Xeon E5606
CPU·Budget

Xeon E5606

Intel

PassMark

2,443

14 February 2011 (14 years ago)
80 Watt
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)

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 E5606 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 2,443 points. Launch price was $46.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5606 is positioned at rank #802 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 E5606

#1
Xeon Platinum 8454H
MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A
17007%
#6
Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A
3211%
#10
Xeon 6337P
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
2853%
#15
EPYC 9174F
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
2204%
#460
Xeon E5-2686 V3
MSRP: $1500|Avg: $160
99%
#460
Xeon Gold 6242R
MSRP: $2977|Avg: $779
99%
#462
Xeon W-2175
MSRP: $1947|Avg: $180
99%
#463
EPYC 75F3
MSRP: $5383|Avg: $2799
98%
#464
Xeon W-3375
MSRP: $4951|Avg: $6000
98%
#802
Xeon E5606
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#803
Opteron 6380
MSRP: $551|Avg: $111
99%
#812
Xeon E3-1220L
MSRP: $189|Avg: $27
98%
#815
Xeon X3450
MSRP: $241|Avg: $39
98%
#817
Xeon W3680
MSRP: $594|Avg: $26
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5606 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Xeon E5606 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 0.13 GHz from a base frequency of 2.13 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 2,443, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationXeon E5606
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost0.13 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.13 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designWestmere-EP (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor239 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,170 million
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,443
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5606 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

SpecificationXeon E5606
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorserver
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers2
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5606 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.

SpecificationXeon E5606
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload80 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #802 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2412 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationXeon E5606
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$46
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#802
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2412
Release DateLaunch date14 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Similar Performance

Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.

Our Recommendation for Xeon E5606

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Xeon E5606

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs