Intel Xeon L5430
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Xeon L5430 Specifications
Xeon L5430 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Xeon L5430 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.
L5430 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon L5430 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 L5430 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Xeon L5430 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the L5430 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 L5430'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 L5430 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 L5430 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Core 2 Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Xeon L5430 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.
L5430 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Xeon L5430 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 50W, 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 L5430 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 L5430 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 L5430 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 L5430 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Xeon L5430 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 L5430 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Xeon L5430 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 L5430 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 L5430.
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 L5430.
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 L5430 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 L5430 maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
About Intel Xeon L5430
The Intel Xeon L5430 is a four-core processor from Intelβs Harpertown generation, built on a 45 nm process and released on September 8, 2008. It operates at a base clock speed of 2.67 GHz and features 4 threads, though it lacks hyper-threading, distinguishing it from other Xeon models of the era. Targeted at energy-efficient workstations and servers, the L5430βs 50W TDP made it a low-power alternative to more power-hungry counterparts in the Xeon lineup. Socketed in Intel Socket 771, it supported ECC memory for reliability, a key requirement for enterprise environments. Despite its age, the L5430 remains a reference point for understanding early quad-core server architectures. Its design reflects Intelβs mid-2000s strategy to balance performance and power consumption in professional-grade hardware.
Benchmark performance of the Intel Xeon L5430 reveals its capabilities in modern testing environments. Cinebench R23 multi-core results hover around 1,921 points, while single-core scores reach 271 points. Multi-core performance in Cinebench R20 is 806 points, and R15 multi-core scores hit 193 points. These numbers align with expectations for a 45 nm, non-hyper-threaded quad-core CPU from 2008, emphasizing efficiency in parallel tasks over single-threaded speed. The L5430βs performance is competitive against contemporaries like the Xeon E5400 series but lags behind modern multi-core processors. Its single-core metrics, however, remain modest, underscoring the limitations of older architectures in todayβs demanding applications.
In its competitive positioning, the Intel Xeon L5430 occupied a niche for workstations and servers prioritizing power efficiency over raw performance. Priced at $562 at launch, it offered a cost-effective solution for organizations needing reliable, low-power processing. The L5430βs 50W TDP made it suitable for environments where thermal management was critical, such as compact server nodes or entry-level rendering stations. While outperformed by hyper-threaded Xeons and later-generation Core i7 processors in multi-threaded workloads, the L5430 held value in legacy systems requiring ECC memory support and compatibility with Socket 771 motherboards. Its architecture laid groundwork for future Xeon advancements, even as newer technologies rendered it obsolete for high-performance computing.
- 4 cores and 4 threads for balanced multi-tasking
- 2.67 GHz base clock speed with 45 nm manufacturing process
- 50W TDP for energy-efficient operation in professional systems
- Socket 771 compatibility with ECC memory support
For builds utilizing the Intel Xeon L5430, pairing it with an Intel 5000-series Socket 771 motherboard is essential. ECC DDR2 RAM modules enhance system stability, while SAS or SATA storage solutions provide reliable I/O for server or workstation duties. Cooling solutions should prioritize moderate airflow to manage the 50W TDP, though liquid cooling is unnecessary due to the CPUβs low thermal output. While modern components may lack compatibility, the L5430 remains viable for retrofits in legacy systems requiring Xeon-specific features like ECC support. However, users seeking higher performance should consider newer architectures, as the L5430βs benchmarks struggle to meet current multi-threaded workload demands. Its value lies in specialized applications where power efficiency and ECC memory are non-negotiable.
The AMD Equivalent of Xeon L5430
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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