Intel Xeon W5590 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon W5590 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W quad core Gainestown workstation part at 3.333 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- August 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Nehalem-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon W
- Clocks
- 3.33 / 3.6 GHz
Intel Xeon W5590 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Gainestown cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.333 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 8 MB L3 (shared) |
| 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 W5590 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 W5590 is
The Intel Xeon W5590 is a quad core Gainestown workstation processor from August 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 3.333 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Cache is 8 MB of shared L3 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 130 W.
Preview tables place the W5590 at 3.33 GHz with 8 MB and 130 W. Against the W5580 it adds base and turbo speed at the same 130 W for single threaded workstation tasks. ECC RDIMMs guard data.
Memory is DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon W5590 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. X58 workstation 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, 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 a Gulftown six core such as the W3680 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 W5590 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on X58 workstation boards. Gainestown is the Xeon 5500 name for Nehalem-EP.
How many cores does the Xeon W5590 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 3.333 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Xeon W5590?
DDR3 ECC triple channel through the board design.
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 .