{"product_id":"intel-xeon-e5620-2-40ghz-quad-core-cpu-server-performance","title":"Intel XEON E5620 2.40GHz Quad Core CPU - Server Performance","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the Intel XEON E5620 2.40GHz finds it best suited to builders and small server operators who need reliable multi-threaded performance on a budget. The bottom line: this is a practical, mature Xeon with four cores, a substantial 12 MB shared cache and a conservative 80W TDP that together deliver steady throughput for virtualization, file serving or compute tasks on LGA 1366 platforms. It appeals where stability and legacy platform compatibility matter more than the absolute latest single-thread speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eXeon processor type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers workstation and server grade reliability for sustained multi-threaded workloads without consumer CPU compromises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour physical cores:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides solid parallel processing for virtual machines, background services, and multi-threaded applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e12 MB L3 cache:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large shared cache helps reduce memory latency for database and I\/O heavy tasks, improving throughput under load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLGA 1366 socket compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fits older Socket B motherboards so it extends the usable life of established server hardware affordably.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e80W thermal design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate power draw that simplifies cooling requirements in rack or tower systems while maintaining consistent performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2933 MHz bus speed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports the platform interconnect bandwidth expected of this generation, aiding memory and chipset communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe XEON E5620 is aimed at IT hobbyists, small business server admins and anyone maintaining or refurbishing LGA 1366 systems who needs dependable multi-core processing without replacing the whole platform. It makes sense for light virtualization, home lab clusters, and file or print servers where cost per core and compatibility matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsers who need the fastest single-threaded gaming performance, cutting-edge instruction sets, or the highest core counts should look elsewhere to modern desktop or server CPUs. Likewise, those unable to source a compatible LGA 1366 motherboard should plan for a platform upgrade instead of this CPU.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGood multi-thread value from four physical cores and a large 12 MB L3 cache for sustained server tasks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eModerate 80W TDP keeps cooling simpler and energy use predictable in continuous operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFits LGA 1366\/Socket B systems, allowing economical platform refreshes without replacing the motherboard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNot competitive with modern CPUs for single-threaded or high core-count workloads due to older architecture and lower clock speed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLimited by platform age: DDR3 memory and older chipsets restrict upgrade paths and features.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProcessor Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXeon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel \/ MPN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSLBV4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNumber of Cores\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClock Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.40 GHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eL2 Cache\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0 MB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eL3 Cache\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 MB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSocket Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLGA 1366 \/ Socket B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBus Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2933 MHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Intel XEON E5620 2.40GHz is a sensible buy for refurbishing older servers or building a budget-conscious home lab where proven stability and multi-core throughput matter more than cutting-edge speed. Its combination of four cores, 12 MB L3 cache and 80W TDP represent good value on compatible LGA 1366 platforms, though buyers should accept the tradeoffs of older memory and chipset features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this CPU fit my board?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt requires an LGA 1366 \/ Socket B motherboard; verify socket support before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this good for virtualization?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes for light to moderate virtualization tasks; the four cores and 12 MB cache handle several VMs but are not a substitute for modern many-core server CPUs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat about power and cooling?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe CPU has an 80W TDP, so typical tower or rack cooling solutions used in older servers are sufficient for continuous operation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Intel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48232424800475,"sku":"B00J0KS87S","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/6152BLysSPL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770745508","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/intel-xeon-e5620-2-40ghz-quad-core-cpu-server-performance","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}