Intel Xeon X3470
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
About Intel Xeon X3470
The Intel Xeon X3470, a 45 nm Lynnfield quad‑core released in 2009, still delivers respectable throughput for legacy workstation workloads. With a base frequency of 2.93 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.60 GHz, its eight threads push the Cinebench R23 multi‑core score to roughly 2,800 points, which translates to solid performance in multi‑threaded rendering or compression tasks that are not heavily optimized for newer instruction sets. In single‑core scenarios the chip reaches about 397 points on the same suite, indicating that everyday applications like office suites or web browsing will feel snappy enough for users who do not demand the latest CPU‑bound speeds. The 8 MB shared L3 cache helps keep data close to the cores, reducing latency in workloads such as video encoding that benefit from cache size. Priced originally at $589, the processor can now be sourced on the secondary market for a fraction of that, making it a cost‑effective option for budget‑constrained builds that need a genuine server‑grade part. However, the 95 W TDP and older micro‑architecture mean it lags behind modern energy‑efficient designs, so power‑conscious users should weigh the trade‑off between price and electricity cost.
When it comes to gaming, the X3470 processor often referred to simply as the 2.93 GHz quad‑core can still run older titles at 1080p when paired with a modest GPU, but newer AAA releases will quickly hit CPU bottlenecks due to limited IPC and lack of newer instruction extensions. Its Cinebench R20 single‑core score of 166 points reflects the modest per‑core performance that modern games expect, especially those that rely heavily on single‑threaded physics or AI calculations. The socket 1156 requirement restricts the X3470 to legacy motherboards, which typically support DDR3‑1333 memory and lack PCIe 3.0 lanes, so system builders must ensure the rest of the platform matches the processor’s age. Compatibility with current operating systems is generally fine, as most 64‑bit Windows and Linux kernels still include drivers for the 1156 chipset, though some newer firmware features like Intel Speed Shift are unavailable. For enthusiasts looking to repurpose an old workstation, this Xeon chip offers a stable, server‑grade foundation that can handle virtualization or home‑lab duties without breaking the bank. In summary, while the Intel X3470 processor is not a gaming powerhouse, its low acquisition cost and solid multi‑core capability make it a pragmatic choice for niche scenarios where budget and legacy hardware compatibility outweigh raw performance.
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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