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Overview

The Xeon E5503 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,815 points. Launch price was $287.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5503 is positioned at rank #895 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5503

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

22888%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

4321%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

3839%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

2966%

#503

Xeon W-3275M

MSRP: $4449|Avg: $4449

100%

#504

Xeon E5-2660 v3

MSRP: $1445|Avg: $150

99%

#505

Xeon E5-2679 v4

MSRP: $2702|Avg: $500

98%

#506

Xeon E5-2680 v3

MSRP: $1745|Avg: $212

94%

#507

Xeon Platinum 8562Y+

MSRP: $5945|Avg: $7000

93%

#508

Xeon E7-8895 v2

MSRP: $6841|Avg: $65

92%

#509

EPYC 9684X

MSRP: $14756|Avg: $14756

91%

#509

EPYC 9754

MSRP: $11900|Avg: $10631

91%

#895

Xeon E5503

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#898

Xeon W-2225

MSRP: $1166|Avg: $150

98%

#900

Xeon E5-2650L v3

MSRP: $1329|Avg: N/A

98%

#906

Xeon E5405

MSRP: $209|Avg: $15

92%

#907

Xeon E5-2440

MSRP: $728|Avg: $249

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5503 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5503 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5503 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,815, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5503
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Gainestown (2009−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	263 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	731 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	76 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,815

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5503 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5503
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5503 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 80 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E5503
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	80 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	76 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #895 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3177 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5503
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$287
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#895
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3177
Release DateLaunch date	16 March 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel