Intel Xeon W3580 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon W3580 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W quad-core Bloomfield workstation part at 3.333 GHz with turbo to 3.6 GHz and ECC memory support.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- August 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Bloomfield
- Segment
- Workstation
- Family
- Intel Xeon W
- Clocks
- 3.33 / 3.6 GHz
Intel Xeon W3580 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Bloomfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.333 GHz base, 3.6 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 256 KB L2 per core, 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800/1066/1333 ECC, three channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the X58 chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA 1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon W3580 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 W3580 is
The Intel Xeon W3580 is the fastest single-socket Bloomfield workstation processor Intel released. It runs four Nehalem cores at 3.333 GHz with Hyper-Threading for 8 threads, and Turbo Boost raises active cores to 3.6 GHz. Cache is 256 KB of L2 per core under a shared inclusive 8 MB L3 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 130 W on LGA 1366.
Launched in August 2009, it exists because workstation buyers wanted the highest-binned Nehalem silicon with ECC memory and workstation validation rather than an overclocked desktop chip.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The W3580 drops into LGA 1366 workstation boards with X58-class chipsets and a BIOS that recognizes the mid-2009 Xeon steppings. It pairs with workstation boards qualified for Xeon W3500-series parts, not dual-socket server boards. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is ECC DDR3-800/1066/1333 in three channels, with UDIMMs or RDIMMs per board qualification.
The processor has no integrated graphics, so a discrete workstation GPU is required. PCIe slots hang off the X58 chipset.
Cooling should be a workstation tower cooler rated for a sustained 130 W, since rendering and simulation loads hold all four cores at boost for hours.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the W3580 is the ceiling, so the only same-socket moves are sideways to cheaper bins such as the Intel Xeon W3570 or the Intel Xeon W3550 for spares. Beyond LGA 1366 a move to a newer Xeon workstation platform needs a new board, memory and cooler.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon W3580 use?
LGA 1366, on single-socket X58-class workstation boards with ECC memory.
How many cores does the Xeon W3580 have?
Four cores and 8 threads at 3.333 GHz base with 3.6 GHz turbo.
What memory works with the Xeon W3580?
ECC DDR3-800/1066/1333 in three channels, UDIMMs or RDIMMs per board qualification.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .