Xeon E5603
Intel
PassMark
1,935
MSRP
$188
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Overview
The Xeon E5603 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,935 points. Launch price was $286.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5603
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E5603 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Delta Force
Elden Ring
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Once Human
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5603 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5603 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.6 GHz from a base frequency of 1.6 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 1,935, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E5603 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 1.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 1.6 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 32 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 | 239 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,170 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,935 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5603 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 32 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 288 GB across 3 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Xeon E5603 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1366 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 32 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 288 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 3 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Advanced Features
The Xeon E5603 is primarily designed for Server. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Xeon E5603 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Server |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E5603 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 E5603 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 80 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $188, the Xeon E5603 delivers 10 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2611 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E5603 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $188 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $286 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2611 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 14 February 2011 (14 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2011 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $286 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 14 February 2011 (14 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2611 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 239 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 1.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 1.6 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,170 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 80 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 2 |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 3 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 288 GB |
Similar Performance
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Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E5603
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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