Xeon E is Intel's entry-level server processor family, designed for single-socket machines that need to run around the clock rather than top a benchmark chart. It sits below Xeon Scalable in Intel's server line-up and suits small rack servers, towers and compact appliances where four fast cores cover the workload comfortably. The notes below explain how to read a Xeon E listing, how to confirm a chip will work in your board, and which jobs a quad-core Xeon handles well. For the full spread of server CPUs, including AMD EPYC, browse our server processors category.
Xeon E at a glance
- Platform
- Single-socket servers, towers and entry workstations. Xeon E is not a multi-socket family, so one processor per system is the norm.
- Cores
- Four cores on both the Xeon E-2124 and the Xeon E-2134.
- Base clock
- 3.30GHz on the E-2124 and 3.50GHz on the E-2134, the main difference between the two parts.
- Cache
- 8MB on both models.
- TDP
- 71W on both, so moving from an E-2124 to an E-2134 does not change the thermal design power your heatsink and power supply have to handle.
- S-spec
- SR3WQ identifies the E-2124 and SR3WP identifies the E-2134. The code is printed on the processor's heat spreader and is the quickest way to confirm exactly which chip you hold.
- Compatibility
- Set by the motherboard and its firmware, not by the processor alone. Check your server or board vendor's supported processor list and minimum BIOS version before ordering.
Reading a Xeon E part number
Each Xeon E listing on our site gives the model, core count, base clock, TDP, cache and S-spec in the title, for example Intel Xeon E-2134 4C 3.50GHz 71W 8MB SR3WP. The model number tells you where the chip sits in the family; the S-spec tells you the exact production version. Server vendors often qualify processors by S-spec, so if you are matching a replacement to an existing machine, compare the code on the old chip with the one in our listing.
If you are searching by an Intel ordering code, the long number beginning CM (such as CM8068403380018), use it to find the matching S-spec in Intel's documentation or your vendor's parts list, then match that S-spec here. That route is more reliable than searching by model name, because a single model can appear under more than one ordering code.
Typical deployments
Small office file, print and directory servers
A domain controller, file share or print server rarely stretches four cores. Put the budget into memory and reliable storage rather than chasing a faster chip. The E-2124 is a sensible default here, and its 71W TDP keeps heat down in a comms cupboard that may not have dedicated cooling.
Entry virtualisation and lab hosts
A Xeon E host can run a handful of light virtual machines: a test domain, a monitoring box, a small web stack. Memory will run out before the cores do, so fill the board's memory slots first. Once you need dozens of VMs or live migration between hosts, a dual-socket platform makes more sense; our guide to choosing servers for VMware and Hyper-V covers how to size one.
Per-core licensed software
Where an operating system or database is licensed by the core, a quad-core processor keeps the core count you have to cover low. In that case clock speed is the lever that adds performance without adding licences, which is why the 3.50GHz E-2134 is usually the better pick over the E-2124 for a small SQL or line-of-business application server.
Storage, backup and NAS appliances
In a backup target or network storage box the processor is seldom the bottleneck. Drive bays, the storage controller and network throughput decide how the system performs. Choose the chassis first, then fit whichever Xeon E the board supports; spending more on the CPU will not speed up a disk-bound job.
Firewalls, routers and edge appliances
Software firewalls and routing platforms running on general-purpose hardware often benefit from strong per-core speed, especially on busy links. A higher base clock is the priority, so the E-2134 is the stronger option. A compact single-socket chassis also suits a branch office or edge rack where space and power are limited.
Like-for-like repairs and fleet matching
If you run several identical small servers, replacing a failed processor with the same model and S-spec keeps every machine behaving the same way and avoids firmware surprises. Note the S-spec from the faulty chip, order the match, and keep a spare on the shelf for the next one.
When a different Xeon family fits better
Xeon E is the right choice when one processor and four cores cover the job. Look elsewhere when the workload or the server says otherwise:
Current dual-socket servers
For larger virtualisation clusters, databases and anything that needs many cores or a lot of memory, browse our Intel Xeon Scalable processors. They suit mainstream rack servers such as the Dell PowerEdge R750.
Older dual-socket platforms
Upgrading or repairing an earlier two-socket rack or tower server usually means the Xeon E5 range. Match the version on your existing chips before ordering.
Older four-socket systems
Scale-up machines built for large in-memory workloads used Xeon E7 server CPUs, which are the parts to look for when maintaining that kind of hardware.
Why buy from Compuwyze
- Orders for simple items such as processors placed before 2pm aim to ship the same day.
- UK delivery is normally next working day once your order has shipped.
- Free UK delivery on orders over £50, which a processor plus a few spares often reaches.
- International shipping by FedEx, with economy and priority services and typical transit of 2 to 5 days.
- Bulk and heavier orders ship in boxes or on pallets through couriers including Royal Mail, FedEx, FDC and DHL.
- Need a complete machine rather than a part? Our build-to-order server configurator covers configured servers, which carry a 3-year return-to-base warranty and aim to ship within 2 business days.
Xeon E processor FAQs
What is the Intel Xeon E family?
Xeon E is Intel's entry server processor line for single-socket systems. It came after the Xeon E3 range and sits below Xeon Scalable, which is built for dual-socket and larger servers. Xeon E suits small business servers, compact appliances and entry workstations where a few fast cores are enough.
Will a Xeon E CPU work in my server or motherboard?
Only if the board supports it. Compatibility depends on the socket, chipset and BIOS of the system, so check your server or board vendor's supported processor list and make sure the firmware is at or above the version it specifies. If you are replacing an existing chip, matching the model and S-spec is the safest route. We can't guarantee compatibility with a particular system, so confirm it with the vendor before you order.
What does SR3WP mean?
SR3WP is Intel's S-spec code for the Xeon E-2134, the 4-core, 3.50GHz, 71W part with 8MB cache. SR3WQ is the S-spec for the Xeon E-2124. The code is printed on the heat spreader and pins down the exact production version, which is what many server vendors qualify against.
Should I choose the Xeon E-2124 or the E-2134?
Both have four cores, 8MB cache and a 71W TDP, so they fit the same thermal and power budget. The E-2134 runs at a 3.50GHz base clock against the E-2124's 3.30GHz. Choose the E-2134 for per-core licensed software, firewalls or anything sensitive to single-thread speed; the E-2124 is perfectly adequate for file, print and directory services.
What warranty comes with a refurbished Xeon processor?
Processors bought as individual parts come with a 12-month return-to-base warranty. If a chip develops a fault within that period, you send it back to us to be dealt with.
Can I return a processor if it isn't right for my system?
Yes. We accept returns for 30 days, and the customer covers the cost of return shipping. Checking your board's supported processor list before ordering is the easiest way to avoid a return.