Intel Xeon W3690 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon W3690 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W six core Gulftown workstation part at 3.46 GHz with turbo to 3.73 GHz and ECC memory.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- February 2011
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 12
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Gulftown
- Segment
- Workstation
- Family
- Intel Xeon W
- Clocks
- 3.46 / 3.73 GHz
Intel Xeon W3690 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Gulftown cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.46 GHz base, 3.73 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3, three channels, ECC supported on workstation boards |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | None (workstation part, discrete card required) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| ECC memory | Supported (requires workstation board) |
| Package | FCLGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon W3690 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 Early X58 boards may need a BIOS update with Gulftown microcode before a six core chip will start. |
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 W3690 is
Intel Xeon W3690 is a six core Gulftown workstation processor that Intel released in February 2011 for single socket workstation boards. It runs at 3.466 GHz base with turbo to 3.733 GHz and includes Hyper-Threading, so 6 cores give 12 threads. Cache is 12 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 130 W on a 32 nm process with 1,170 million transistors on a 239 mm2 die.
The W series marks uniprocessor workstation with ECC memory on qualified boards. Clocks match the desktop 990X while validation targets long renders. The multiplier ships unlocked, which simplifies tuning on workstation boards that permit it.
There is no integrated graphics on this die. Memory runs in three DDR3 channels with ECC on workstation boards. The chip launched for creators who needed threads with workstation stability.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon W3690 fits LGA 1366 in FCLGA1366 form. Single socket workstation boards with X58 class chipsets carry it. The board BIOS must list the exact W3690 string.
QuickPath links the CPU to the chipset at 6.4 GT/s. A board that lists workstation Xeon strings is the safe choice, since desktop-only BIOS revisions sometimes omit them.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3, three channels, with ECC on workstation boards for mission critical work. Three matched ECC modules give the rated bandwidth. Capacity follows the board design.
PCI Express is revision 2.0 for workstation graphics and storage cards. Single socket boards spend lanes on one or two x16 slots.
Cooling needs a 130 W rated workstation heatsink on the 80 by 80 mm pattern. Server style airflow with front to back direction suits sustained renders.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the W3690 already tops the workstation range, so later steps are Sandy Bridge-E Xeons on LGA 2011 workstation boards. Memory and storage carry over with a new population. A desktop six core reference on the same socket is Intel Core i7-990X.
A platform move to DDR4 workstations needs a new board and RAM. Keep the W3690 rig for render duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Xeon W3690 use?
It uses LGA 1366 on single socket workstation boards.
Does the Xeon W3690 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Six cores give 12 threads.
What memory does the Xeon W3690 use?
DDR3 in three channels with ECC on workstation boards.
How is the Xeon W3690 different from the i7-990X?
Clocks match the desktop 990X while validation and ECC target workstation boards.
Sources and verification
- Intel Xeon W3690 Specs (TechPowerUp, 3.466 GHz, turbo 3.733 GHz, ECC, Feb 2011)
- Westmere (Wikipedia, W3690 3.46 GHz ECC workstation Feb 2011)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .