INTEL

Intel Xeon W3503

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

2
Cores
2
Threads
GHz Boost
130W
TDP
🛡️ECC Memory

Intel Xeon W3503 Specifications

⚙️

Xeon W3503 Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Xeon W3503 features 2 physical cores and 2 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.

Cores
2
Threads
2
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

W3503 Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon W3503 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 W3503 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2.4 GHz
Boost Clock
N/A
Multiplier
18x
💾

Intel's Xeon W3503 Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the W3503 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 W3503's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
4 MB (shared)
🏗️

Nehalem Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Xeon W3503 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 W3503 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Nehalem
Codename
Bloomfield
Process Node
45 nm
Foundry
Intel
Transistors
731 million
Die Size
263 mm²
Generation
Xeon (Bloomfield)
🔢

Nehalem Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Xeon W3503 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.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
Intel 64
VT-x
🔌

W3503 Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Xeon W3503 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130W, 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.

TDP
130W
🔧

Intel Socket 1366 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Xeon W3503 uses the Intel Socket 1366 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.

Socket
Intel Socket 1366
PCIe
Gen 2
Package
FC-LGA8
DDR5

Intel Socket 1366 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the W3503 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 W3503 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.

Memory Type
DDR3
Memory Bus
Triple-channel
ECC Memory
Supported
📦

Xeon W3503 Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Xeon W3503 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 W3503 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Mar 2009
Market
Server/Workstation
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SLBGD

Xeon W3503 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 W3503 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #1761 of 1788
96
1%
Max: 14,978

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 W3503. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #1764 of 1788
401
1%
Max: 62,412

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 W3503. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #1763 of 1784
56
1%
Max: 8,811

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 W3503 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #1764 of 1788
955
1%
Max: 148,601

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Xeon W3503 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #1764 of 1788
134
1%
Max: 20,979

About Intel Xeon W3503

Intel Xeon W3503 Benchmark Overview

The Intel Xeon W3503, a dual-core processor from Intel's Bloomfield architecture released in March 2009, features two cores and two threads without hyper-threading support, making it a straightforward choice for workloads that benefit from basic parallelism. Built on a 45 nm process, it operates at a base clock speed of 2.40 GHz on the LGA 1366 socket, targeting professional workstation environments of its era. This Xeon chip's design emphasizes reliability for sustained tasks rather than peak burst performance, with its shared 4 MB L3 cache aiding in data access efficiency across the cores. In benchmark tests, the W3503 scores 955 points in Cinebench R23 multicore, reflecting modest multi-threaded capabilities suitable for its age. Single-core performance lands at 134 points in R23, underscoring its focus on balanced operation rather than modern single-threaded demands. Overall, it represents an entry-level Xeon for legacy systems, where stability trumps raw speed.

Performance frequencies of the W3503 Xeon processor remain fixed at 2.40 GHz without turbo boost, a limitation of its 2009-era Nehalem microarchitecture that prioritizes consistent output over dynamic scaling. In Cinebench R20, multicore yields 401 points, while single-core hits 56, illustrating its competence in rendering and computational tasks of the late 2000s. Compared to contemporaries, it handles vectorized workloads adequately but struggles with today's vector extensions like AVX. Energy efficiency poses a challenge with a 130W TDP, demanding robust cooling in multi-socket setups, though the 45 nm node offers better power scaling than prior generations. For tech enthusiasts restoring vintage hardware, this TDP translates to higher operational costs in prolonged sessions. Cache hierarchy includes no dedicated L1 or L2 per core details in standard specs, but the unified 4 MB L3 ensures low-latency shared access, bolstering branch prediction and instruction fetching.

Ideal workloads for the Intel Xeon W3503 revolve around legacy applications that don't require extensive threading or high clock speeds, such as basic CAD modeling, file serving, or light virtualization from the pre-cloud era. Its energy profile suits controlled environments where power draw is manageable, avoiding mobile or edge deployments. For benchmark aficionados, it excels in historical comparisons, like pitting against AMD's Phenom II in workstation duels. The processor's socket compatibility allows upgrades within the X58 chipset ecosystem, extending its lifecycle for hobbyists. In summary, while outdated for 2023 standards, the W3503 remains a curiosity for emulating early 64-bit server experiences.

  1. Legacy rendering tasks in software like Autodesk Maya 2009, leveraging multicore scores around 96 in Cinebench R15.
  2. Basic database queries on SQL Server, benefiting from the 4 MB L3 cache for quick data retrieval.
  3. Light scientific simulations using MATLAB, where single-core efficiency at 56 in R20 proves sufficient.
  4. Workstation file compression and archiving, handling I/O-bound operations without thermal throttling.
  5. Vintage gaming emulation or OS testing in virtual machines, capitalizing on socket 1366's expandability.

The AMD Equivalent of Xeon W3503

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 5 1400

AMD • 4 Cores

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