Intel Xeon X5492

The Intel Xeon X5492 is a quad-core server/workstation processor built on the 45nm Harpertown architecture, released on September 7, 2008, with a launch MSRP of $1493. It runs at a fixed 3.40 GHz base clock with no turbo boost, packs 4 cores and 4 threads, and draws a 150W TDP. The chip features a dual-die design with 820 million transistors across two 107 mm² dies, 64 KB of L1 cache per core, and 6 MB of L2 cache per die. It supports dual-channel DDR2 and DDR3 memory with ECC, and uses PCIe Gen 2. In the benchmark database, the X5492 holds an average score of 852, placing it at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs — a clear sign of its age and modest performance by modern standards.

Benchmark Performance

The X5492’s benchmark results tell a story of a processor that was competent in its era but is now firmly entry-level. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 249 points; in R20 multi-core, 1039; and in R23 multi-core, 2475. The single-core figures are 146 (R20) and 349 (R23). The R23 multi-core score is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score, indicating that the four physical cores scale well under threaded workloads — though the absolute numbers are low compared to contemporary parts.

The average benchmark score of 852 places the X5492 in a tight cluster of rivals. It matches the Intel Core i5-5200U exactly (0% delta), sits 0.4% ahead of the AMD Athlon X4 830, and trails the Intel Core i5-2500T and Intel Xeon W3520 by 0.5% each. These deltas are minuscule, meaning the X5492 is effectively performance-equivalent to a group of much newer low-power or older mid-range chips. The 22nd percentile ranking reinforces this: over three-quarters of the CPUs in the database outperform it. For a server part that once targeted high-end workstations, the X5492 now delivers performance that would struggle in even basic modern productivity tasks.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 150W, the X5492 belongs to the high-power class of processors. That figure demands a substantial cooling solution — a capable air cooler with a large heatsink and a strong fan, or a liquid cooling loop, is appropriate for sustained operation. The 45nm process node, while advanced for 2008, is far behind modern fabrication, and the dual-die layout means heat is generated across two separate chips. This makes thermal management a primary consideration for anyone running the X5492 today. The lack of a boost clock means the chip runs at a constant 3.40 GHz under load, so power draw is predictable but consistently high. For a server environment, this TDP class typically requires well-ventilated chassis and active cooling to prevent throttling.

How It Compares

Intel Core i5-5200U — The X5492 and the i5-5200U are exactly tied at an average score of 852, with a 0% delta. This is remarkable given the i5-5200U is a dual-core ultra-low-voltage laptop chip from a much later generation. The X5492’s four physical cores cannot overcome the architectural and clock advantages of the newer processor. In practice, the two would trade blows depending on thread count, but the X5492’s higher power draw makes it a poor trade-off.

AMD Athlon X4 830 — The Athlon X4 830 scores 848, putting the X5492 0.4% ahead. This is a negligible margin — effectively a statistical tie. The Athlon X4 830 is a quad-core desktop part, and the X5492’s slight edge likely stems from its higher base clock. Still, the X5492’s 150W TDP is far higher than what the Athlon would draw, making the Xeon less efficient per watt.

Intel Core i5-2500T — The i5-2500T scores 856, giving it a 0.5% lead over the X5492. The 2500T is a low-power desktop processor from Intel’s Sandy Bridge generation, and its superior IPC and lower power envelope make it a more attractive option despite the similar performance. The X5492’s only advantages are its ECC memory support and server-oriented features, which the i5-2500T lacks.

Intel Xeon W3520 — The W3520 also scores 857, 0.5% ahead of the X5492. This is a direct competitor from the same era — a Bloomfield-based Xeon. The W3520’s slight edge likely comes from its newer architecture and integrated memory controller. The X5492, by contrast, relies on an external chipset for memory access, which adds latency. The two are close enough that platform features would dictate the choice.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Xeon X5492 use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 771, a server platform that is now end-of-life.

Q: Does the X5492 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory is supported, along with dual-channel DDR2 and DDR3.

Q: What is the process node and transistor count?

A: The X5492 is built on a 45nm process with 820 million transistors, spread across two 107 mm² dies.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so the CPU runs at its fixed 3.40 GHz base clock.

Q: What is the part number for this CPU?

A: The part number is SLBBD.

Q: Does the X5492 have integrated graphics?

A: No, it has no integrated graphics; a discrete GPU or a server board with onboard video is required.

Platform and Compatibility

The X5492 is built for the Intel Socket 771 platform, which was designed for dual-socket servers and high-end workstations. It supports dual-channel DDR2 and DDR3 memory with ECC, a critical feature for reliability in server environments. The chip uses PCIe Gen 2, which was current at the time of its release. However, the platform is long obsolete — the X5492 is end-of-life, and no modern motherboards support Socket 771. Upgrading from this CPU would require a complete platform change to a newer socket. The dual-die design (2x 107 mm²) and 820 million transistors reflect the 2008-era manufacturing, and the lack of integrated graphics means a separate GPU is mandatory. For anyone still running a Socket 771 system, the X5492 is one of the faster quad-core options, but its 150W TDP and limited memory bandwidth make it a poor choice for modern workloads. The only upgrade path within the same socket would be other LGA771 processors, but none would offer a meaningful leap in performance, and the platform itself is a bottleneck.