The Intel Xeon X3430, built on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture, represents an early quad-core server and workstation CPU for the LGA 1156 platform. This Lynnfield processor integrates four physical cores operating at a base frequency of 2.40 GHz, with Intel Turbo Boost technology enabling a peak single-core speed of 2.80 GHz under appropriate thermal conditions. Its thermal design power of 95 watts reflects the efficiency expectations of its generation, balancing computational throughput with manageable heat output. The CPU's cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, complemented by a substantial 8 MB of shared L3 cache to reduce latency for frequently accessed data. This architectural configuration provided a solid foundation for parallel workloads in its era, moving beyond the dual-core designs that previously dominated the entry-level server segment.
Performance analysis of this quad-core Xeon shows it was positioned for moderate multi-threaded tasks, as evidenced by a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1,964 points. The single-core performance, scoring 277 points in the same R23 test, highlights the limitations of its operating frequencies and microarchitecture when handling serialized workloads. The 2.80 GHz turbo frequency offered a meaningful performance uplift for lightly-threaded applications, a critical feature for maintaining responsiveness in mixed-use environments. When evaluating the Lynnfield-based chip against modern standards, its computational output is understandably surpassed by subsequent generations with higher core counts and advanced process nodes. However, for its targeted deployment period, the processor delivered competent performance for its price segment and power envelope.
The most suitable applications for this particular LGA 1156 CPU were light-duty server roles, including file serving, basic virtualization, and entry-level database functions. Its four execution threads were also adequate for certain desktop professional workloads, such as rendering and compilation, where parallelization was possible within the constraints of its era. The shared 8 MB L3 cache proved beneficial for these multi-threaded scenarios, allowing cores to efficiently communicate and share data. Thermal management of the 95W TDP component required a competent cooling solution to maintain optimal boost clock durations and system stability. Ultimately, the Intel Xeon X3430 served as a cost-effective bridge into quad-core processing for small business infrastructure, offering a tangible multi-core advantage over contemporary consumer-grade dual-core parts.