INTEL

Intel Xeon X3430

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

4
Cores
4
Threads
2.8
GHz Boost
95W
TDP
🛡️ECC Memory

Intel Xeon X3430 Specifications

⚙️

Xeon X3430 Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Xeon X3430 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.

Cores
4
Threads
4
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

X3430 Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon X3430 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 X3430 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2.4 GHz
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
Multiplier
18x
💾

Intel's Xeon X3430 Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the X3430 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 X3430'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
8 MB (shared)
🏗️

Nehalem Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Xeon X3430 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 X3430 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Nehalem
Codename
Lynnfield
Process Node
45 nm
Foundry
Intel
Transistors
774 million
Die Size
296 mm²
Generation
Xeon (Lynnfield)
🔢

Nehalem Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Xeon X3430 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
🔌

X3430 Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Xeon X3430 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, 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
95W
🔧

Intel Socket 1156 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Xeon X3430 uses the Intel Socket 1156 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 1156
PCIe
Gen 2, 16 Lanes(CPU only)
DMI
2.5 GT/s
Package
FC-LGA8
DDR5

Intel Socket 1156 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the X3430 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 X3430 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
Dual-channel
Memory Bandwidth
21.3 GB/s
ECC Memory
Supported
📦

Xeon X3430 Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Xeon X3430 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 X3430 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Sep 2009
Launch Price
$189
Market
Server/Workstation
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SLBLJ

Xeon X3430 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 X3430 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 #1513 of 1788
197
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 X3430. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #1513 of 1788
824
1%
Max: 62,412
Compare with other CPUs

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 X3430. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #1513 of 1784
116
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 X3430 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #1513 of 1788
1,964
1%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Xeon X3430 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #1512 of 1788
277
1%
Max: 20,979
Compare with other CPUs

About Intel Xeon X3430

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.

The AMD Equivalent of Xeon X3430

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

View Specs Compare

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