Intel Xeon X3470
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
ECC MemoryAt a Glance
IntelIntel Xeon X3470 Specifications
Xeon X3470 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Xeon X3470 features 4 physical cores and 8 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.
X3470 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon X3470 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 X3470 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Xeon X3470 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the X3470 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 X3470's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Nehalem Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Xeon X3470 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 X3470 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Nehalem Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Xeon X3470 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.
X3470 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Xeon X3470 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.
Intel Socket 1156 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Xeon X3470 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.
Intel Socket 1156 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the X3470 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 X3470 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 X3470 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Xeon X3470 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 X3470 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Xeon X3470 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 X3470 performs in parallel rendering workloads.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_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 X3470. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
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 X3470. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
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 X3470 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Xeon X3470 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Xeon X3470
The Intel Xeon X3470 is a 4-core, 8-thread server/workstation processor built on the Nehalem architecture (Lynnfield codename) for Socket 1156. It operates at a base clock of 2.93 GHz and boosts to 3.60 GHz, with a TDP of 95W. The chip is fabricated on a 45 nm process with 774 million transistors and a die size of 296 mm². It includes 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Released in 2009, it is now end-of-life. In benchmark tests, it holds an average score of 969, placing it in the 25th percentile of all CPUs. That means it outperforms only a quarter of the tested processors, a clear indicator of its age and limited performance ceiling.
Who Should Consider It
The benchmark data positions the X3470 at the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of tested CPUs are faster. This is not a processor for modern gaming or content creation. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2816 is far below what current desktop processors achieve, and the single-core score of 397 will bottleneck any application that relies on strong per-thread performance. Even the older Cinebench R15 multi-core result of 283 is very low, suggesting that even legacy rendering tasks will be slow. That said, the 4-core/8-thread design with a 3.60 GHz boost clock can still handle lightweight office productivity, email, and web browsing without major frustration. Its server/workstation heritage and ECC memory support make it a plausible choice for a small home server or a non-critical file server where data integrity matters more than throughput. If you are building a retro system or need a cheap, low-power secondary machine for basic tasks, the X3470's 95W TDP and modest cooling requirements are manageable. However, for any workload that is multi-threaded or latency-sensitive, the data suggests looking elsewhere.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The Cinebench R20 results show a single-core score of 166 and a multi-core score of 1182. In R23, the single-core score is 397 and the multi-core score is 2816. These numbers reveal a CPU that relies heavily on its eight threads to produce usable results. The multi-core scores are substantially higher than the single-core scores, indicating that the hyper-threading implementation is effective at extracting parallelism. However, the absolute single-thread performance is very low—397 in R23 places it below the 25th percentile of all CPUs, a position consistent with its overall standing. This means any application that depends on a single fast core, such as many games, older software, or lightly threaded productivity tools, will be severely constrained. Conversely, workloads that can spread across all eight threads—like batch rendering, video encoding, or server-side processing—will see a proportionally larger benefit, though the ceiling is still low. In practice, the X3470 is a multi-threaded workhorse in a single-threaded world; its performance profile is best suited to parallel batch tasks rather than interactive, low-latency work.
Power and Thermals
The X3470 has a TDP of 95W, which places it in the mainstream power bracket for a quad-core processor. For a 45nm part from 2009, this is a moderate thermal load. The data does not list any integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required, adding to the overall system power budget. The 95W TDP means that a typical tower-style air cooler with a decent heatpipe design should be sufficient; liquid cooling is unnecessary. However, because the CPU is end-of-life and uses the older Socket 1156 mount, users may need to check whether their chosen cooler includes a compatible mounting bracket. The 95W figure also implies that the CPU will not overwhelm a standard ATX power supply, but the system's total draw will depend on the GPU and other components. In a small form factor case, the thermal output of 95W is manageable with adequate airflow. The lack of an unlocked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked false) means overclocking is not an option, so users must rely on the stock 3.60 GHz boost to meet performance needs.
How It Compares
Intel Pentium Gold G5500T: The X3470's average score of 969 is 0.1% higher than the G5500T's 968, placing them within rounding error of each other. The G5500T is a much newer, low-power part, yet the X3470's older architecture and higher core count manage to match its average throughput.
Intel Core i7-875K: The X3470 trails the i7-875K by 0.1%, with scores of 969 and 970 respectively. The i7-875K is a desktop enthusiast part from the same generation, and the near-identical performance suggests the server-oriented X3470 does not gain a meaningful edge in the benchmark average.
Intel Xeon X5570: The X3470 is 0.1% lower than the Xeon X5570, which also scores 970. Both are Xeon parts, and their average scores are indistinguishable. The X5570 uses a different socket and platform, but in raw benchmark terms, the two are effectively equal.
AMD PRO A8-9600: The X3470 is 0.2% lower than the AMD PRO A8-9600, which scores 971. This is the largest gap among the four rivals, but still very small. The A8-9600 is an AMD processor, and while its architecture differs, the average score difference is negligible.
Overall, the X3470 sits in a tight cluster with these four processors, all within 0.2% of each other. This indicates that the X3470's performance is roughly equivalent to a low-end modern CPU or a high-end older CPU, making it a marginal choice for any workload where even a modest improvement in score would matter.
FAQ
Q: Does the Intel Xeon X3470 support ECC memory?
A: Yes, the memory support includes ECC (true).
Q: What socket does the X3470 use?
A: It uses Intel Socket 1156.
Q: Does the X3470 have integrated graphics?
A: No, the integrated graphics field is null, so a discrete GPU is required.
Q: What is the memory bandwidth?
A: The memory bus is dual-channel with a bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?
A: No, the multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked false).
Q: What is the production status?
A: It is end-of-life.
Platform and Compatibility
The X3470 uses the Intel Socket 1156, which is shared with other processors from the same era. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s and ECC memory. The PCIe interface is Gen 2 with 16 lanes available from the CPU. There is no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory. As the CPU is end-of-life, the upgrade path is effectively closed; no newer processors are offered for Socket 1156. The platform is also limited to DDR3 memory, which is obsolete. Users building a new system should not consider this platform, but for those already owning a Socket 1156 board, the X3470 can serve as a drop-in upgrade if the board's BIOS supports it. The launch MSRP was $589. The part number is SLBJH, which can help identify the exact stepping when sourcing a used unit. Given the 45 nm process and 774 million transistors, the X3470 is a product of its time, and its compatibility is confined to a socket that has been out of production for many years.
The AMD Equivalent of Xeon X3470
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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