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Overview

The Xeon E5540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 2,805 points. Launch price was $30.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5540 is positioned at rank #745 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 E5540

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

14813%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

2797%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

2485%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

1920%

#433

Xeon Gold 6346

MSRP: $2708|Avg: $2195

99%

#434

Xeon W-3225

MSRP: $1319|Avg: $850

99%

#435

Xeon Gold 6354

MSRP: $2878|Avg: $2898

98%

#436

Xeon Gold 5218T

MSRP: $1572|Avg: $1349

97%

#437

Xeon 6960P

MSRP: $9625|Avg: $9625

97%

#745

Xeon E5540

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#747

Xeon E5-2403 v2

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

99%

#748

Xeon E3-1285 v4

MSRP: $556|Avg: $200

99%

#750

Xeon E3-1260L

MSRP: $294|Avg: $270

99%

#758

Xeon E3-1281 v3

MSRP: $555|Avg: $636

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5540 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5540 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5540 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.53 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 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 2,805, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5540
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.53 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Gainestown (2009−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 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	2,805

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5540 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5540
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 E5540 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 E5540
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	80 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	76 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #745 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2297 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5540
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$30
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#745
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2297
Release DateLaunch date	30 March 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel