HPE P10938-B21 Xeon Silver 4208 8 Core 9.6GT/S 11MB Smart Cache

Core Count

The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor is equipped with 8 cores, making it an ideal choice for users who require powerful processing capabilities. The core count refers to the number of independent processing units within a CPU, and having more cores allows for better multitasking and improved performance.

Overview of Silver 4208 Server Processor

Product Identification

• Type: Server Processor
• Manufacturer Part Number: P10938-B21
• Model: Silver 4208

Technical Specifications

• Core Count: 8 cores
• Base Clock Speed: 2.1 GHz
• Turbo Boost Frequency: 3.20 GHz
• UltraPath Interconnect (UPI) Speed: 9.6 GT/s
• UPI Links: 2
• Instruction Set: 64-bit
• Instruction Set Extensions: Intel® AVX-512

Cache Memory Details

• Smart Cache: 11 MB

Physical and Thermal Characteristics

• Process Technology: 14 nm
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 85W
• Processor Socket Compatibility: FCLGA3647

Memory Specifications

• Maximum Supported Memory Size: 1 TB (depends on memory type)
• Memory Types: DDR4-2400
• Maximum Memory Speed: 2.4 GHz
• Maximum Number of Memory Channels: 6
• ECC Memory Support: Yes

Benefits of 8 Cores

1. Improved Multitasking

With 8 cores, the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor can handle multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising on performance. This is particularly beneficial for users who need to run resource-intensive applications or perform complex calculations.

2. Enhanced Performance

Each core in the processor can execute instructions independently, which means that tasks can be distributed across multiple cores for faster processing. This results in improved overall performance and responsiveness, allowing users to complete tasks more efficiently.

3. Smooth Running of Virtual Machines

Virtualization has become increasingly popular in various industries, enabling users to create multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. With 8 cores, the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor can efficiently handle virtualization workloads, ensuring smooth operation of multiple virtual machines.

4. Future-Proofing

As software and applications become more demanding, having a higher core count becomes essential for ensuring optimal performance. By choosing a processor with 8 cores like the HPE Xeon Silver 4208, users can future-proof their systems and ensure they can handle upcoming software advancements.

The Importance of Core Count in Different Applications

The importance of core count varies depending on the type of application being used:

a) Gaming and Multimedia Applications

For gamers and multimedia enthusiasts, having a higher core count is crucial for running graphics-intensive games or editing high-resolution videos. The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor's 8 cores provide the necessary processing power to handle these demanding tasks without any lag or slowdown.

b) Data Analysis and Scientific Computing

Professionals in fields such as data analysis and scientific computing often deal with large datasets and complex calculations. The 8 cores of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor enable faster data processing, allowing users to analyze data more efficiently and accelerate research or business insights.

c) Server Applications

In server environments, where multiple users access and interact with the system simultaneously, having a higher core count is crucial for maintaining performance and handling concurrent requests. The 8 cores of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor ensure that server applications can handle heavy workloads without experiencing performance bottlenecks.

Bus Speed

The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor boasts an impressive bus speed of 9.6GT/s (GigaTransfers per second). The bus speed refers to the rate at which data transfers between the processor and other components within a system. A higher bus speed results in faster data transfer, improving overall system performance.

Benefits of 9.6GT/s Bus Speed

1. Faster Data Transfer

The higher bus speed of 9.6GT/s ensures that data can be transferred between the processor and other system components at a rapid rate. This is particularly beneficial for applications that rely heavily on data access or require frequent communication between different hardware components.

2. Reduced Latency

Latency refers to the delay experienced during data transfer between different components. The higher bus speed of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor minimizes latency, resulting in faster response times and improved overall system performance.

3. Improved System Responsiveness

With a higher bus speed, the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor can quickly retrieve and process data from system memory or storage devices. This translates to improved system responsiveness, allowing users to perform tasks more efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

4. Enhanced I/O Performance

Input/output (I/O) operations, such as transferring data to and from external devices or accessing network resources, play a crucial role in many applications. The 9.6GT/s bus speed of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor ensures efficient I/O performance, enabling faster data exchange with external devices or network resources.

The Importance of Bus Speed in Different Scenarios

The significance of bus speed can vary depending on the specific usage scenario:

a) Gaming and Multimedia Applications

In gaming and multimedia applications, a higher bus speed contributes to better overall performance and reduced loading times. Gamers can experience smoother gameplay, while multimedia professionals can benefit from faster rendering and video editing processes.

b) Database and Server Applications

For database management systems and server applications, a higher bus speed is crucial for handling large amounts of data and concurrent user requests. The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor's 9.6GT/s bus speed ensures efficient data transfer within the server environment, resulting in improved database performance and reduced response times.

c) High-Performance Computing

In high-performance computing scenarios, where complex simulations or calculations are performed, a higher bus speed is essential for exchanging data between processors and memory modules. The 9.6GT/s bus speed of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor accelerates computational tasks, enabling researchers or scientists to achieve results more quickly.

Cache Size

The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor features an impressive 11MB cache size. The cache is a small but high-speed memory located within the processor, used to store frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. A larger cache size improves overall system performance by reducing the time required to access data.

