Lenovo Intel Xeon Gold (3rd Gen) 5318N Tetracosa-core (24 Core) 2.10 GHz Processor Upgrade

Upgrade your Lenovo server or workstation with the power of Intel’s Xeon Gold 5318N, a 3rd Gen Xeon Gold processor engineered for reliability, scalability, and sustained performance under demanding enterprise workloads. Boasting 24 cores and 48 threads, this tetracosa-core powerhouse is designed to accelerate virtualization, large-scale databases, analytics, and HPC tasks while delivering energy-efficient operation in high-density environments. With a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a turbo frequency reaching up to 3.40 GHz, combined with a generous 36 MB L3 cache, the Xeon Gold 5318N delivers the headroom and responsiveness required by modern data centers and enterprise applications. Built on a 10 nm process and optimized for the LGA-4189 socket, this processor upgrade is a strategic choice for Lenovo systems seeking to extend lifecycle, improve throughput, and maximize compute density without sacrificing reliability.

• Feature-rich multi-threaded performance: 24 cores and 48 threads enable exceptional parallel throughput for virtualization, database engines, and analytics workloads, allowing more virtual machines and concurrent tasks to run smoothly.
• Strong burst capability: With a turbo frequency up to 3.40 GHz, this processor delivers responsive performance for latency-sensitive applications and peak compute bursts without compromising efficiency during steady-state workloads.
• Large cache for data-intensive workloads: A 36 MB L3 cache minimizes data fetch times and enhances performance for large datasets, complex queries, and memory-intensive operations common in enterprise environments.
• Energy-conscious server technology: Built on a 10 nm process with a design tuned for enterprise workloads, the 5318N balances high performance with efficient power usage, helping to lower total cost of ownership in dense server deployments.
• Enterprise-ready platform compatibility: Specifically designed for Lenovo servers and workstation ecosystems with the LGA-4189 socket and a 150 W TDP, delivering a reliable upgrade path that complements existing Lenovo hardware and management tools.

Technical Details of Lenovo Intel Xeon Gold (3rd Gen) 5318N Tetracosa-core (24 Core) 2.10 GHz Processor Upgrade

• Model: Intel Xeon Gold 5318N (3rd Gen)
• Cores / Threads: 24 / 48
• Base Clock: 2.10 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: 3.40 GHz
• Cache: 36 MB L3
• lithography: 10 nm
• Socket: LGA-4189
• TDP: 150 W
• 64-bit Processing

How to install Lenovo Intel Xeon Gold (3rd Gen) 5318N Tetracosa-core (24 Core) 2.10 GHz Processor Upgrade

Installing a server-grade processor requires careful handling and proper preparation to ensure system stability and safety. Follow these steps to install the Xeon Gold 5318N upgrade correctly and minimize the risk of damage or downtime. Before you start, verify that your Lenovo motherboard or server platform supports the LGA-4189 socket and the 3rd Gen Xeon Gold family, and ensure your BIOS is current enough to recognize and optimize the new CPU.

• Prepare the workspace: Power down the system, unplug all power cables, and discharge static electricity with an anti-static strap or grounded surface to protect delicate components.
• Access the motherboard: Remove the chassis cover to reach the CPU socket area. Identify the existing processor and cooling solution in the server enclosure, ensuring you have the proper tools for service clearance.
• Remove the cooling solution and clear old paste: Carefully detach the CPU cooler from the processor. If paste remains on the heatsink or cpu lid, gently clean it with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Have fresh, compatible thermal paste on hand if your cooler does not come with pre-applied thermal material.
• Open the socket and align the CPU: Release the socket lever and open the LGA-4189 socket cover. Align the Xeon Gold 5318N with the socket using the designated orientation marker (usually a small triangle or dot) to ensure correct seating. Do not force the processor into place; it should drop in with gentle pressure when aligned correctly.
• Seat the CPU and secure the socket: Close the socket cover, lower the lever to lock the processor into position, and verify that the CPU is firmly seated. Reconnect any heatsink mounting hardware if you removed it, taking care to maintain even contact across the CPU surface.
• Apply thermal management: If your cooler has pre-applied paste, you can reinstall it as-is. If not, apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste as recommended by the cooler manufacturer. Mount the CPU cooler securely, ensuring even torque across all mounting points to avoid hot spots or uneven cooling.
• Reconnect peripherals and perform a BIOS update: Reinstall memory modules and reconnect fans or ancillary components. Power on and enter the BIOS/UEFI. Update to the latest firmware or microcode revision necessary to support the 3rd Gen Xeon Gold family, then confirm CPU recognition and status indicators (temperatures, multipliers, and core counts).
• Boot and test for stability: Save settings and boot into the operating system installation or post-boot diagnostics. Run a stability or stress test to validate proper thermals, memory interaction, and system responsiveness under representative load conditions.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads benefit most from the Lenovo Xeon Gold 5318N upgrade? A: The 24-core, 48-thread configuration is ideal for virtualization and cloud workloads, large-scale databases, analytics pipelines, HPC tasks, and other multi-threaded enterprise applications that demand robust parallel processing and consistent throughput.
• Q: What compatibility considerations should I verify before upgrading? A: Ensure your Lenovo server or workstation motherboard supports the LGA-4189 socket and that the BIOS is compatible with 3rd Gen Xeon Gold processors. Confirm that the platform’s power delivery, cooling system, and thermal design point align with a 150 W TDP CPU to maintain reliability under load.
• Q: Does the Xeon Gold 5318N support ECC memory? A: Intel Xeon processors are designed to work with ECC memory when paired with a compatible motherboard and server platform. Check your Lenovo system’s memory controller and motherboard documentation to enable ECC memory for error detection and correction, which improves reliability in critical workloads.
• Q: How does the 36 MB L3 cache impact performance? A: The large L3 cache reduces latency for frequently accessed data and helps multi-threaded workloads scale more efficiently, delivering smoother performance for virtualization, databases, and analytics where data locality matters.
• Q: What maintenance steps help maximize long-term reliability? A: Keep firmware and BIOS up to date, maintain proper cooling and airflow, monitor temperatures and power delivery during peak periods, and use a server-grade cooling solution and power infrastructure to preserve performance and longevity.