Intel Xeon L5520 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon L5520 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 60 W quad core Gainestown server part at 2.266 GHz with Turbo Boost to 2.533 GHz and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- March 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 60 W
- Codename
- Nehalem-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon L
- Clocks
- 2.27 / 2.53 GHz
Intel Xeon L5520 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Gainestown cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.266 GHz base, 2.533 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 8 MB L3 (shared) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 60 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 ECC triple channel |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon L5520 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 L5520 is
The Intel Xeon L5520 is a quad core Gainestown server processor from March 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 2.266 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.533 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Cache is 8 MB of shared L3 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 60 W.
The L5520 tops the 60 W Gainestown quads for efficient dual socket nodes. Preview tables place it at 2.26 GHz with 1066 MT/s and 60 W. Against the E5520 it matches clocks at lower power.
Memory is DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon L5520 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. Intel 5500 and 5520 chipset boards boot Gainestown directly.
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 ECC triple channel per socket.
QPI links scale to dual socket nodes, with PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset.
Cooling uses server heatsinks rated for 60 W.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the server upgrade is an 80 W Gainestown on the same board. Beyond LGA 1366 a move to Sandy Bridge E5 needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon L5520 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 L5520 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 2.266 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.533 GHz, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Xeon L5520?
DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.
Sources and verification
- Preview Here Comes Intels Nehalem (CRN)
- Tested Processor List for Intel 5500 and 5520 Chipset (Intel)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .