801287-B21 HPE Intel Xeon E5-2620v4 (2.1GHz/8-core/20MB/85W) Processor

Product Details of HPE 801287-B21 DL160 Gen9 Intel Xeon E5-2620v4

The 801287-B21 HPE DL160 Gen9 Intel Xeon E5-2620v4 processor kit is engineered to provide reliable performance, efficiency, and compatibility for modern server infrastructures. Designed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, this component enhances scalability and optimizes workloads in enterprise environments.

Main Information about HPE 801287-B21

• Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
• Part Number / SKU: 801287-B21
• Product Category: Processor Kit
• Sub-Type: 2.1GHz / 8-core configuration
• Cache: 20MB L3 Cache
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 85W
• Bus Speed: 8 GT/s QPI

Key Attributes of Intel Xeon E5-2620v4

The Intel Xeon E5-2620v4 included in this kit delivers strong multitasking capabilities and stability for server applications. With its 2.1GHz base frequency and 8 processing cores, it ensures smooth performance for data centers and enterprise systems.

Highlighted Specifications

• Base Clock Speed: 2.1 GHz
• Number of Cores: 8 cores
• L3 Cache Size: 20MB
• QPI Speed: 8 GT/s
• Power Consumption: 85W TDP

Compatibility and Server Integration

The 801287-B21 processor kit is designed for integration with HPE DL160 Gen9 servers, providing flexibility and reliability. Its multi-core architecture makes it ideal for high-demand applications, virtualization, and database workloads.

Benefits of Using HPE 801287-B21

• Improved performance for cloud computing environments
• Energy-efficient architecture for reduced operating costs
• Optimized multitasking for virtualization and enterprise workloads
• Seamless compatibility with HPE ProLiant DL160 Gen9 systems
• Reliable server-grade processor kit ensuring long-term stability

Key specifications and technical snapshot

801287-B21 is a genuine HPE-qualified processor kit built around the Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 microarchitecture. This CPU is designed to meet balanced performance, power efficiency and platform compatibility for HPE ProLiant DL160 Gen9 servers. Core attributes include a base clock of 2.1 GHz, eight physical cores, 20 MB shared L3 cache, 85 W TDP and support for 8 GT/s QPI interconnect. The combination of these characteristics makes the part ideal for general-purpose compute, virtualization hosts, web serving, and mixed I/O workloads where predictable single-thread and moderate multithread performance matter.

This processor matters for DL160 Gen9 systems

HPE's DL160 Gen9 chassis is engineered for dense rack deployments where rack space and energy cost are top priorities. The 801287-B21 processor delivers a pragmatic blend of multi-core throughput and thermal efficiency that aligns with the DL160 Gen9 platform’s power envelope, thermal design and memory architecture. It takes advantage of the ProLiant’s DDR4 memory channels, PCIe lanes and advanced system firmware (iLO and HPE Service Pack for ProLiant), enabling optimized boot times, intelligent power management and enterprise-class reliability.

Technical Features Explained

Processor core and cache architecture

The Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 inside the 801287-B21 package features 8 physical cores with hyper-threading support available on many platforms, enabling up to 16 simultaneous threads per socket when the platform and BIOS enable SMT. The 20 MB L3 cache is shared across cores and reduces average memory access latency for frequently used datasets — a key advantage in server workloads such as database caching, web application stacks, and high-concurrency services.

Benefits of a 20 MB L3 cache

• Improved data locality reduces DRAM accesses and power consumption.
• Lower latency for frequently accessed code paths and datasets.
• Better thread coordination for multi-threaded server applications.

Clock speed and performance characteristics

With a nominal base frequency of 2.1 GHz, the E5-2620 v4 balances steady-state throughput with thermal control. The processor can dynamically adjust frequencies via Intel Turbo Boost technology when thermal and power budgets allow, providing short-term performance uplift for latency-sensitive transactions. For cloud or virtualization hosts that prioritize core count and sustained throughput, this base clock provides predictable performance per watt.

Thermal design power (TDP) and operational efficiency

The rated 85 W TDP means the 801287-B21 sits in a moderate thermal class among Xeon E5 v4 family members. In dense rack configurations the advantage is two-fold: lower cooling cost compared with higher TDP parts, and reduced impact on data center thermal design when deploying multiple nodes per rack. This TDP rating also simplifies server configuration choices for administrators managing thermal headroom and airflow in multi-node systems.

Practical TDP implications

• Lower facility cooling requirements per server.
• Improved sustainability metrics (performance/watt).
• Easier deployment in mixed-population racks alongside other Gen9 servers.

Compatibility and platform integration

HPE ProLiant DL160 Gen9 ecosystem fit

801287-B21 is validated for HPE ProLiant DL160 Gen9 models and aligns with the server’s BIOS, iLO (Integrated Lights-Out), and platform service packs. That means easier rollouts, predictable firmware behavior and compatibility with HPE management tools like HPE OneView and HPE Insight Control. Enterprises that standardize on HPE’s Gen9 ecosystem will find integration and lifecycle management straightforward.

