Intel Xeon X5660 socket: LGA 1366

The Intel Xeon X5660 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 95 W six core Westmere-EP server part at 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.2 GHz and 12 MB of L3 cache.

Socket
LGA 1366
Launched
March 2010
Cores and threads
6 and 12
Base power
95 W
Codename
Westmere-EP
Segment
Server
Clocks
2.8 / 3.2 GHz

Intel Xeon X5660 specifications

Cores6
Threads12
Core architectureWestmere-EP cores on 32 nm
Clocks2.8 GHz base, 3.2 GHz Turbo Boost
Cache12 MB L3 (shared)
Processor base power (TDP)95 W
Manufacturing process32 nm
Memory supportDDR3 ECC triple channel
PCI ExpressPCIe Gen 2 from the chipset
Integrated graphicsNone
MultiplierLocked
PackageLGA1366

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Xeon X5660 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1366 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
5500 and 5520 server5500, 5520Works 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

TypeLGA, 1,366 contacts
Package sizen/a
Introduced2008
MemoryDDR3 triple channel, up to 24 GB on desktop boards
Cooler mounting holes80 × 80 mm

Read the full LGA 1366 socket guide

What the Xeon X5660 is

The Intel Xeon X5660 is a six core Westmere-EP server processor from March 2010. It runs six Westmere cores at 2.8 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.2 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for twelve threads. Cache is 12 MB of shared L3 on a 32 nm process. Power is rated at 95 W.

The X5660 sits between the X5650 and X5670 at the same 95 W. IBM system options confirm 6C at 2.8 GHz with 12 MB. Against the X5670 it trails on turbo for bursty hosts.

Memory is DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Xeon X5660 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. Intel 5500 and 5520 chipset boards boot it with BIOS 45 or later.

The socket table covers Westmere-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 X5670 or X5680 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 X5660 use?

LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on 5500 and 5520 chipset boards with BIOS 45 or later.

How many cores does the Xeon X5660 have?

Six cores and twelve threads at 2.8 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.2 GHz, with 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

What memory works with the Xeon X5660?

DDR3 ECC triple channel per socket.

Sources and verification

  1. IBM System x3650 M3 quick specs (IBM)
  2. Westmere microarchitecture (Wikipedia)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .