872835-B21 HPE Intel Xeon-Gold 6138 Gen10 DL560 20-core 2.0GHz 125W Processor

HPE 872835-B21 the Intel Xeon Gold 6138 (20-core, 2.0 GHz, 125W)

The HPE 872835-B21 Intel Xeon-Gold 6138 Gen10 DL560 20-core 2.0GHz 125W Processor is a server-grade CPU designed for demanding enterprise workloads. This category covers the specific HPE CPU kit for the ProLiant DL560 Gen10 platform as well as identical Intel Xeon® Gold 6138 SKUs used across compatible 2U/4U rack servers and blade systems. The processor is part of Intel’s Scalable Xeon family and targets virtualization, database, in-memory analytics, high-density compute and scale-out applications where a balance of core count, memory bandwidth and power efficiency is required.

Compatibility & fitment HPE DL560 Gen10 and related platforms

The HPE 872835-B21 CPU kit is sold specifically as an HPE-branded processor module for the ProLiant DL560 Gen10 server. When evaluating compatibility:

Server models and slots

• Intended chassis: HPE ProLiant DL560 Gen10
• Socket: FCLGA3647 — verify motherboard and BIOS revision for full support
• Dual-socket configurations: most commonly deployed in 2-socket (or 4-socket capable) server models, confirm the DL560 configuration and firmware media

Firmware, BIOS and microcode considerations

Because HPE packages CPUs with outgoing firmware compatibility, always confirm the server BIOS/firmware revision supports the exact stepping and microcode for the Intel part number. HPE’s support matrices list tested processor SKUs per server generation — reference the DL560 Gen10 QuickSpecs and server support pages when planning an upgrade or replacement.

Memory and DIMM population rules

Populate DIMMs according to the HPE memory population guidelines to enable the full six-channel bandwidth for each CPU. Using mismatched DIMMs or leaving channels empty will reduce parallel memory throughput and can negatively affect workloads sensitive to memory latency and bandwidth.

Performance characteristics what to expect in real workloads

The Xeon Gold 6138 is optimized for balanced, scalable throughput rather than single-thread peak clocks. Real world performance depends on:

Parallel throughput and multi-tenant environments

With 20 cores and Hyper-Threading, the processor excels at workload consolidation, hypervisor hosts (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM), and containerized microservices where many threads execute concurrently. For VM density planning, estimate vCPU allocation carefully and monitor for memory and I/O bottlenecks as you scale.

Memory-bound applications

Applications that rely on large memory footprints (in-memory analytics, SAP HANA, large JVM heaps) take advantage of the six memory channels and the large supported memory capacity of the platform. Populate memory slots to maximize bandwidth; for extreme memory capacity use higher density DIMMs validated by HPE.

Single-thread workloads

If your environment runs applications that rely heavily on single-thread frequency (some legacy apps or bespoke code), note that the 2.00 GHz base frequency favors efficiency and core count. For peak single-thread needs, compare Turbo behavior and consider higher base/turbo frequency models in the Xeon family.

Energy efficiency and cost of ownership

The 125 W TDP helps control energy costs relative to higher TDP parts with similar core counts. For large deployments, even a few watts difference per socket accumulates into significant operational savings — include power and cooling in TCO calculations.

High throughput batch processing & analytics

Parallel ETL, log processing, and analytics pipelines will use many cores effectively; pairing with fast NVMe for I/O accelerates data ingestion and sorting steps.

Cooling and airflow best practices

Ensure rack airflow and front-to-back cooling are aligned with HPE recommendations. For 2-socket DL560 systems with two Xeon Gold 6138 processors, monitor inlet temperatures under sustained loads and validate that chassis fans are set to recommended profiles to keep Tcase within Intel/HPE limits.

Firmware updates and lifecycle

Keep server firmware up to date for security, performance and compatibility. Note that Intel’s Xeon Scalable family has defined servicing timelines; check HPE and Intel lifecycle pages for end of support or servicing updates. HPE part number 872835-B21 is typically supported with HPE warranties when purchased through official channels — keep purchase records and serials for warranty claims.

Pricing considerations and TCO

Evaluate price per core, platform costs (motherboard, memory population, storage) and operational costs (power/cooling). For many organizations, amortized TCO drives decisions more than MSRP. If the primary workloads scale horizontally, compare per-node cost and the performance delivered for your specific workload mix.

Virtualization and enterprise features

Intel Xeon Scalable processors include a set of silicon features relevant to enterprise deployments: virtualization extensions, trusted execution technologies, and performance counters. When configuring HPE servers, ensure virtualization features are enabled in BIOS (VT-x, VT-d) and that hypervisor best practices are followed to maximize performance and security isolation.

Virtualization extensions

Expect robust support for common hypervisors (VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM). For heavy I/O virtualization, enable SR-IOV and utilize HPE validated NICs and drivers to avoid performance loss.

Comparison Xeon Gold 6138 vs. adjacent SKUs

When comparing within the Xeon Scalable lineup, consider whether core count, base/turbo frequency and TDP align with your workload:

Higher frequency vs higher core count tradeoffs

Some Gold or Platinum SKUs provide higher base/turbo clocks or larger cache at higher TDP — useful for single-thread sensitive apps. Conversely, if throughput per watt or budget per core matters, the 6138’s balance of 20 cores and 125 W often provides an attractive midpoint.

How to cite this product in technical documentation

Use the full HPE part number and Intel model name together for clarity: HPE 872835-B21 (Intel Xeon Gold 6138, 20-core, 2.00 GHz, 125W) — validated for HPE ProLiant DL560 Gen10. Include BIOS/firmware revisions and memory populations in deployment notes to avoid ambiguity.

Content blocks for rich search snippets

Yes — the combination of 20 physical cores, Hyper-Threading, and six memory channels makes it an excellent option for VM hosts that require solid core density and memory bandwidth. Ensure memory is populated to exploit the full six-channel capability for best VM performance. It fits the Gen10 platform family sockets like those in the DL560 Gen10. It will not fit older platforms that use different socket families (e.g., LGA2011, LGA2011-3), so verify chassis generation and motherboard socket before purchasing.

Authenticity of an HPE 872835-B21 listing

Buy from authorized HPE partners or reputable resellers. Check for HPE packaging, part numbers on labels, and support documentation. If in doubt, validate the product serial and part number with HPE support for warranty confirmation. When publishing this category page, keep a consistent style for naming (always include both HPE part number and Intel model) and add structured data for Product and FAQ. Regularly refresh compatibility notes and firmware recommendations — server platforms and firmware timelines change over time, and accurate, dated support notes improve trust and reduce returns.