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Overview

The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon L5640 is positioned at rank #994 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 L5640

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

44407%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

8384%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

7449%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

5755%

#537

Xeon Platinum 8180

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $2363

82%

#538

Xeon Platinum 8280M

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $6223

80%

#539

Xeon Platinum 8280

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $2940

79%

#994

Xeon L5640

MSRP: $996|Avg: N/A

100%

#995

Xeon E5-4627 v2

MSRP: $2061|Avg: $70

98%

#996

Xeon L5335

MSRP: $380|Avg: $18

98%

#997

Xeon E-2144G

MSRP: $2090|Avg: $389

96%

#998

Xeon X5675

MSRP: $1440|Avg: $22

95%

#999

Xeon Phi 7210

MSRP: $1881|Avg: $150

83%

#1000

Xeon D-1567

MSRP: $2702|Avg: $230

83%

#1001

Xeon E-2126G

MSRP: $2702|Avg: $230

82%

#1004

Xeon D-1531

MSRP: $2057|Avg: $250

80%

#1005

Xeon 5130

MSRP: $316|Avg: $10

79%

#1007

Xeon E5-4640 v3

MSRP: $2859|Avg: $300

78%

#1008

Xeon E5440

MSRP: $690|Avg: $37

73%

#1009

Xeon E5-2643

MSRP: $1552|Avg: $50

72%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon L5640 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon L5640 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon L5640 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.26 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 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 4,659, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon L5640
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.26 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	12 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
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,659

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon L5640 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3 1333 MHz (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 L5640
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3 1333 MHz
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
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Intel 5520,Intel X58
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🔧

Advanced Features

The Xeon L5640 is primarily designed for Server Low Power. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Xeon L5640
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Server Low Power
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon L5640 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.

Specification	Xeon L5640
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	60 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $996, the Xeon L5640 delivers 5 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #994 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1919 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon L5640
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$996
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$200
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#994
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1919
Release DateLaunch date	16 March 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel