The HP EC421AA (EC421AA - HP 2.80GHz 800MHz FSB 2MB L2 Cache Socket PPGA604 Intel Xeon 1-Core Processor) is a Intel Unboxed Processors component engineered for sustained enterprise-class workloads. This part addresses common procurement scenarios where exact-match replacement, capacity expansion, or new-build deployment is required. Technical specifications include clock speed of 2.80 GHz, bus speed of 800 MHz FSB, cache of 2MB L2. Typical use cases include data-center server fleet refresh, replacement of dead-on-arrival CPUs under existing service contracts, second-socket population on partially-populated dual-socket boards, and lab/test rebuild programs. Pro Disk Network supplies the EC421AA to US business buyers. Stocked units ship same-day on in-stock orders placed before 3pm ET. Pro Disk Network applies a 90-day functional warranty. Free US ground shipping on orders over $150; same-day expedited (UPS Next Day Air, FedEx Priority) available at checkout.
The EC421AA is a HP intel unboxed processors component with clock speed 2.80 GHz, bus speed 800 MHz FSB, cache 2MB L2. Pro Disk Network sells the EC421AA for $74.46 with same-day US shipping and a 30-day return guarantee.
Reviewed By
Reviewed by:Pro Disk Network Engineering Team — . Specifications, compatibility, and pricing for the EC421AA are shown on this page.
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Same-Day US Shipping — orders before 3pm ET ship today via UPS
30-Day Returns — pre-paid label on DOA and defective items
Confirm the socket against your motherboard's CPU support list - Intel Xeon Scalable spans LGA 3647 (1st/2nd gen), LGA 4189 (3rd gen Ice Lake), and LGA 4677 (4th/5th gen Sapphire/Emerald Rapids). A BIOS update is often required for newer steppings even on the same socket. Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with your motherboard model for a compatibility check.
How fast does the EC421AA ship?
If in stock, the EC421AA ships same business day on US orders placed before 3 pm ET. Most US ZIP codes receive next-business-day or 2-day delivery via FedEx/UPS Ground or Express. Bulk and project orders shipping in pallets are typically dispatched within 24-48 hours.
The EC421AA is deployed by US enterprises, MSPs, government, and education customers across multiple infrastructure scenarios. Below are the most common deployment patterns Pro Disk Network sees in real-world orders.
VMware vSphere ESXi 8 Host — Per-CPU core count drives VVF/VCF licensing cost — choose 16–24 cores for cost-optimal density unless workload is core-bound.
Hyper-V Cluster Node — Windows Server Datacenter licenses by core, but Hyper-V scales linearly. Higher-clock, mid-core SKUs win for transactional workloads.
Citrix VDI Pool — Frequency-sensitive — prefer high-clock 16–18 core SKUs over high-core-count parts to maintain user-perceived snappiness.
Kubernetes / Tanzu Workers — Higher core count amortises better across many small Pods. EVC mode planning matters for live-migrate parity.
What is the EC421AA?
The EC421AA is a HP server-class processor with clock speed 2.80 GHz and bus speed 800 MHz FSB, manufactured by HP. Pro Disk Network ships this part new and certified-refurbished from our US warehouse with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 3 PM ET, backed by a 30-day return guarantee.
Pros & Cons of EC421AA
Pros
Lower cost than the manufacturer channel for refresh cycles
Matched-pair option for dual-socket consistency
Sequential serial numbers on bulk orders for cluster builds
Cons
Refurbished tier may have minor IHS markings
Tray packaging — no retail Intel/AMD cooler included
Frequently Asked Questions about EC421AA
Is the EC421AA a genuine HP part?
Yes. Pro Disk Network sources every EC421AA as factory-original HP inventory. New units arrive sealed in OEM packaging; refurbished units are pulled from decommissioned HP servers, surface-tested, and re-warranted by Pro Disk Network for 90 days.
What socket does the EC421AA use?
Confirm the socket against your motherboard's CPU support list - Intel Xeon Scalable spans LGA 3647 (1st/2nd gen), LGA 4189 (3rd gen Ice Lake), and LGA 4677 (4th/5th gen Sapphire/Emerald Rapids). A BIOS update is often required for newer steppings even on the same socket. Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with your motherboard model for a compatibility check.
How fast does the EC421AA ship?
If in stock, the EC421AA ships same business day on US orders placed before 3 pm ET. Most US ZIP codes receive next-business-day or 2-day delivery via FedEx/UPS Ground or Express. Bulk and project orders shipping in pallets are typically dispatched within 24-48 hours.
What is the warranty on the EC421AA?
New EC421AA units carry the full HP manufacturer warranty (typically 1 to 5 years depending on product line). Refurbished and bulk-OEM units include a Pro Disk Network advance-replacement warranty (90 days refurbished). DOA replacement is free within 30 days of receipt.
Do you offer bulk pricing for the EC421AA?
Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with the quantity and target ship date for a quote within one business day.
Pro Disk Network Buyer’s Guide: Intel Unboxed Processors
Socket Compatibility, EVC Mode, and BIOS Revision Planning
Choosing the EC421AA for a server upgrade or replacement starts with socket compatibility. CPU sockets are tied to motherboard chipsets and revisions; a board that supports Skylake-SP may or may not support Cascade Lake-SP depending on BIOS. Before ordering, look up the motherboard QVL (qualified vendor list) and confirm the EC421AA appears with a supported BIOS version. If the BIOS needs an update, plan the flash before swapping CPUs — many systems will not POST long enough to flash with the wrong CPU installed.
AI Workloads, AMX, and the Inference Performance Story
For dedicated AI inference hosts, prioritize core count over clock speed. INT8 inference is bandwidth-bound, not frequency-bound, so a 32-core part at 2.5 GHz outperforms a 16-core part at 3.5 GHz on most LLM workloads. For mixed virtualisation + occasional inference workloads, prioritize clock speed — VDI and OLTP database workloads benefit from the higher frequency.