Sale!
Intel Xeon W3540 2.93GHz 4-Core 8-Thread LGA 1366 8MB Cache 130W 4.8GT/s QPI CPU
Intel Xeon W3540 2.93GHz 4-Core 8-Thread LGA 1366 8MB Cache 130W 4.8GT/s QPI CPU

Intel Xeon W3540 2.93GHz 4-Core 8-Thread LGA 1366 8MB Cache 130W 4.8GT/s QPI CPU

Original price was: £22.85.Current price is: £20.35.

The Intel Xeon W3540 is a 4-core, 8-thread processor from Intel’s Nehalem-EP series, built on a 45nm process and designed for high-performance workstation and server environments. Released in Q1 2009, it offers strong multi-threaded performance with a base clock speed of 2.93 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz, and 8MB of L3 cache. Its Hyper-Threading support makes it ideal for tasks like content creation, data processing, and virtualization.

While primarily targeted at professional use, the Xeon W3540 can handle entry-level gaming and video editing when paired with a dedicated GPU. Its versatile design makes it a good choice for users looking to repurpose older hardware for gaming or office work.

Categories: , , , , , , , Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Description

The Intel Xeon W3540 is a 4-core, 8-thread processor from Intel’s Nehalem-EP series, built on a 45nm process and designed for high-performance workstation and server environments. Released in Q1 2009, it offers strong multi-threaded performance with a base clock speed of 2.93 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz, and 8MB of L3 cache. Its Hyper-Threading support makes it ideal for tasks like content creation, data processing, and virtualization.

While primarily targeted at professional use, the Xeon W3540 can handle entry-level gaming and video editing when paired with a dedicated GPU. Its versatile design makes it a good choice for users looking to repurpose older hardware for gaming or office work.

Gaming Potential with the Intel Xeon W3540:

Despite being designed for workstation and server tasks, the Intel Xeon W3540 can still deliver entry-level gaming performance when paired with a suitable dedicated GPU. Its 4 cores, 8 threads, and Hyper-Threading support allow it to handle older games and eSports titles effectively.

Here are some examples of gaming performance when paired with a GTX 1050 Ti, GTX 1060, or similar GPU:

  1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS)
    • Settings: 1080p, Medium Settings
    • Expected FPS: 60-80 FPS
      The Xeon W3540 offers smooth performance when paired with a mid-range GPU, delivering consistent frame rates for competitive gaming.
  2. League of Legends
    • Settings: 1080p, High Settings
    • Expected FPS: 70-90 FPS
      The Xeon W3540 handles League of Legends at high settings, providing fluid gameplay even in competitive scenarios.
  3. Minecraft
    • Settings: 720p, Medium Settings
    • Expected FPS: 50-60 FPS
      Paired with a GTX 1050, Minecraft runs smoothly on the Xeon W3540, offering a stable gaming experience.
  4. Fortnite (Entry-Level Performance)
    • Settings: 720p, Medium Settings
    • Expected FPS: 40-60 FPS
      The Xeon W3540 can deliver playable frame rates in Fortnite at medium settings when paired with a GTX 1050 Ti or similar GPU.
  5. Team Fortress 2
    • Settings: 1080p, Medium Settings
    • Expected FPS: 50-60 FPS
      Team Fortress 2 runs smoothly with the Xeon W3540, delivering consistent frame rates in multiplayer matches.

Video Editing and Content Creation:

The Intel Xeon W3540 provides strong multi-threaded performance for video editing and content creation tasks. Its 8 threads and Turbo Boost feature ensure smooth handling of 1080p video editing, though 4K video editing may be limited compared to modern CPUs. Applications that work well on this processor include:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro: Capable of handling 1080p video editing, including multi-track timelines and basic effects.
  • DaVinci Resolve: Suitable for color grading and 1080p editing, though performance in 4K projects may be limited.
  • PowerDirector: Handles basic video projects and smooth playback for 1080p video.
  • Pinnacle Studio: Works well for transitions, effects, and 1080p video editing.

For users focusing on content creation or video editing, the Xeon W3540 delivers solid performance for basic projects, though it may not match the speed of more modern processors in 4K workloads.

Office Productivity and Workstation Use:

The Intel Xeon W3540 excels in office productivity and workstation tasks, handling typical office applications with ease. It is ideal for tasks such as:

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Efficiently manages large spreadsheets, presentations, and document editing with smooth multitasking capabilities.
  • Project Management Tools: Works well with tools like Microsoft Project, Trello, and Asana, providing fast response times even with multiple applications open.
  • Web Browsing: Handles multiple browser tabs, media consumption, and web-based applications, making it ideal for office work and light multitasking.

Whether you’re building a home office setup or need a reliable workstation, the Xeon W3540 is equipped to handle multitasking and day-to-day productivity tasks.

Server and Virtualization Capabilities:

The Intel Xeon W3540 is also designed for server environments, excelling in virtualization, database management, and cloud computing. It is well-suited for:

  • Virtualization: Capable of running multiple virtual machines (VMs) with platforms such as VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, or Proxmox.
  • Database Management: Supports SQL databases, providing reliable performance for transaction-heavy applications.
  • Cloud Services: Suitable for running web hosting, SaaS applications, and other cloud services.

With a TDP of 130W, the Xeon W3540 offers strong performance, though its power consumption makes it more suited to high-demand environments rather than low-power setups.

Operating System Compatibility:

The Intel Xeon W3540 is compatible with a broad range of operating systems, making it versatile for both workstation and server setups:

  • Windows Versions:
    • Windows XP
    • Windows Vista
    • Windows 7
    • Windows 8
    • Windows 10
    • Windows 11 (Limited Support) – Due to the lack of TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, the Xeon W3540 can run Windows 11 using a No-TPM installer or with a motherboard that has a separate TPM module, but official support is limited.
  • Windows Server Versions: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019
  • Linux Distributions: Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
  • Virtualization Platforms: VMware ESXi, Citrix Hypervisor, Microsoft Hyper-V
  • Other OS: FreeBSD, Solaris, and various cloud-based platforms.

Performance Benchmarks:

CPU Benchmarks:

  1. Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core Score):
    • Score: 550 points
      The Xeon W3540 provides reliable multi-core performance for workstation tasks, content creation, and virtualization.
  2. PassMark (CPU Mark):
    • Score: 4,500 points
      Reflecting the multi-threading power of the W3540, this benchmark shows the processor’s capabilities in server workloads and light video editing.
  3. Geekbench 4 (Multi-Core Score):
    • Score: 8,000 points
      Highlights the multi-threaded performance of the processor, making it a good choice for content creation, office tasks, and light server use.

Power Efficiency and Scalability:

With a TDP of 130W, the Intel Xeon W3540 offers strong performance but consumes more power compared to energy-efficient processors. Its 4-core, 8-thread design ensures smooth multitasking for high-demand workstations and servers, though it is more suited for environments that prioritize performance over energy savings.

Condition:

This Intel Xeon W3540 is a fully tested pre-owned unit, offered in unboxed condition. It does not include a heatsink or any additional accessories, making it ideal for users who already have compatible cooling solutions or plan to purchase one separately.

Related products