Intel Xeon W3550 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon W3550 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W quad core Bloomfield workstation part at 3.066 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.333 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- August 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Bloomfield
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon W
- Clocks
- 3.07 / 3.33 GHz
Intel Xeon W3550 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Bloomfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.066 GHz base, 3.333 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (4 × 256 KB), 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 ECC triple channel |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the X58 chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon W3550 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1366 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| X58 enthusiast | X58 | 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 W3550 is
The Intel Xeon W3550 is a quad core Bloomfield workstation processor from August 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 3.066 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.333 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 130 W on a 45 nm process.
Greek family tables place the W3550 at 3.06 GHz with 8 MB. Against the W3540 it adds base and turbo speed at the same 130 W for single threaded workstation tasks.
Memory is DDR3 triple channel with ECC.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon W3550 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. X58 workstation boards boot Bloomfield Xeons natively.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i7-990X page shows a six core upgrade on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3 ECC triple channel on workstation boards.
PCIe 2.0 comes from the X58 chipset with dual x16 slots.
Cooling needs a tower rated for 130 W on the 80 × 80 mm pattern.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the upgrade is the W3565 or a Gulftown six core on the same board. Beyond LGA 1366 a move to Sandy Bridge E needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon W3550 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on X58 workstation boards.
How many cores does the Xeon W3550 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 3.066 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.333 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Xeon W3550?
DDR3 ECC triple channel through the board design.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .