Xeon X5698

The Xeon X5698 is a 2-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 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 4.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 12288 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., 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 3,447, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

The Xeon X5698 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads) across 3 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

The Xeon X5698 is primarily designed for Workstation. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i7-980X.

The Xeon X5698 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 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: Tower 140mm.

It currently holds Rank #659 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2126 out of all indexed processors.