HP 638317-L21 Intel Xeon E5645 Processor

Name: HP 638317-L21 Intel Xeon E5645 Processor
Brand: HP
SKU: 638317-L21

Six-core Intel Xeon E5645 server processor from HP with 12MB cache and efficient 80W power draw.

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Overview

The HP 638317-L21 is an HP-packaged processor kit featuring the Intel Xeon E5645, a six-core server CPU based on Intel's 32nm Westmere architecture. Running at 2.53GHz with 12MB of shared L3 cache, the E5645 supports hyper-threading to provide 12 processing threads, making it capable of handling concurrent server workloads including virtualization, database operations, and web hosting. Its 80-watt thermal design power keeps energy consumption and cooling requirements reasonable, which is important in dense server environments.

As an HP kit, the 638317-L21 is validated for use in specific HP ProLiant server models, which simplifies compatibility concerns for system administrators managing HP infrastructure. While the Westmere platform is several generations behind current Xeon offerings, the E5645 remains a relevant component for organizations extending the service life of existing servers. It serves well as a drop-in replacement or an upgrade from lower-core-count processors in the same socket family, delivering incremental performance gains without requiring a full platform replacement.

Specifications

Brand

Model

638317-L21

Processor

Intel Xeon E5645

Clock Speed

2.53GHz

Cores

Cache

12MB

TDP

80W

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Six cores with hyper-threading deliver 12 threads for capable multitasking in server environments
80W TDP provides a good balance of performance and power efficiency for its generation
12MB L3 cache helps maintain performance across data-intensive server workloads
HP kit packaging ensures compatibility validation with supported ProLiant servers
Low cost makes it an economical upgrade or replacement for aging server infrastructure

👎 Cons

Based on the older Westmere architecture with significantly lower IPC than modern Xeon processors
2.53GHz clock speed is modest and may bottleneck single-threaded applications
Only compatible with specific HP ProLiant servers using the LGA 1366 socket platform
DDR3 memory support limits maximum memory bandwidth compared to current DDR4/DDR5 platforms
No support for modern instruction sets and features found in current-generation server processors

Frequently Asked Questions

What servers is the HP 638317-L21 Xeon E5645 designed for?

This is an HP-packaged processor kit (model 638317-L21) intended for compatible HP ProLiant servers. Check HP's compatibility documentation for your specific server model before purchasing.

What are the core specifications of the E5645 processor?

The Intel Xeon E5645 is a six-core processor running at 2.53GHz with 12MB of L3 cache and a thermal design power of 80 watts.

Does this processor support hyper-threading?

Yes, the Intel Xeon E5645 supports hyper-threading, providing 12 threads from its 6 physical cores for improved multithreaded workload performance.

Is this a current-generation processor?

No, the Xeon E5645 is based on Intel's older Westmere architecture. It is a legacy processor typically used as a replacement or upgrade in existing compatible server hardware.