Server CPUs

Server CPUs from CSSi South Africa cover the Intel Xeon Scalable and AMD EPYC families for new builds and processor upgrades to existing platforms. From entry-level single-socket SKUs for branch servers to top-bin dual-socket parts with 96+ cores for virtualisation hosts and AI inference, CSSi supplies authorised-channel server processors with ZAR pricing, technical pre-sales and Africa-wide delivery.

Buyer’s guide

Pin compatibility is the first checkpoint — LGA 4677 (Xeon Sapphire/Emerald Rapids), LGA 7529 (Xeon 6 Granite Rapids), SP5 (EPYC Genoa/Bergamo/Turin) and SP6 (EPYC Siena) are not interchangeable. Choose core count based on workload: high-frequency low-core parts for per-core licensed databases (SQL Server, Oracle), high-core counts for virtualisation density and container workloads. Verify TDP against chassis cooling, memory channel support (DDR5), PCIe generation (Gen5) and accelerator features such as Intel AMX for AI inference.

Use cases

New Dell PowerEdge and Lenovo ThinkSystem builds, in-warranty server processor upgrades, second-socket additions on dual-socket platforms, AI inference and ML training nodes, virtualisation host refreshes, in-memory database hosts (SAP HANA, Redis), and HPC cluster nodes. Pair with our Server Memory range — CPU and matched DIMMs in a single order ensures compatibility.

Why buy server CPUs from CSSi

Authorised-channel Intel and AMD stock, ZAR invoicing, channel pricing for resellers and DRSP partners, and pre-sales expertise on socket compatibility, BIOS revision and memory population rules. With 26 years of South African distribution, CSSi understands the difference between specifying a CPU and getting the whole server to POST.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade my server’s CPU?

Within the same socket family and BIOS support list, yes. Always check the server vendor’s processor compatibility matrix before ordering — OEMs whitelist specific SKUs. CSSi pre-sales can verify against Dell, Lenovo and Supermicro support lists.

Do I need matching CPUs in a dual-socket server?

Yes — both sockets must run identical SKU, stepping and microcode. Mixing speeds or core counts is unsupported and prevents the server posting in most cases.

What is the difference between Xeon and EPYC for licensing?

Per-core licensed software (SQL Server, Oracle Enterprise) becomes expensive on high-core CPUs. Pick high-frequency lower-core SKUs for these workloads. Virtualisation hosts under per-socket or subscription licensing benefit from maximum cores. Model the licensing cost alongside hardware cost.

Does CSSi sell tray or boxed CPUs?

Both. Boxed CPUs include cooler and full retail warranty — suited to white-box builds. Tray CPUs are intended for system integrators and OEM-installed configurations, with warranty handled through the system vendor.