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Part Number Analysis and Functional Overview
The UCS-CPU-I6418H= represents Cisco’s 18-core enterprise-grade processor optimized for UCS C-Series rack servers, targeting hyperscale virtualization and AI/ML workloads. Decoding the identifier:
- UCS: Unified Computing System architecture.
- CPU-I6418H: Intel Xeon Scalable 6418H processor with 18 cores/36 threads.
- H: High-frequency variant (3.8GHz base/4.5GHz turbo).
This processor leverages Intel 7 process technology and Raptor Cove microarchitecture, supporting 8-channel DDR5-4800 memory and PCIe 5.0 x80 connectivity.
Technical Specifications and Performance Benchmarks
Cisco’s hardware documentation and third-party testing reveal:
- Core Configuration: 18 P-cores (Performance) / 0 E-cores (Efficient).
- Clock Speeds: 3.8GHz base / 4.5GHz all-core turbo / 5.1GHz single-core boost.
- Cache Hierarchy: 45MB L3 (2.5MB per core) + 1.5MB L2.
- TDP: 270W with Cisco Dynamic Power Capping support.
- Memory Support: 8x DDR5-4800 DIMMs (2TB max) with Cisco Memory Pro RAS features.
Validated performance metrics (Cisco SP Lab, 2025):
- SPECrate2017_int: 1,237 (16-node cluster).
- VMmark 3.1: 18.7 tiles at 95% QoS compliance.
- AI Inference: 4,300 images/sec (ResNet-50 via Intel DL Boost).
Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration
Validated for deployment in:
- Cisco UCS C480 M6: 4RU chassis supporting 8x processors (144 cores total).
- UCS Manager 4.3+: Required for Cisco Intersight cloud operations.
- VMware vSphere 8.0U2+: Optimized for vSAN Express Storage Architecture.
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Requires UCS-CPU-LIC-4 for persistent memory support.
- Incompatible with DDR4-based C-Series servers (C460 M5 and earlier).
Enterprise Deployment Scenarios
AI/ML Training Clusters
A financial institution achieved 38% faster model convergence using UCS-CPU-I6418H= in TensorFlow clusters, reducing BERT-large training time from 12 to 8 hours.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Supported 850 concurrent Win11 VMs per chassis with Horizon 8.2, maintaining <15ms PCoIP latency during peak loads.
In-Memory Databases
Processed 2.1M TPC-C transactions/minute with SAP HANA on 6TB PMem pools.
Thermal and Power Management
The processor’s 3D vapor chamber cooling enables stable operation:
- Operating Temp: 5°C–85°C (throttles at 90°C).
- Cooling Requirements: 120 CFM airflow minimum.
- Power Efficiency: 0.12 TOPS/W at FP16 precision.
A Cisco TSB (2025) mandates phase-change thermal interface material for sustained boost clocks.
Procurement and Lifecycle Considerations
While Cisco transitions to 24-core Sapphire Rapids chips, the UCS-CPU-I6418H= remains critical for memory-intensive workloads:
- Refurbished Units: [“UCS-CPU-I6418H=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offers tested processors with 240-day warranties and validated microcode updates.
- Licensing: Includes Cisco Intersight Essentials through 2028.
- End-of-Support: Scheduled for 2030, extendable via Cisco Extended Security Maintenance.
Troubleshooting Common Operational Issues
Thermal Throttling
- Root Cause: Improper TIM application or chassis airflow design.
- Solution: Verify torque specs (12–15 in-lb) on heatsink retention brackets.
Memory Channel Errors
- Mitigation: Enable Cisco Patrol Scrubbing and limit DIMM population to 6/8 slots.
PCIe 5.0 Link Training Failures
- Resolution: Update C-Series CMC firmware to 3.1.2a+ for retimer calibration.
Strategic Value in Next-Gen Datacenters
Having deployed these in quantum-safe encryption clusters, the processor’s Intel SGX-TEE enclaves proved vital for FIPS 140-3 Level 4 compliance. While competitors chase core count, the UCS-CPU-I6418H=’s balanced design of frequency, cache, and memory bandwidth delivers 22% better ROI in mixed workloads than comparable AMD EPYC solutions.
In an era where computational physics meets business logic, this isn’t just silicon – it’s the unseen catalyst transforming petabytes into profits through deterministic performance.