Benefits of 11MB Cache Size

1. Faster Data Access

With an 11MB cache size, the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor can store a significant amount of frequently accessed data closer to the CPU cores. This allows for faster data access, as the processor does not need to retrieve the data from system memory or storage devices, resulting in improved overall system performance.

2. Reduced Memory Latency

Memory latency refers to the delay experienced when retrieving data from system memory. The larger cache size of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor reduces memory latency by storing frequently accessed data within the cache, minimizing the need to access slower system memory.

3. Improved Application Responsiveness

With a larger cache size, applications can benefit from improved responsiveness, as frequently accessed data is readily available within the cache. This results in reduced waiting times and smoother application execution, enhancing the user experience.

4. Efficient Multitasking

The larger cache size of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor enables efficient multitasking by allowing multiple applications or processes to access frequently used data simultaneously. This reduces the need to constantly fetch data from external sources, improving overall system efficiency and multitasking capabilities.

The Importance of Cache Size in Different Scenarios

The importance of cache size can vary depending on the nature of the workload:

a) Gaming and Multimedia Applications

In gaming and multimedia applications, a larger cache size contributes to better performance by ensuring that frequently accessed game assets or multimedia files can be quickly retrieved. This results in reduced loading times and smoother gameplay or media playback.

b) Web Servers and Database Applications

In web server environments or database applications, a larger cache size is crucial for handling concurrent user requests and accessing frequently accessed data. The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor's 11MB cache size improves database performance by reducing the time required to fetch data from storage devices, resulting in faster response times.

c) Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Virtualization and cloud computing environments often involve running multiple virtual machines or cloud instances on a single physical server. A larger cache size, like that of the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor, enhances the performance of virtualized workloads by providing faster access to commonly used data across the virtual machines or cloud instances.

Socket Type

The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor is designed with a UPI (Ultra Path Interconnect) socket type. The socket type refers to the physical connection between the processor and the motherboard, determining compatibility and communication between the two components. The UPI socket type offers several benefits for users.

Benefits of UPI Socket Type

1. Scalability

The UPI socket type provides scalability, allowing users to easily upgrade or expand their system by replacing or adding compatible processors. This flexibility ensures that users can adapt their systems to meet evolving requirements without needing to replace the entire motherboard.

2. Enhanced Communication Speed

The UPI socket type enables high-speed communication between the processor and other components connected to the motherboard. This ensures efficient data transfer and reduces latency, resulting in improved overall system performance.

3. Compatibility with Multiple Processors

The UPI socket type supports multi-processor configurations, enabling users to install multiple processors within the same system. This is particularly beneficial for applications that require immense processing power, such as scientific simulations or high-performance computing tasks.

4. Future-Proofing

The UPI socket type ensures compatibility with future processor generations, allowing users to upgrade their system without needing to replace the entire motherboard. This future-proofing capability provides longevity to the system and allows for easy adoption of newer and more powerful processors.

The Importance of Socket Type in Different Scenarios

The choice of socket type can significantly impact system flexibility and performance:

a) Workstations and Gaming PCs

For workstations and gaming PCs, the UPI socket type provides the flexibility to upgrade to more powerful processors in the future. This ensures that users can keep up with the latest advancements in technology without needing to invest in a new motherboard.

b) Server Environments

In server environments, where scalability and performance are crucial, the UPI socket type allows for easy expansion by adding additional processors. This enables servers to handle increasing workloads and ensures that businesses can adapt their infrastructure as their needs grow.

c) Scientific Computing and HPC

Scientific computing and high-performance computing (HPC) often involve complex simulations or calculations that require immense processing power. The UPI socket type allows for multi-processor configurations, enabling researchers or scientists to harness the combined power of multiple processors for faster computations.

Part Number

The HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor has a part number of P10938-B21. The part number serves as a unique identifier for the specific processor model and helps users in accurately identifying and procuring the desired product.

Benefits of P10938-B21 Part Number

1. Specificity

The part number P10938-B21 provides a specific identification for the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor. This ensures that users can easily differentiate it from other processor models and make the right purchasing decision based on their requirements.

2. Compatibility Assurance

By using the part number P10938-B21, users can be confident that they are procuring the exact processor model they need. This eliminates any ambiguity or confusion, ensuring compatibility with their existing system or motherboard.

3. Easy Ordering and Replacement

The part number simplifies the ordering process, allowing users to quickly identify and order the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor without having to provide lengthy descriptions or specifications. Additionally, in case of a replacement, the part number ensures a seamless and accurate replacement process.

4. Warranty and Support

Using the correct part number when procuring the HPE Xeon Silver 4208 Processor ensures that users receive the appropriate warranty and support from the manufacturer or authorized resellers. This allows for easy access to technical assistance and any necessary repairs or replacements.

The Importance of Part Numbers in Different Scenarios

Part numbers play a crucial role in various scenarios, including:

a) System Upgrades

When upgrading a system, using the correct part number ensures that users are purchasing the exact processor model they require, guaranteeing compatibility and optimal performance.

b) Technical Support

In case of technical issues or warranty claims, providing the part number helps support teams accurately identify the product and provide the necessary assistance or replacements without delays.

c) Procurement and Inventory Management

For businesses or organizations managing large inventories of computer components, such as processors, part numbers simplify procurement and inventory management processes. They enable accurate tracking, identification, and efficient replenishment of stock.