HPE Server Processors P02986-L21

An Intel Xeon Gold 6254 for the HPE ProLiant DL560 Gen10, supplied as HPE kit P02986-L21: 18 cores running at 3.1 GHz base within a 200 W envelope.

At 3.1 GHz base across 18 cores this is a clock-first part rather than a core-count-first one, and the reason to choose it is usually licensing. Database engines, analytics tools and a good deal of enterprise software are still priced per core, so a smaller number of faster cores can cost dramatically less to licence than a large number of slower ones while finishing the same work. It also suits anything with a single-threaded bottleneck, where total core count buys you nothing.

Specifications

This is an L21 factory-installed kit

The -L21 part number is HPE’s FIO (factory-installed option) kit. It is intended to be ordered alongside a configure-to-order server so the processor arrives already fitted, with the matching heatsink and the airflow parts the chassis expects. The equivalent -B21 part is the standard option kit for adding a processor to a server you already have. The processor inside is the same; what differs is how it is supplied and whether HPE installs it. If you are upgrading an existing machine rather than buying a new one, ask us for the -B21 version and we will quote it.

Fitment

HPE lists this kit for the HPE ProLiant DL560 Gen10, the four-socket server in a 2U chassis, which is its whole reason for existing: four-socket core count and memory capacity at half the rack height of a traditional scale-up box. Processor kits are specific to a server generation: Gen10 processors are not interchangeable with Gen9 or with Gen10 Plus, because the socket and platform differ.

All processors in this 4-socket server must be the same model, and not every processor in the range is rated for 4-socket operation. Tell us how many sockets you intend to populate and we will confirm this part suits that configuration before despatch.

Worth checking before you order

• Adding a processor to an existing server? It must match the others exactly. Send us the part number already fitted and we will confirm the match before you order.
• At 200 W this is one of the higher-power parts in the range. Check the server’s power supply configuration and the heatsink specified for high-TDP processors — the standard heatsink is often not the right one.
• Memory is populated per processor. Check how your DIMMs are distributed across the six channels of each socket, since an unbalanced layout costs real bandwidth.
• Update system firmware before or alongside a processor change. A server shipped on older firmware may not recognise a newer processor stepping.
• Not sure this is the right part? Tell us the server’s serial or product number and what it runs, and we will confirm the processor and quote alternatives.