Intel Xeon L5640 socket: LGA 1366

The Intel Xeon L5640 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 60 W six core Westmere-EP server part at 2.266 GHz with Turbo Boost to 2.8 GHz and 12 MB of L3 cache.

Socket
LGA 1366
Launched
March 2010
Cores and threads
6 and 12
Base power
60 W
Codename
Westmere-EP
Segment
Server
Clocks
2.27 / 2.8 GHz

Intel Xeon L5640 specifications

Cores6
Threads12
Core architectureWestmere-EP cores on 32 nm
Clocks2.266 GHz base, 2.8 GHz Turbo Boost
Cache12 MB L3 (shared)
Processor base power (TDP)60 W
Manufacturing process32 nm
Memory supportDDR3 ECC triple channel
PCI ExpressPCIe Gen 2 from the chipset
Integrated graphicsNone
MultiplierLocked
PackageLGA1366

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Xeon L5640 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1366 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
5500 and 5520 server5500, 5520Works 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

TypeLGA, 1,366 contacts
Package sizen/a
Introduced2008
MemoryDDR3 triple channel, up to 24 GB on desktop boards
Cooler mounting holes80 × 80 mm

Read the full LGA 1366 socket guide

What the Xeon L5640 is

The Intel Xeon L5640 is a six core Westmere-EP server processor from the first quarter of 2010. It runs six Westmere cores at 2.266 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.8 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for twelve threads. Cache is 12 MB of Smart Cache on a 32 nm process. Power is rated at 60 W with 5.86 GT/s QPI.

Intel ARK confirms the full envelope with ECC triple channel memory to 288 GB. The L5640 is the fastest 60 W six core, above the L5638 on base and turbo. Against the 80 W E5645 it trails on clocks with lower power for dense nodes.

Memory is DDR3-800, 1066 and 1333 ECC triple channel.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Xeon L5640 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. Intel 5500 and 5520 chipset boards boot it with BIOS 45 or later.

The socket table covers Westmere-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 up to 288 GB.

Two 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 six core such as the E5645 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 L5640 use?

LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on 5500 and 5520 chipset boards with BIOS 45 or later.

How many cores does the Xeon L5640 have?

Six cores and twelve threads at 2.266 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.8 GHz, with 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

What memory works with the Xeon L5640?

DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Xeon L5640 (Intel ARK)
  2. IBM System x3650 M3 quick specs (IBM)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .