Intel Xeon E5440
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Xeon E5440 Specifications
Xeon E5440 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Xeon E5440 features 4 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
E5440 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon E5440 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Xeon E5440 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Xeon E5440 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the E5440 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Xeon E5440's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Core 2 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Xeon E5440 is built on Intel's 45 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in E5440 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Core 2 Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Xeon E5440 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
E5440 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Xeon E5440 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 80W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 771 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Xeon E5440 uses the Intel Socket 771 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 771 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the E5440 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Xeon E5440 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Xeon E5440 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Xeon E5440 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Xeon E5440 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Xeon E5440 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Xeon E5440 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Xeon E5440.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Xeon E5440.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Xeon E5440 after thermal limits kick in.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Xeon E5440 maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
About Intel Xeon E5440
The Intel Xeon E5440 is built on a mature 45 nm manufacturing process that balances power efficiency with reliable silicon yield. This process, introduced in the mid‑2000s, still delivers a respectable 80 W TDP for a four‑core server chip. How does the 45 nm node compare to modern 14 nm or 7 nm designs in terms of thermal headroom? While newer nodes push clock speeds higher, the older node offers a predictable thermal envelope that many data‑center engineers still appreciate. The socket 771 platform also benefits from decades of motherboard compatibility, reducing upgrade friction. Could the combination of a proven process and a stable socket make the E5440 a viable fallback for legacy workloads?
In Cinebench R23 multi‑core testing the chip reaches 2,011 points, a figure that places it firmly in the entry‑level server tier. Its single‑core score of 284 points reflects the 2.83 GHz base clock and the lack of hyper‑threading, which limits parallel efficiency. When measured against Cinebench R20, the multi‑core result drops to 844 points, highlighting the impact of older instruction sets on newer workloads. The R15 multi‑core score of 202 points further illustrates the modest scaling of the four‑core design. How should these numbers influence a decision to deploy the processor in a mixed‑use environment? The relatively low single‑core performance suggests that latency‑sensitive applications may struggle, while batch processing can still benefit from the aggregate core count.
Compared to contemporary Xeon 5400 series parts, the E5440 (Intel) offers a slightly higher clock speed but no advantage in core count. Competing AMD Opteron models from the same era often delivered better memory bandwidth, raising the question of which platform offers superior ROI. In today’s market, the E5440 sits behind modern low‑power Xeon E‑2100 and E‑2200 families that provide double the cores at similar power envelopes. Yet the older chip’s lower acquisition cost of $690 at launch can still translate into a compelling total cost of ownership for static workloads. Does the legacy architecture justify its continued use when newer silicon delivers higher performance per watt? For organizations that prioritize stability over raw speed, the E5440 remains a recognizable benchmark of the Harpertown generation.
When planning a build around this processor, prioritize DDR2 ECC memory to match the socket 771 controller’s native support. A robust cooling solution is advisable, even though the 80 W TDP is modest, because the 45 nm die can run hotter under sustained load. Pairing the chip with a reliable server‑grade motherboard that offers multiple PCI‑Express 2.0 lanes can extend its usefulness in storage‑heavy environments. Could a modest SSD cache mitigate the slower single‑core response times observed in benchmark tests? For virtualization, limit the number of active VMs to four to avoid overcommitting the single thread per core design. In short, the E5440 (Intel) can still serve niche legacy applications, provided the system is tuned for its thermal and memory characteristics.
The AMD Equivalent of Xeon E5440
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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