UCS-L-6200-10G-C= Fabric Interconnect: Archit
Modular Architecture & Port Flexibility The U...
Introduction to the UCS-CPU-I6338=
The Cisco UCS-CPU-I6338= is a quad-core Intel Xeon processor module designed for Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) C-Series Rack Servers. Though discontinued by Cisco in 2019, it remains a staple in legacy data center environments where hardware consistency and backward compatibility outweigh modernization incentives. This analysis leverages archived Cisco technical briefs, EoL (End-of-Life) advisories, and procurement insights from certified resellers like itmall.sale.
Architecture and Hardware Capabilities
Based on Cisco’s discontinued product documentation, the UCS-CPU-I6338= features:
- Core Configuration: 4 cores @ 2.5 GHz base clock with Intel Hyper-Threading, enabling 8 logical threads for parallel workloads.
- Cache: 10MB Intel Smart Cache with shared L3 allocation for latency-sensitive tasks.
- TDP: 105W, necessitating active cooling solutions in densely populated UCS C460 M4 racks.
- Compatibility: Limited to Cisco UCS C22 M3, C240 M3, and C460 M4 servers running UCS Manager 3.1(3) or earlier.
Critical limitation: The absence of AVX-512 instruction sets restricts its utility in AI/ML inference or real-time analytics workloads.
Target Workloads and Deployment Scenarios
1. Mid-Tier Virtualization Hosts
The module’s 8-thread capacity supported VMware vSphere 6.0 deployments with moderate VM density (15–20 VMs per host), ideal for SMBs consolidating file/print services.
2. Legacy ERP Systems
SAP R/3 and Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 installations often utilized dual UCS-CPU-I6338= configurations for predictable batch processing.
3. Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
Early NFV implementations (e.g., vCPE, firewall instances) leveraged the CPU’s AES-NI acceleration for encrypted traffic handling.
Operational Risks and Mitigation Strategies
End-of-Support Constraints
Cisco halted security patches and firmware updates for the UCS-CPU-I6338= in 2021, exposing users to:
- Unaddressed Vulnerabilities: Exploits like Foreshadow (L1 Terminal Fault) remain unresolved.
- Software Incompatibility: Inability to run hypervisors like ESXi 7.x or Proxmox VE 7+.
Workarounds:
- Deploy host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) like OSSEC to monitor unauthorized process activity.
- Use PCIe-based cryptographic accelerators (e.g., Cisco UCS VIC 1387) to offload SSL/TLS processing.
Thermal and Power Draw Challenges
The 105W TDP creates thermal bottlenecks in multi-CPU configurations. Rack-level ambient temperatures must stay below 22°C to prevent throttling.
Procurement and Validation Best Practices
When sourcing the UCS-CPU-I6338= through resellers:
-
Authenticity Verification:
- Confirm the presence of Cisco’s Tamper-Evident Label (TEL) and matching FRU/PID codes.
- Stress-test cores using Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool (IPDT) to detect degraded silicon.
-
Compatibility Checks:
- Validate UCS server firmware versions (e.g., CIMC 2.0(13d)) to avoid POST failures.
- Test DIMM slots with Cisco-certified DDR3-1600 RDIMMs, as third-party RAM often causes parity errors.
-
Warranty and Refurbishment:
- Ensure vendors provide 90-day thermal validation reports and socket integrity guarantees.
For immediate procurement, itmall.sale offers refurbished UCS-CPU-I6338= units pre-flashed with BIOS 2.8.1.4b, the final stable release for this CPU.
Performance Comparison: UCS-CPU-I6338= vs. Modern Alternatives
| Metric | UCS-CPU-I6338= | Cisco UCS C240 M6 (Intel Xeon Silver 4310T) |
|---|---|---|
| Cores/Threads | 4/8 | 10/20 |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.3 GHz |
| Cache | 10MB | 13.75MB |
| TDP | 105W | 105W |
| Virtualization Support | VMware vSphere 6.0 | VMware vSphere 8.0 + Tanzu integration |
Key takeaway: The Xeon Silver 4310T delivers 2.5x higher vSAN performance but requires costly UCS infrastructure upgrades.
Final Perspective
The UCS-CPU-I6338= represents a transitional phase in data center evolution, balancing pre-cloud scalability with the limitations of 32nm process technology. Its continued relevance hinges on organizations prioritizing operational familiarity over cutting-edge performance—common in sectors like healthcare or education with budget-constrained IT roadmaps. While upgrading to modern UCS platforms is advisable for most, retaining this CPU can be justified in air-gapped labs or legacy regulatory environments. However, the diminishing availability of validated spare parts and rising power costs increasingly tip the scales toward phased retirement. For teams opting to persist with this hardware, proactive thermal monitoring and strict network segmentation are non-negotiable safeguards against unpatched vulnerabilities.