662064-B21 HPE BL460c Intel Xeon E5-2670 Processor

HPE ProLiant Processor Intel Xeon 662064-B21 

Optimized for HPE ProLiant servers, the 662064-B21 is an Intel Xeon class processor engineered for reliable datacenter performance. This octa-core CPU delivers a balanced mix of multi-thread throughput and energy efficiency, making it ideal for virtualization, database workloads, and general-purpose compute in enterprise blade systems.

Key Identity & Product Class

• Category: ProLiant processor family
• Sub-category: Intel Xeon server CPUs
• Generation: Gen8 (G8) platform
• Manufacturer Part Number: 662064-B21
• Product ID: 461011
• Product Type: Server processor / CPU

Performance Characteristics

The 662064-B21 is built to deliver steady clock frequencies and sizeable cache resources to reduce memory latency and accelerate server applications. Use cases include virtual machines, compute nodes, and transactional databases.

Core & Clock Specifications

• Processor family: Intel Xeon
• Cores: Octa-Core (8 cores)
• Quantity per unit: 1 processor
• Base clock speed: 2.6 GHz
• QuickPath Interconnect (QPI): 8 GT/s

Parallelism & Threading

The multiple physical cores enable high parallel throughput. When combined with Intel Hyper-Threading (if supported by the specific model family), these cores provide improved concurrency for multi-threaded server workloads.

Cache & Memory Latency

Large, multi-level caches reduce accesses to system memory and improve sustained performance under heavy server loads.

Cache Breakdown

• L1 cache: 512 KB (instruction + data split across cores)
• L2 cache: 2 MB per core (aggregate on package)
• L3 cache: 20 MB shared last-level cache

Impact of Cache on Workloads

• Reduces memory latency for repeated data access patterns
• Improves performance for database buffer pools and in-memory caches
• Enhances efficiency for virtualization host hypervisors

Architecture & Fabric Details

Designed as a 64-bit server processor, this CPU uses Intel’s scalable architecture features for enterprise environments.

Instruction Width & Process Technology

• 64-bit processing: Yes — supports x86-64 instruction set
• Manufacturing node: 32 nm semiconductor process
• Socket compatibility: Socket R (LGA-2011)

Thermal & Power

Thermal design influences cooling requirements and rack power planning — critical for datacenter density calculations.

Power Profile

• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 115 W
• Cooling considerations: Server chassis with appropriate airflow and heatsink rated for 115W TDP

Operational Efficiency

• Suitable for balanced performance-to-power configurations
• Power envelopes support dense blade arrays when combined with HPE thermal management

Compatibility & Deployment 

Before deploying, confirm BIOS/firmware support and platform compatibility; ensure the server motherboard and chassis support LGA-2011 processors and the required microcode updates.

Platform Integration Checklist

• Verify HPE ProLiant model compatibility (Gen8 series and specified blade models)
• Confirm BIOS/UEFI firmware version supports 662064-B21
• Match memory types and speeds recommended for LGA-2011 Xeon processors
• Ensure appropriate heatsink and server cooling configuration for 115W TDP

Typical Use Cases

• Virtualization hosts running multiple VMs
• Medium-sized database servers and transactional systems
• Web and application servers requiring consistent multi-core throughput

The E5-2670 for BL460c Gen8

The E5-2670 was designed to balance single-thread performance, multi-core throughput, and energy efficiency for mid-to-high density enterprise compute environments. For BL460c Gen8 customers, the 662064-B21 provides a proven combination of:

• Reliable multi-threaded performance for virtualization, database, and application consolidation.
• Cost-effective upgrade path compared to migrating to an entirely new generation of servers.
• Seamless compatibility with Gen8 firmware, HPE iLO management, and existing chassis backplanes.
• Factory-new quality assurance as an FIO component delivered to HPE standards.

Performance Characteristics and Real-World Use Cases

Although not the latest-generation Xeon, the E5-2670 remains a robust choice for particular workloads. The combination of eight cores and Hyper-Threading enables efficient multitasking, and the large L3 cache helps reduce memory latency for working sets common in enterprise applications. Typical use cases include:

Virtualization and Consolidation

With 16 threads available per socket, BL460c Gen8 blades equipped with the 662064-B21 are well-suited to host multiple virtual machines using hypervisors like VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, or KVM. Deployment scenarios include:

• Small to medium-sized virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
• Application server consolidation (web, app, and middleware tiers)
• Test and development clusters where cost-efficiency is prioritized

Database and In-memory Workloads

Databases that benefit from multi-core throughput — such as OLTP systems and columnar analytical workloads — can see consistent performance on properly tuned E5-2670 blades, especially when paired with fast storage and adequate memory channels.

