Overview of the UCSX-CPU-I6338TC=

The ​​Cisco UCSX-CPU-I6338TC=​​ is a high-performance processor designed for Cisco’s UCS X-Series modular systems, optimized for hybrid cloud, AI inference, and latency-sensitive enterprise workloads. Built on Intel’s Ice Lake SP architecture, this CPU balances core density, energy efficiency, and security, making it a strategic choice for organizations scaling virtualized infrastructure or edge computing deployments. Integrated with Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) ecosystem, it supports policy-driven automation and seamless scalability.

Core Technical Specifications and Innovations

​​Hardware Architecture​​:

• ​​Processor​​: Intel Xeon Gold 6338T (24 cores/48 threads, 2.2 GHz base, 3.4 GHz turbo).
• ​​Cache​​: 36 MB L3 cache with Intel Speed Select Technology for workload prioritization.
• ​​TDP​​: 165W, optimized for power-constrained environments.
• ​​Memory​​: 8-channel DDR4-3200 MHz, supporting up to 6TB per socket.
• ​​PCIe Lanes​​: 64 lanes of Gen4 connectivity for GPUs, NVMe storage, and high-speed NICs.

​​Cisco-Specific Enhancements​​:

• ​​UCS Manager Integration​​: Automated firmware updates, thermal monitoring, and NUMA-aware resource allocation.
• ​​Security​​: Intel SGX (Software Guard Extensions) with Cisco Secure Boot and hardware-based TPM 2.0.
• ​​I/O Flexibility​​: Dynamic partitioning of PCIe lanes for mixed storage/networking workloads via UCS X9508 chassis.

Target Workloads and Performance Validation

​​1. Edge AI Inference​​
The CPU’s AVX-512 instructions and 24 cores accelerate real-time inference tasks, reducing latency by 25% compared to AMD EPYC 7313P in Cisco-validated benchmarks for TensorFlow Lite models.

​​2. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)​​
Supports up to 800 concurrent 1080p virtual desktops per socket when paired with NVIDIA vGPU licensing, leveraging Cisco’s Intersight for load balancing.

​​3. Distributed Databases​​
Achieves 9M transactions per second (TPS) on Cassandra clusters, with DDR4’s 3200 MHz bandwidth minimizing query latency in geo-replicated environments.

Addressing Critical Deployment Concerns

​​Q: Is the UCSX-CPU-I6338TC= compatible with older UCS X9708 chassis?​​

• ​​Yes​​, but requires ​​UCS Manager 4.3(1)+​​ for firmware support. Performance is capped at PCIe Gen3 speeds in Gen3-compatible chassis.

​​Q: How does it handle thermal constraints in edge deployments?​​

• ​​Adaptive Cooling​​: Cisco’s UCS X9508 chassis with N+1 fan redundancy maintains operational temps below 40°C even in 35°C ambient environments.

​​Q: What’s the upgrade path from Xeon Gold 6238R?​​

• ​​Performance Gain​​: 18% higher IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) and 33% more PCIe lanes, but requires BIOS/UCS Manager updates for SGX enclaves.

Integration with Cisco’s Ecosystem

• ​​Intersight​​: Predictive analytics identify thermal throttling risks and optimize VM placements using historical workload data.
• ​​HyperFlex​​: Combines with HX storage controllers for hyperconverged edge deployments, reducing latency for distributed applications.
• ​​ACI Networking​​: Enforces microsegmentation policies for secure east-west traffic between VMs and containers.

Procurement and Lifecycle Management

• ​​Licensing​​: Requires ​​UCS Premier Virtualization License​​ for advanced features like vGPU partitioning and SGX enclave management.
• ​​Warranty​​: 3-year hardware warranty, extendable via Cisco Smart Net Total Care for 24/7 TAC support.
• ​​Sustainability​​: Complies with Cisco’s Circular Economy principles, featuring 85% recyclable materials and energy-efficient manufacturing.

For enterprises prioritizing supply chain reliability, the UCSX-CPU-I6338TC= is available through certified partners, ensuring firmware compliance and lifecycle support.

Strategic Insights for Infrastructure Architects

The UCSX-CPU-I6338TC= excels in environments where power efficiency and core density intersect, but its deployment requires meticulous planning. In a recent retail edge project, engineers underestimated the CPU’s NUMA boundaries when deploying GPU-accelerated video analytics, leading to 15% performance loss. This highlights the necessity of pre-deployment workshops using Cisco’s ​​Workload Profile Builder​​ to align resources with application requirements.

Another often-overlooked factor is software licensing. Microsoft’s per-core licensing model can inflate costs if not negotiated alongside hardware upgrades. Open-source alternatives like Kubernetes-native monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus) often align better with the CPU’s scalability.

While its 165W TDP is relatively modest, enterprises must still audit power distribution units (PDUs) in legacy data centers to avoid circuit overloads in dense UCS X9508 chassis configurations. For organizations balancing edge innovation with sustainability, this processor isn’t just a component—it’s a catalyst for redefining infrastructure agility.