Intel Xeon E5503 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon E5503 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is an 80 W dual core Gainestown server part at 2.0 GHz with 4 MB of L3 cache for entry dual socket nodes.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- March 16, 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 80 W
- Codename
- Nehalem-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E
- Clocks
- 2.0 GHz
Intel Xeon E5503 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Gainestown cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 4 MB L3 (shared) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 80 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800 ECC triple channel |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E5503 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1366 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 5500 and 5520 server | 5500, 5520 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1366.
LGA 1366 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,366 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | 2008 |
| Memory | DDR3 triple channel, up to 24 GB on desktop boards |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Xeon E5503 is
The Intel Xeon E5503 is a dual core Gainestown server processor from March 2010. It runs two Nehalem cores at 2.0 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 4 MB of shared L3 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 80 W with an 800 MT/s bus and 4.8 GT/s QPI.
Gainestown is the Xeon 5500 name for Nehalem-EP, so this page files the E5503 under the Nehalem-EP codename used by the socket file. The E5503 covers entry dual socket nodes where per socket cost matters more than density. Against the quad E5507 it halves cores at the same 80 W.
Memory is DDR3 triple channel with ECC through the server board.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon E5503 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. Intel 5500 and 5520 chipset boards boot Gainestown directly. Dual socket operation needs a matched pair with the same sSpec.
The socket table covers Nehalem-EP natively. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-800 ECC triple channel per socket on 5500 boards.
QPI at 4.8 GT/s links sockets, with PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset.
Cooling uses server heatsinks rated for 80 W.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the server upgrade is a quad Gainestown such as the E5507, or a Westmere-EP six core with a BIOS update. Beyond LGA 1366 a move to Sandy Bridge E5 needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon E5503 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on 5500 and 5520 chipset boards. Gainestown is the Xeon 5500 name for Nehalem-EP.
How many cores does the Xeon E5503 have?
Two cores and two threads at 2.0 GHz with 4 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Xeon E5503?
DDR3-800 ECC triple channel per socket.
Sources and verification
- Tested Processor List for Intel 5500 and 5520 Chipset (Intel)
- Preview Here Comes Intels Nehalem (CRN)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .