Intel Xeon W3680 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon W3680 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W six core Gulftown workstation part at 3.333 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz, Hyper-Threading, 12 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- March 16, 2010
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 12
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Gulftown
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon W
- Clocks
- 3.33 / 3.6 GHz
Intel Xeon W3680 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Gulftown cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.333 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (6 × 256 KB), 12 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 ECC triple channel |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the X58 chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | LGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon W3680 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 W3680 is
The Intel Xeon W3680 is a six core Gulftown workstation processor that Intel launched on March 16, 2010 at 3.333 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz. Hyper-Threading gives twelve threads from six Westmere cores, backed by 256 KB of L2 per core and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 130 W on a 32 nm process.
The W3680 is the unlocked workstation flagship with an adjustable multiplier for ratio overclocking on X58 boards. Against the W3670 it adds clocks and tuning headroom at the same 130 W. ECC RDIMMs guard workstation data.
Memory is DDR3 triple channel with ECC.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon W3680 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. X58 workstation boards boot it directly with a 2010 BIOS.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i7-990X page shows the Extreme desktop cousin.
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, with more for overclocking.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 there is no faster stock workstation six core, so the path is tuning the unlocked multiplier or a move to Sandy Bridge E. Keep the W3680 where twelve threads still cover rendering.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon W3680 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on X58 workstation boards.
How many cores does the Xeon W3680 have?
Six cores and twelve threads at 3.333 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 12 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Xeon W3680?
DDR3 ECC triple channel through the board design.
Can the Xeon W3680 be overclocked?
Yes. The multiplier is unlocked for ratio tuning on capable X58 boards.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .