IBM 46W4361 Xeon E5-2609 v2 2.50 GHz 4-core server processor

Quad-core Xeon for Lenovo servers

The IBM 46W4361 is a refurbished Intel Xeon E5-2609 v2 processor running at 2.50 GHz with four cores and 10 MB of L3 cache. It fits the Socket R platform and includes an integrated memory controller rated for DDR3 1866. The 22 nm part is sold as a Lenovo-branded upgrade for compatible servers.

Replaces slower E5-2600 v2 CPUs

This quad-core chip upgrades dual-socket systems that currently run lower-frequency or dual-core models in the same family. The jump is worth it when workloads need more parallel threads at the 6.40 GT/s interconnect speed without moving to a higher TDP bracket. It also restores performance if an original processor has failed.

Suits virtualisation hosts and database nodes

Buyers running memory-bound workloads on DDR3 platforms will benefit from the 10 MB cache and quad-core density. Shops that require AVX2 instructions, higher core counts or newer DDR generations should look elsewhere. The refurbished condition also means it is not intended for brand-new build warranties.