Processor options

Features of the Intel Xeon 5600 processors used in the x3650 M3 include:

Intel QuickPath Technology (QPI), a platform architecture that provides high-speed (up to 25.6 GBps), and point-to-point connections both between processors and between processors and the I/O hub. Each processor has its own dedicated memory that it accesses directly through an Integrated Memory Controller. In cases where a processor needs to access the dedicated memory of another processor, it can do so through the high-speed QPI that links all the processors.

Turbo Boost Technology dynamically turns off unused processor cores and increases the clock speed of the cores in use. It will increase the frequency in steps of 133 MHz (to a maximum of three steps or 400 MHz) as long as the processors’ predetermined thermal and electrical requirements are still met. For example, with three cores active, a 2.26 GHz processor can run the cores at 2.4 GHz. With only one or two cores active, the same processor can run those cores at 2.53 GHz. All Xeon 5600 processors support Turbo Boost with the exception of L5609, E5607, E5606, and E5603.

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, which boosts performance for multi-threaded applications by enabling simultaneous multi-threading within each processor core, up to two threads per core. Hyper-Threading reduces computational latency, thereby making optimal use of every clock cycle. All Xeon 5600 processors support Hyper-Threading Technology with the exception of L5609, E5607, E5606, and E5603.

Intelligent Power Capability powers individual processor elements on and off as needed, to reduce power draw.

Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.

Intel Virtualization Technology integrates hardware-level virtualization hooks that allow operating system vendors to better utilize the hardware for virtualization workloads.

The x3650 M3 supports the processor options listed in the following table. The server supports up to two processors. This table shows which server models have each processor standard. If there is no corresponding where-usedmodel for a particular processor then this processor is only available through CTO.

In the x3650 M3, two processors are standard and the server supports two maximum.

IBM System x3650 M3