Platform features leveraged

• HPE iLO remote management and health monitoring.
• Firmware updates through HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP).
• Memory channel optimization for DDR4 registered DIMMs (RDIMMs/LRDIMMs).

Memory and I/O considerations

The E5-2620 v4 supports DDR4 memory at JEDEC standard speeds compatible with Gen9 server memory architectures. Administrators should consider matched DIMM population and memory interleaving to maximize bandwidth. On the I/O side, the CPU’s PCIe lanes can be used for high-throughput network adapters, NVMe storage adaptors (where supported by the chassis), or HBA/RAID controllers — enabling flexible storage and networking topologies that suit virtualization and database workloads.

Use Cases and Workload Suitability

Virtualization hosts and hyperconverged infrastructure

The combination of eight cores, sizeable L3 cache and moderate TDP makes the 801287-B21 an excellent candidate for virtualization environments running hypervisors such as VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, or KVM. The part’s core count supports multiple small to medium-sized virtual machines per server while maintaining an efficient power profile. When combined with adequate memory and fast local storage, the DL160 Gen9 with this CPU becomes a reliable hypervisor host for small-to-medium enterprise clouds.

Web, application, and middleware servers

Web tiers, application servers and middleware stacks often benefit from consistent single-thread response times and the ability to service many concurrent connections. The 2.1 GHz base frequency plus Turbo Boost capability can accelerate latency-sensitive request handling. Meanwhile, L3 cache and memory architecture improve performance for caching layers, in-memory data stores, and session-heavy web applications.

Database and caching workloads

On-disk database workloads, read-caching layers and analytic queries can leverage the processor’s caching and memory capabilities, especially when the server is configured with adequate DDR4 capacity and fast storage. While high-end transactional databases might favor higher-frequency CPUs or larger core counts, the E5-2620 v4 is well-suited to mid-tier relational systems, read replicas, and caching appliances.

Deployment best practices

BIOS and firmware tuning

To extract consistent performance and stability from 801287-B21, apply HPE-recommended BIOS settings and firmware revisions. Enable appropriate power profiles (balanced or performance as required), configure memory interleaving per HPE guidelines, and ensure iLO firmware and management agents are up to date. Use HPE SPP releases to maintain a predictable lifecycle for firmware across large fleets.

Recommended firmware procedures

• Always validate firmware compatibility across BIOS, iLO and HPE agents before mass deployment.
• Test SPP updates on a staging host before production rollouts.
• Document baseline configurations for reproducible rollouts and troubleshooting.

Cooling and chassis considerations

Maintain recommended airflow within the DL160 Gen9 chassis and follow HPE’s rack installation best practices. Because the 801287-B21 is an 85 W TDP component, ensure adjacent nodes do not create hot spots and that front-to-back airflow is unobstructed. Use thermal sensors and iLO telemetry to monitor inlet and exhaust temperatures during sustained workloads.

Power and redundancy planning

Plan power budgets based on full load estimates including DIMMs, storage devices and expansion cards. In multi-node racks, account for peak power draw and choose redundant, appropriately sized PDUs and power supplies. For critical systems, configure redundant PSUs and maintain power path diversity to avoid single points of failure.

Spare parts management and inventory strategy

For business continuity, maintain appropriate spares such as processor kits, compatible cooling assemblies, and matched memory modules. Track part numbers and revision levels to ensure compatibility across your Gen9 fleet. A well-curated spare parts inventory reduces mean time to repair (MTTR) and supports fast recovery from hardware failures.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Firmware and microcode hygiene

Keep microcode and firmware updated to remediate vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with corporate security policies. HPE’s SPP packages regularly include microcode updates for Intel processors; apply these through curated change windows to minimize operational risk.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and secure boot

Utilize platform security features such as TPM, Secure Boot, and iLO’s two-factor access controls to harden the DL160 Gen9 server. These features, combined with centrally managed keys and certificate rotation, contribute to a secure server baseline suitable for regulated environments.

Related Parts and Accessories

Complementary components to maximize value

• HPE-validated DDR4 RDIMMs or LRDIMMs for balanced memory bandwidth.
• HPE heatsink and fan kits matched to Gen9 thermal profiles.
• Enterprise SSDs or SAS HBA/RAID controllers for responsive storage tiers.
• ProLiant iLO licensing and HPE OneView management tools for lifecycle automation.

Actionable next steps for procurement and deployment teams

• Validate server chassis and BIOS version for compatibility before purchasing.
• Plan memory population and storage topology in accordance with intended workloads.
• Create a firmware and support lifecycle schedule leveraging HPE SPP releases.
• Document baseline configurations and stress-test a pilot node under production-like loads.