Best CPU for LGA 1366: Xeon X5690 and Xeon L5640

For LGA 1366 systems, the Xeon X5690 excels in gaming and server scenarios, while the Xeon L5640 targets low-power applications. The X5690 is optimal for demanding workloads and enthusiast gaming rigs, whereas the L5640 suits energy-efficient servers and home lab setups.

Intel Xeon X5690

The X5690 features 6 cores/12 threads at 3.46 GHz base, 3.73 GHz Turbo, with a 130W TDP. In single-socket configurations, it delivers exceptional performance for both server and high-end desktop use. Cinebench R11.5 scores of 7.45 points single-core and 49.8 points multi-core demonstrate its prowess. Gaming performance at 1080p shows 15-25% improvements over first-gen Core i7 processors in CPU-limited scenarios. The X5690’s dual-socket capability enables 12 cores/24 threads per system, with 95% scaling efficiency in such setups. For heavily threaded server workloads or content creation, dual-socket X5690 configurations provide unmatched LGA 1366 performance.

Dual Xeon X5960 benchmarks with AMD RX 6900 XT

Intel Xeon L5640

The L5640 targets the low-power server market with 6 cores/12 threads at 2.26 GHz base, 2.8 GHz Turbo, all within a 60W TDP. While single-threaded performance lags behind its higher-clocked siblings (4.21 points in Cinebench R11.5 single-core), multi-threaded efficiency shines. Benchmarks reveal a performance-to-power ratio 22% better than the X5690 at 50% load levels typical in data center environments. For home server enthusiasts, the L5640 offers an ideal balance of performance and energy efficiency, often allowing passive cooling in well-designed chassis.

Intel Xeon X5690 VS Intel Core i7-990X

The Xeon X5690 typically outperforms the Core i7-990X in multi-threaded tasks, thanks to its support for dual-socket configurations, enabling up to 12 cores and 24 threads. This makes it ideal for server workloads like virtualization, web hosting, and content creation, where additional cores significantly enhance performance.

In enterprise environments, the X5690’s support for ECC memory ensures data integrity, while its power efficiency and design for continuous operation make it suitable for 24/7 uptime.

The i7-990X may excel in single-socket setups, particularly for gaming and single-threaded applications. Both CPUs feature identical clock speeds (3.46 GHz base, 3.73 GHz Turbo), 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 130W TDP, resulting in nearly equal single-threaded performance. However, the i7-990X offers unlocked overclocking potential, appealing to enthusiasts.

Intel Xeon X5690 VS Intel Xeon W3690

In terms of value X5690 is the better processor then the W3690 – it is easier to find and cheaper. In 2024 you can get a second hand X5690 for around $25.

The Intel Xeon X5690 and Intel Xeon W3690 are very similar processors, built on the same Gulftown architecture, and designed for high-performance computing. However, there are subtle differences that set them apart, especially in terms of their intended use cases.

Comparison Overview:

The Xeon X5690, with 2 QPI links, is better suited for multi-socket systems, where multiple CPUs communicate with each other more efficiently. This is typical in high-end servers that need to scale performance by using two or more processors in tandem. The W3690, with a single QPI link, is designed for single-socket systems and is more likely to be found in high-performance workstations.

Xeon X5690 with its 2 QPI links is ideal for multi-socket configurations where you need multiple CPUs working together.

For a single socket system Xeon W3690 is the better option. It offers the same core count, clock speed, and cache as the X5690 but at a lower price. Since the extra QPI link of the X5690 is not needed in single-socket systems, the W3690 is more cost-effective for workstations running demanding tasks like video editing, CAD, or gaming.

What type of motherboard do I need for Xeon W3690?

Intel Xeon W3690 works on single-socket motherboards. In fact, it is designed specifically for single-socket systems, typically used in workstations.

Intel Xeon W3690 does not work on a dual-socket motherboard. The W3690 is designed specifically for single-socket systems

The W3690 uses the LGA 1366 socket, which is compatible with many high-performance workstation and desktop motherboards. There are a number of single-socket motherboards that support Xeon processors, particularly in the X58 chipset family, which is commonly used with these CPUs..

What type of motherboard do I need for Xeon X5690?

The Intel Xeon X5690 is primarily designed for server use and is intended for multi-socket (dual or more) configurations, but it can also work in single-socket motherboards as long as the motherboard supports it. However, the X5690’s extra features are typically most beneficial in a multi-CPU setup.

The Xeon X5690 has 2 QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) links, which are meant for communication between multiple CPUs in a multi-socket server. This makes it ideal for dual-CPU servers, but if you use it in a single-socket motherboard, only one QPI link will be active (as there’s no second CPU for the other QPI link to connect to). Essentially, the second QPI link will go unused in a single-socket setup.

For single-socket systems, the X5690 can be used in motherboards with the LGA 1366 socket, and it works with chipsets like Intel X58 and some C200 series chipsets. These motherboards are capable of handling high-end processors like the Xeon X5690, but you’ll need to ensure the motherboard’s BIOS supports the X5690.

In a single-socket configuration, the Xeon X5690 will function similarly to the Xeon W3690, since both have the same clock speed (3.47 GHz), number of cores (6 cores, 12 threads), and cache (12 MB L3). The main difference is that the W3690 is specifically tuned for workstations, while the X5690 is more optimized for servers and multi-socket scalability. In single-socket systems, the performance will be nearly identical.