Intel Xeon X5550 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Xeon X5550 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Gainestown server part at 2.666 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.066 GHz and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- March 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Nehalem-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon X
- Clocks
- 2.67 / 3.07 GHz
Intel Xeon X5550 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Gainestown cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.666 GHz base, 3.066 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 8 MB L3 (shared) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 ECC triple channel |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon X5550 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 X5550 is
The Intel Xeon X5550 is a quad core Gainestown server processor from March 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 2.666 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.066 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Cache is 8 MB of shared L3 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 95 W.
Preview tables place the X5550 at 2.66 GHz with 8 MB and 95 W. Against the E5540 it adds base and turbo speed with faster QPI for dual socket throughput.
Memory is DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Xeon X5550 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. Intel 5500 and 5520 chipset 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.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.
QPI links scale to dual socket nodes, with PCIe Gen 2 from the chipset.
Cooling uses server heatsinks rated for 95 W.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the server upgrade is the X5560 or a Westmere-EP on the same board. Beyond LGA 1366 a move to Sandy Bridge E5 needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon X5550 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on 5500 and 5520 chipset boards. Gainestown is the Xeon 5500 name for Nehalem-EP.
How many cores does the Xeon X5550 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 2.666 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.066 GHz, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Xeon X5550?
DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.
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 .