Compute-Intensive Business Applications

Enterprise applications for CRM, ERP, middleware, and batch processing can leverage the E5-2670's multi-core capabilities to improve throughput without requiring a full platform migration.

Memory and Thermal Profiles

The BL460c Gen8 blade architecture uses defined memory population rules and thermal profiles. When replacing or upgrading processors, verify:

• Memory module type and population comply with HPE's guidelines (registered DIMMs, ranks, and speeds).
• Thermal and fan policies in the chassis match the TDP profile of the 115W processor to avoid throttling.

Software and Licensing

Some software licensing models are core- or CPU-based. When considering the 662064-B21 as part of capacity planning, account for licensing impacts and ensure you remain compliant with your software vendors' licensing terms.

Benefits and Value Proposition

Choosing the HPE 662064-B21 E5-2670 for BL460c Gen8 blades brings several concrete advantages:

• Cost-efficiency: Upgrading or replacing processors within an existing Gen8 chassis is typically more economical than full hardware refreshes.
• Stability: Mature platform with long-term deployment track record and established ecosystem support.
• Predictable performance: Well-understood throughput characteristics for virtualization and enterprise workloads.
• Density: Blade architecture maximizes rack compute per unit area, making the E5-2670 attractive for space-constrained data centers.

Comparison to Newer Generations

While modern Intel Xeon Scalable processors and newer HPE blade generations offer higher core counts, improved IPC, and enhanced platform features (such as persistent memory support and advanced security features), there are still many scenarios where the E5-2670 provides a desirable balance of price, performance, and compatibility — especially when an organization’s software stack and infrastructure management are already validated on Gen8 platforms.

BIOS and Power Settings

• Set BIOS power profile to match workload priorities: favor performance for latency-sensitive apps or balanced/energy-efficient settings for power-constrained environments.
• Consider enabling Turbo Boost for bursty workloads if thermal conditions and power budget permit.

Memory Tuning

• Populate memory channels evenly to take advantage of full memory bandwidth.
• Use registered ECC DIMMs for stability in production environments and to meet HPE recommended configurations.

Virtualization Practices

• Right-size virtual CPU assignments to avoid over-commitment that causes contention.
• Use NUMA-aware scheduling and memory allocation to enhance memory locality.

Data Center Power and Cooling

Because the E5-2670 has a 115W TDP, aggregate power consumption in a dense blade enclosure can be significant. Conduct a power and cooling assessment before large-scale rollouts to ensure adequate capacity and to avoid thermal throttling or unexpected fan speed ramping that can impact acoustics and energy use.

Implementation Examples and Deployment Scenarios

Below are example deployment scenarios where the HPE 662064-B21 provides tangible benefits:

Enterprise Lab and Test Environments

For organizations that maintain lab clusters for software validation, QA, or CI/CD pipelines, retrofitting BL460c Gen8 blades with the E5-2670 allows for inexpensive, representative test beds without consuming budget on brand-new hardware.

Cost-Conscious Production Pools

Non-mission-critical production pools, such as internal HR applications or archival systems, can gain productive service life through these upgrades, deferring capital expenditure while sustaining SLAs.

High-Density Hosting and Multi-Tenant Services

Service providers delivering virtualized hosting may find BL460c Gen8 nodes with E5-2670 cost-effective for specific tiers of service where ultimate single-thread performance is less crucial than overall per-dollar throughput.

Final Technical Notes and Actionable Next Steps for Buyers

To conclude this body of content (without an external introduction or conclusion as requested), use the following tactical steps when evaluating or purchasing the HPE 662064-B21:

• Verify chassis and blade firmware compatibility using HPE's official documentation.
• Confirm that cooling and power budgets in your chassis are suitable for a 115W TDP CPU.
• Plan for memory population and NUMA considerations to optimize performance.
• Document the processor's part number, batch, and serial numbers for warranty and support records.
• Consider acquiring an HPE support pack or service extension if long-term hardware maintenance is required.

Contact and Support Recommendations

When in doubt, engage HPE authorized resellers or HPE support channels for compatibility checks and integration guidance. Provide clear details about your BL460c Gen8 chassis model, existing firmware versions, and current system configuration to expedite support responses.

Related Items and Accessories

• HPE BL460c Gen8 heatsinks and thermal assemblies
• Registered ECC DIMM memory kits matched to Gen8 population rules
• HPE iLO Advanced license keys for enhanced remote management
• Spare parts kits and blanking panels for chassis maintenance