Xeon L5506
CPU·Budget

Xeon L5506

Intel

PassMark

3,706

30 March 2009 (16 years ago)
60 Watt
Gainestown (2009−2010)

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 L5506 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,706 points. Launch price was $125.

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.

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

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon L5506 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra72 FPS
1440p
low93 FPS
medium84 FPS
high67 FPS
ultra51 FPS
4k
low56 FPS
medium49 FPS
high42 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

1080p
low27 FPS
medium21 FPS
high10 FPS
ultra5 FPS
1440p
low16 FPS
medium10 FPS
high4 FPS
ultra2 FPS
4k
low8 FPS
medium4 FPS
high3 FPS
ultra2 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low93 FPS
medium83 FPS
high78 FPS
ultra62 FPS
1440p
low81 FPS
medium70 FPS
high66 FPS
ultra55 FPS
4k
low61 FPS
medium54 FPS
high43 FPS
ultra32 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

1080p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra93 FPS
1440p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra92 FPS
4k
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high79 FPS
ultra57 FPS
Destiny 2

Destiny 2

1080p
low85 FPS
medium73 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra26 FPS
1440p
low48 FPS
medium38 FPS
high28 FPS
ultra16 FPS
4k
low27 FPS
medium21 FPS
high14 FPS
ultra9 FPS
Elden Ring

Elden Ring

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2

1080p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra93 FPS
1440p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra93 FPS
4k
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra82 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra93 FPS
1440p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra93 FPS
4k
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra93 FPS
Palworld

Palworld

1080p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra89 FPS
1440p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high89 FPS
ultra77 FPS
4k
low75 FPS
medium72 FPS
high59 FPS
ultra41 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra83 FPS
1440p
low93 FPS
medium93 FPS
high85 FPS
ultra68 FPS
4k
low61 FPS
medium55 FPS
high42 FPS
ultra33 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon L5506 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Xeon L5506 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 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 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 3,706, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationXeon L5506
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 designGainestown (2009−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 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 processor263 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities731 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)70 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score3,706
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon L5506 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

SpecificationXeon L5506
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 L5506 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 60 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationXeon L5506
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload60 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)70 °C
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2068 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationXeon L5506
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$125
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2068
Release DateLaunch date30 March 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year2009
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

Typeserver
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$125
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date30 March 2009 (16 years ago)
Architecture CodenameGainestown (2009−2010)
Performance Ranking Position2068

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores4
Threads4
Die Size263 mm2
L1 Cache64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache4 MB (total)
Max Frequency0.13 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.13 GHz
Transistor Count731 million
Process Technology45 nm
Max Core Temperature70 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketLGA1366
PCIe GenerationPCIe 2.0
Power Consumption (TDP)60 Watt
Max Processors In Config2

Memory

5 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels3
Memory Bandwidth19.2 GB/s
ECC Memory Support+
Max Memory Capacity144 GB

Our Recommendation for Xeon L5506

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Xeon L5506

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