Intel Xeon 2.66 socket: Socket 604

What the Xeon 2.66 is

The Intel Xeon 2.66 is a 2.66 GHz single-core server processor with Hyper-Threading from November 2002. It runs one NetBurst Prestonia core at 2.66 GHz with no turbo, so 1 core gives 2 threads. Cache is 512 KB of L2 on a 130 nm process. The package is Socket 604 for dual-processor servers with DDR memory. This page omits a TDP rating because the Prestonia table gives 72W or 77W for the 2.66 depending on stepping, while the cpu_list 89 W lacks direct support for this exact bin.

Prestonia B suffix models use Socket 604 with a 533 MT/s front side bus and a 20x multiplier, which separates the 2.66B covered here from Socket 603 A parts on slower buses. Intel placed the 2.66B in November 2002. The chip supports MMX, SSE, SSE2 and Hyper-Threading.

Dual-processor scope with threads suited workgroup servers. Two 2.66B parts give four threads per chassis, which helped threaded tasks before dual-core designs.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Xeon 2.66 Prestonia fits Socket 604 dual-processor boards with Prestonia B support. It needs a two-socket board. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Two-socket servers are the natural match. Boards listing Prestonia B parts accept the chip with server cooling.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR through the server chipset with registered ECC modules. The CPU has no memory controller.

A 533 MT/s front side bus ties the CPUs to the chipset, while PCI-X slots hang off the chipset. No PCIe lanes originate on the die. Cooling uses vendor qualified heatsinks per socket.

Upgrade paths

On Socket 604 higher Prestonia B clocks share the socket. Gallatin parts add L3 cache where listed. Nocona parts offer successors. Beyond Socket 604 a move to LGA 771 needs new boards. The 2.66 lifts with the lever, so swaps need no solder work.