Intel Xeon Platinum 9242

The Intel Xeon Platinum 9242 is a 48-core, 96-thread server processor built on the Cascade Lake-AP architecture. It runs at a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, with a 350W TDP. Manufactured on Intel's 14nm process, it contains 8,000 million transistors. The cache layout includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 71.5 MB L3 cache. It supports DDR4 memory with ECC, uses the Intel BGA 5903 socket, and was released on April 1, 2019. The multiplier is locked, and the market segment is Server/Workstation.

Benchmark Performance

The database currently records no benchmark scores for this processor. Its percentile rank among all CPUs is 50, but the average benchmark score is zero, indicating that no measured performance data has been entered. As a result, the percentile is a placeholder, not a reflection of real-world speed. Without scores, no direct comparison to rival processors is possible from the available data. However, the specification sheet points to a design centered on parallel throughput rather than latency-sensitive tasks.

The 48 cores and 96 threads are the dominant factors in multi-threaded performance. A processor with this core count is intended for workloads that can be split across many threads, such as virtualization, batch processing, and scientific computing. The boost clock of 3.80 GHz provides the ceiling for lightly threaded operations, but sustained all-core loads will likely run closer to the base clock of 2.30 GHz due to power and thermal limits. The shared 71.5 MB L3 cache is substantial, which helps when multiple cores access the same data sets. The 14nm process and 8,000 million transistor count suggest a mature design, not a leading-edge one, but the core count compensates in throughput-oriented environments.

Because no benchmark results exist, any performance assessment must rely on architectural parameters. The absence of data is notable: the percentile rank of 50 is a default placement, not a measured outcome. For a processor of this class, the lack of recorded scores means buyers cannot verify its standing against contemporary parts from the database. Still, the core and thread counts alone signal that this is a high-capacity compute engine, not a desktop part.

Power and Thermals

The 350W TDP places this processor in the high-power server tier. This is a significant thermal load that requires a cooling solution designed for enterprise environments. A capable air cooler with a large heatsink and high-static-pressure fans may handle it, but liquid cooling is often used in dense server chassis to manage heat more effectively. The 14nm process and 48 active cores contribute to this power envelope. The locked multiplier prevents manual overclocking or undervolting via multiplier changes, so power management is left to the motherboard's firmware.

The TDP is a design target; actual power draw varies with workload intensity. For a workstation, this means selecting a chassis with adequate airflow and a power supply that can handle peak loads. The BGA 5903 socket is a fixed mounting solution, which simplifies cooling mounting but also means the cooling solution must be compatible with the board's mounting holes. The high TDP also implies that the processor is not intended for mainstream desktop builds; the Server/Workstation market segment aligns with this expectation. In a well-ventilated rack or workstation case, the heat can be managed, but it is not a trivial cooling task. Users should plan for a robust thermal solution from the outset.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The base clock of 2.30 GHz is low by modern standards, but the boost clock of 3.80 GHz provides significant headroom for lightly threaded tasks. However, with 48 cores, the processor is designed to excel in multi-threaded workloads. The 96 threads allow the operating system to schedule many parallel tasks simultaneously. In single-threaded applications, the processor will rely on the boost clock, but the architecture's focus on core count means that single-thread performance is not the primary selling point.

The L1 and L2 caches are per-core, which helps reduce latency for each thread, while the large shared L3 cache aids in data sharing between cores. For workloads that are primarily single-threaded, a processor with higher per-core frequency would be more appropriate, but this chip's strength lies in throughput. The locked multiplier means the boost clock is the maximum frequency, so there is no headroom for manual overclocking. In practice, the processor will spend most of its time at base or boost depending on the load; all-core workloads will likely settle near the base clock due to power limits. The 3.80 GHz boost is the highest frequency the processor can reach, and it is typically reserved for one or a few active cores. For multi-threaded tasks, the processor will operate across many cores, and the aggregate throughput is what matters.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Xeon Platinum 9242 have?

A: It has 48 cores and 96 threads.

Q: What are the base and boost clock speeds?

A: The base clock is 2.30 GHz, and the boost clock is 3.80 GHz.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 350W.

Q: What type of memory does it support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory, and ECC is enabled.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 5903 socket.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is aimed at server and workstation environments where many threads are needed. Workloads such as virtualization, database management, scientific simulation, and 3D rendering can take advantage of the 48 cores and 96 threads. The large 71.5 MB L3 cache is beneficial for datasets that fit within it, reducing memory traffic. The support for ECC memory is critical for data integrity in long-running computations. The high TDP and BGA socket mean it is not a consumer desktop part; it requires a motherboard designed for this socket.

For users who need massive parallel compute and are building a dedicated server or workstation, this processor fits. For gaming or typical office tasks, the high core count is underutilized, and the boost clock of 3.80 GHz is not exceptionally high, so single-thread performance may be a limiting factor. The locked multiplier removes overclocking as a tuning option. The release date of April 2019 places it in the Cascade Lake generation, which may be superseded by newer parts, but for its intended workloads, the core count remains a strong asset. The processor is best suited for environments where multi-threaded throughput is the priority, and where the 350W TDP can be accommodated.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor uses the Intel BGA 5903 socket, which is a fixed mounting solution. This means the processor is soldered to the motherboard, so upgrading to a different CPU would require replacing the entire board. Memory support is DDR4 with ECC, which is standard for server platforms. The architecture is Cascade Lake-AP, a variant of Cascade Lake designed for high core counts. The process node is 14nm, and the transistor count is 8,000 million. The market segment is Server/Workstation, so the platform is expected to include features like multiple memory channels and high-speed I/O, though the fact pack does not specify PCIe or memory bus details.

The processor has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output. The multiplier is locked, so no overclocking is possible. The release date is April 1, 2019. The platform is designed for 24/7 operation, and the ECC memory support ensures data integrity. The BGA socket limits the user's ability to swap processors, so the initial choice of CPU is final. For a workstation, this means selecting a motherboard with the BGA 5903 socket and sufficient cooling. The 350W TDP also dictates the power delivery requirements of the motherboard. The combination of a high core count, large cache, and ECC memory support makes this a purpose-built part for heavy compute tasks, but the fixed socket and high power draw narrow its applicability to dedicated server or workstation builds.