The Intel Xeon E5-1650 was a server/workstation processor with 6 cores, launched in March 2012. It is part of the Xeon lineup, using the Sandy Bridge-EP architecture with Socket LGA2011. Thanks to Intel Hyper-Threading the core-count is effectively doubled, to 12 threads. Xeon E5-1650 has 12 MB of L3 cache and operates at 3.2 GHz by default, but can boost up to 3.8 GHz, depending on the workload. Intel is making the Xeon E5-1650 on a 32 nm production node using 2,270 million transistors. The multiplier is unlocked on Xeon E5-1650, which provides additional overclocking potential. With a TDP of 130 W, the Xeon E5-1650 consumes a lot of power, so good cooling is definitely needed. Intel's processor supports DDR3 memory with a quad-channel interface, running at speeds up to 1600 MHz. ECC memory is supported, too, which is an important capability for mission-critical systems, to avoid data corruption. For communication with other components in the computer, Xeon E5-1650 uses a PCI-Express Gen 3 connection. This processor lacks integrated graphics, you might need a graphics card. Hardware virtualization is available on the Xeon E5-1650, which greatly improves virtual machine performance. The processor also supports Intel's Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, allowing for dynamic performance increases when thermal headroom is available.