, and shortens critical-path access times for frequently used data, accelerating complex workloads like in-memory databases and real-time analytics.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and security: Xeon Platinum processors are built for continuous operation with robust error detection, error-correcting capabilities, and silicon-level security features, helping protect sensitive workloads and ensure uptime in mission-critical environments.
• Scalable, upgradable platform compatibility: Designed for the LGA-4677 socket, this upgrade fits into compatible HP servers without soldering, enabling straightforward integration into existing infrastructure and reducing maintenance windows while preserving service continuity.

Technical Details of HPE Intel Xeon Platinum 4th Gen 8461V

• Model: Intel Xeon Platinum (4th Gen) 8461V
• Cores / Threads: 48 cores / 96 threads
• Base Clock: 2.20 GHz
• Turbo/Overclocking Speed: 3.70 GHz
• L3 Cache: 97.50 MB
• Socket: LGA-4677
• TDP: 300 W
• Architecture: 64-bit processing
• Technology: 4th Generation Intel Xeon Platinum family

The LGA-4677 socket compatibility ensures a straightforward upgrade path for HP servers designed to accept this family of CPUs, with solderless installation that minimizes downtime and simplifies field upgrades. The elevated thermal design power (TDP) of 300 W is a reminder of the processor’s capability to sustain peak performance under sustained workloads, making it well-suited for dense compute nodes, high-density virtualization hosts, and large-scale data-crunching clusters. The combination of a generous L3 cache, high core count, and strong memory bandwidth support translates into a platform capable of handling diverse workloads—from real-time data processing to complex forecasting models—without frequent cache misses or memory stalls. When deployed in properly cooled environments, this processor can deliver consistent, predictable performance that aligns with service-level objectives for enterprises and service providers alike.

How to Install HPE Intel Xeon Platinum 4th Gen 8461V

Step 1: Verify compatibility — Confirm that your HP server motherboard supports the LGA-4677 socket and the Xeon Platinum 4th Gen lineage. Check BIOS/firmware versions and ensure memory configurations meet the processor’s requirements for optimal performance. Review the server’s thermal design to accommodate a 300 W TDP CPU. If you’re replacing an older processor, verify that the upgrade path is supported by the vendor’s service policy and warranty terms.

Step 2: Prepare the workspace — Power down the system, unplug from all power sources, and discharge any static electricity. Open the chassis and locate the CPU socket area. Have an ESD-safe wrist strap, thermal paste (if your cooling solution does not include pre-applied paste), and the appropriate screwdrivers on hand. Make sure the system board is clean and free of debris before installation.

Step 3: Install the CPU — Open the socket retention lever and align the 8461V with the LGA-4677 socket, ensuring the indexed corner matches. Carefully seat the processor flat into the socket; do not apply sideways pressure. Secure the socket lever to lock the processor in place. If your platform requires a heat spreader or mounting hardware, attach it according to the server’s installation guide.

Step 4: Apply cooling and thermal interface material — If your system uses a thermal paste-based cooling solution, apply a pea-sized dot (or follow the manufacturer’s recommended method) to the CPU surface. Attach the heat sink or cooling assembly firmly, ensuring even pressure across the CPU surface for optimal heat transfer. Reconnect any fans or cooling modules that were removed during the installation process, and verify proper airflow.

Step 5: Update firmware and configure — Power on the server and enter the BIOS or iLO/Management console. Update to the latest microcode and firmware to ensure compatibility with the 8461V, then configure CPU settings for your workload profile (for example, enabling turbo modes as appropriate, setting power and thermal limits, and confirming NUMA and memory topology). Save changes and boot into your operating system. Monitor POST diagnostics to confirm the processor is recognized correctly and running at expected frequencies.

Step 6: Validate performance — After installation, perform a baseline performance test using your standard virtualization or database suites. Verify that thermal margins remain within safe operating ranges under load, and confirm that the system’s memory channels, interconnects, and I/O subsystems are performing as designed. Maintain a regular cadence of firmware and BIOS updates to keep your Xeon upgrade secure and stable.

For environments where uptime is paramount, consider testing the upgrade in a staging environment before rolling to production. The combination of 48 cores, a wide 97.50 MB L3 cache, and a 300 W TDP underscores the need for robust cooling, reliable power delivery, and well-tuned software stacks to harness the full potential of the 8461V. In configurations where virtualization, data analytics, and high-concurrency workloads are central, this upgrade translates into shorter job queues, faster service responses, and improved user experiences across mission-critical platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What workloads is the 8461V best suited for?

A: The 8461V is optimized for data center workloads that require high parallelism and memory bandwidth, such as virtualization farms, large-scale databases, real-time analytics, and AI inference tasks. Its 48-core, 96-thread architecture enables efficient consolidation of multiple virtual machines and containers while maintaining responsiveness for interactive workloads.

Q: Is this processor compatible with all HP servers?

A: Compatibility depends on the server motherboard supporting the LGA-4677 socket and Xeon Platinum 4th Gen processors. Verify vendor compatibility guides and the server’s maintenance and upgrade policy. If your system is designed for this socket and generation, you can upgrade without soldering, simplifying the path to improved performance.

Q: Can I overclock this processor?

A: The processor supports high turbo speeds up to 3.70 GHz under appropriate cooling and power conditions. Real-world overclocking capabilities depend on the server’s power delivery, thermal solution, and firmware controls. In many enterprise environments, turbo and boost features are managed by BIOS-level policies to balance performance with reliability and thermals.

Q: What is the significance of the 97.50 MB L3 cache?

A: A large L3 cache reduces memory latency and improves data reuse, which is crucial for multi-threaded workloads and database operations. This helps to keep active data closer to the cores, resulting in smoother performance during intensive computational tasks and analytics pipelines.

Q: How do I ensure optimal performance after installation?

A: Pair the 8461V with suitable memory configurations, enable balanced power and thermal profiles, and maintain firmware and BIOS up to date. Monitor core utilization, thermal margins, and memory bandwidth to ensure the system is operating within its designed envelope. Regular maintenance and performance tuning aligned with your specific workloads will maximize efficiency and uptime.