Processors (CPUs) & Heatsinks
Dell PowerEdge 2800 Processors & Heatsinks
Dell manufactured two generations of the PowerEdge 2800 server model designed around select Intel Xeon 604-pin CPUs. It is important to understand the differences among the system boards prior to upgrading or replacing processors. In addition, Dell recommends updating to the most current BIOS revision prior to installation. When adding a second processor to a system, make sure to select an identical CPU with matching spec code (e.g. SL7PD, SL8P4, etc). The spec code is engraved on the top of the CPU itself.
Generation I system boards (motherboards) support up to two (2) Intel Xeon 64-bit single-core processors only. They will NOT support dual-core CPUs. Example part numbers for these system boards are T7916, T7971, C8306, CD158, and X7322.
Generation II system boards support all Intel Xeon socket 604, 64-bit single-core processors intended for the Dell PowerEdge 2800 in addition to the 2.8GHz dual-core Paxville processor with 4MB cache (SL8MA). The front of the system chassis is usually labeled with a Roman numeral "II" in the upper left corner above the LCD display. Example part numbers for generation II system boards are XC320 and NJ023.
For assistance with processor installation, please see Dell's documentation.