Xeon Gold 5520+
Intel
PassMark
61,227
MSRP
$1083
AVG Price
$764
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 Gold 5520+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 61,227 points. Launch price was $1,640.
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 Gold 5520+
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 5520+ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 5520+ specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 5520+ is a 28-core / 56-thread processor based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture, manufactured on a 10 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 52.5 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 61,227, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,600, while multi-core reaches 25,000.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 28C / 56T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Emerald Rapids (2023) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 10 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 52.5 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 2 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 80 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 2x 763 mm2 |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 61,227 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,600 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 25,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 5520+ fits into the LGA4677 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 80 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4096 GB across 8 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA4677 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 4.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 80 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 4096 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 8 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | None |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | C741 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Advanced Features
The Xeon Gold 5520+ is primarily designed for Enterprise Server. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the EPYC 9354.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Enterprise Server |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ✅ Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | EPYC 9354 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 5520+ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 205 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Server Passive.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 205 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Server Passive |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $764 (MSRP: $1083), the Xeon Gold 5520+ delivers 80 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #123 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5520+ |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $1083 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $764 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $1,640 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #123 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 14 December 2023 (1 year ago) |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| 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.
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Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 5520+
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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