Intel Xeon E-2478
Also called intel xeon e-2478, xeon e-2478, e-2478, xeon-e-2478
Intel Xeon E server processor on Raptor Lake, with 8 cores and 16 threads and 24 MB L3 at 80 W TDP addressing up to 128 GB.
What you need to know
Still a capable Xeon E desktop chip.
Intel Xeon E-2478 launched in October 1, 2023., It has 8 cores and 16 threads on Raptor Lake, dropping into the FCLGA1700 socket. It is no longer the newest SKU in every store, but the chip is still useful when the rest of the PC keeps up.
- Still good?
- Yes, for most work this class is sold for
- Product age
- 2 years old
- Upgrade pressure
- Low
What this hardware means today
Age and usefulness are not the same number. This page keeps them separate.
- Performance today
- Very Good. Very Good for the class when RAM, storage, and the GPU keep up.
- Product age 2 years old
- Previous generation. Launched October 1, 2023. Newer platforms exist. That does not make this chip unusable by itself.
- Support status
- Supported. Current Windows and current applications still run on this class of CPU. Platform BIOS support depends on the motherboard or laptop vendor.
- Upgrade pressure
- Low. Upgrade pressure is low unless you need a different platform feature.
Where does it sit?
Raptor Lake sits on Intel's recent Core timeline. Later desktop branding moved toward Core Ultra.
Performance context
These are qualitative readings, not a fake 8.7 out of 10. Workload still wins.
Gaming: Poor fit
Not the job. Use a desktop or workstation part if games are the point.
Productivity: Very Good
8 cores cover office, browser, and compile work in this class.
Multithreaded workloads: Good
16 threads. Heavy encodes still scale further on higher-core parts.
General use: Excellent
Everyday Windows use is not where most people notice this SKU first.
Efficiency: Good
Rated 80 W base power. That is a platform number, not a promise about your cooler.
Should you upgrade?
Probably not if this chip already matches your work.
Upgrade makes more sense if
- Your workload is strongly CPU limited
- You need a newer platform for memory, I/O, or chipset features
- You need substantially more multicore performance
- You need newer connectivity that your current board cannot offer
Upgrade makes less sense if
- The GPU is the real bottleneck
- Current applications are already responsive
- The CPU rarely limits your workload
Specifications
Figures below follow the Feex Hardware Database record for this SKU. Fields without a recorded value are omitted.
Processor
Intel Xeon E-2478 is built on Raptor Lake.
| Manufacturer | Intel |
|---|---|
| Family | Xeon E |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake |
| Generation | Intel Xeon E Processor |
| Segment | Server |
Cores and threads
Intel Xeon E-2478 has 8 cores and 16 threads.
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| P-cores | 8 |
| Threads | 16 |
Clock speeds
Base clock is 2.8 GHz. Boost reaches 5.2 GHz.
| Base frequency | 2.8 GHz |
|---|---|
| Max boost | 5.2 GHz |
Cache
Cache on this sheet is 24 MB L3.
| L3 cache | 24 MB |
|---|---|
| Total cache | 24 MB |
Memory
Intel Xeon E-2478 addresses 128 GB across 2 memory channels.
| Supported types | DDR5 |
|---|---|
| Max capacity | 128 GB |
| Channels | 2 |
Package and power
Intel Xeon E-2478 uses the FCLGA1700 socket and a 80 W TDP.
| Socket | FCLGA1700 |
|---|---|
| TDP | 80 W |
| PCIe | Revision 5, 20 lanes |
Market
Intel Xeon E-2478 launched October 1, 2023 at USD 623 (suggested price at launch).
| Launch date | October 1, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Launch MSRP | USD 623 (suggested price at launch) |
| Model | E-2478 |
Features
Intel Xeon E-2478 records 4 instruction sets on this sheet.
| Instruction sets | AVX264-bit (x86-64)SSE4.1SSE4.2 |
|---|---|
| Security | Boot GuardHardware RNGOS GuardMode-Based Execute Control |
| Virtualization | Extended Page Tables (EPT)VT-d (DMA Remapping)VT-x (Hardware Virtualization) |
Compatibility
| Socket | FCLGA1700 |
|---|---|
| Board | A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Check the motherboard CPU list and BIOS revision. |
| Memory | DDR5, up to 128 GB |
A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Boards often need a BIOS update before a newer chip in the same socket will post.
Cooler clearance, VRM quality, and power limits matter as much as the socket name.
Read the memory list on the board. The CPU can list more standards than one motherboard will accept.
No post after a CPU swap
Clear CMOS only after you confirm the board list includes this SKU and the BIOS is new enough. A supported name on a box is not the same as a flashed board.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Partially Verified. How we research.
- Feex Hardware Database · Specification source used for this sheet. CC BY 4.0.
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