Xeon Gold 5520+
CPU·Enthusiast

Xeon Gold 5520+

Intel

PassMark

61,227

MSRP

$1083

AVG Price

$764

14 December 2023 (1 year ago)
205 Watt
Emerald Rapids (2023)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Xeon Gold 5520+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 61,227 points. Launch price was $1,640.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 5520+

#132
Xeon E5-2630 v4
MSRP: $1171|Avg: $130
110%
#133
Xeon W-11855M
MSRP: $450|Avg: $200
109%
#134
Xeon E5-2660 v3
MSRP: $1445|Avg: $150
108%
#135
Xeon E3-1265L v4
MSRP: $417|Avg: $80
108%
#136
EPYC 7742
MSRP: $6950|Avg: $800
108%
#137
Ryzen 7 PRO 1700X
MSRP: $399|Avg: $180
108%
#138
EPYC 4585PX
MSRP: $699|Avg: $826
107%
#139
EPYC 4484PX
MSRP: $599|Avg: $599
105%
#140
Xeon E5-2407 v2
MSRP: $250|Avg: $39
105%
#141
Xeon E3-1220L
MSRP: $189|Avg: $27
105%
#142
Xeon E5-1620
MSRP: $885|Avg: $70
104%
#143
Xeon E5-2667 v3
MSRP: $2057|Avg: $150
104%
#144
Xeon E5-1680 v2
MSRP: $1723|Avg: $150
103%
#145
Xeon Gold 6138
MSRP: $2612|Avg: $300
100%
#146
Xeon E5-2660 v2
MSRP: $1393|Avg: $129
100%
#147
Xeon Gold 5520+
MSRP: $1083|Avg: $764
100%
#148
Xeon W-1350P
MSRP: $311|Avg: $250
98%
#149
Xeon E5-2450L
MSRP: $1106|Avg: $78
97%
#150
Xeon Platinum 8260
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
96%
#151
Xeon E5-1428L V2
MSRP: $494|Avg: $83
94%
#152
Xeon E5-2637
MSRP: $885|Avg: $40
93%
#153
Xeon E5-2658A V3
MSRP: $1832|Avg: $200
93%
#154
Xeon 5120
MSRP: $107|Avg: $15
93%
#155
Xeon E5-1681 V3
MSRP: $1589|Avg: $200
92%
#156
Xeon X3450
MSRP: $241|Avg: $39
92%
#157
Xeon Silver 4314
MSRP: $395|Avg: $395
92%
#158
EPYC 74F3
MSRP: $913|Avg: $824
92%
#159
Xeon W-1350
MSRP: $255|Avg: $255
92%
#160
Xeon W-1370P
MSRP: $323|Avg: $323
92%
#161
Xeon 6315P
MSRP: $1166|Avg: $160
91%
#162
Xeon Gold 6143
MSRP: $342|Avg: $342
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 5520+ specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 5520+ is a 28-core / 56-thread processor based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture, manufactured on a 10 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 52.5 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 61,227, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,600, while multi-core reaches 25,000.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5520+
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units28C / 56T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designEmerald Rapids (2023)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient10 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores52.5 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache80 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor2x 763 mm2
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score61,227
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming1,600
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance25,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 5520+ fits into the LGA4677 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 80 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4096 GB across 8 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5520+
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorserver
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA4677
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 4.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion80
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR5-4800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory4096 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel8
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNone
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUC741
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers2
🔧

Advanced Features

The Xeon Gold 5520+ is primarily designed for Enterprise Server. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the EPYC 9354.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5520+
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryEnterprise Server
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerEPYC 9354
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon Gold 5520+ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 205 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Server Passive.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5520+
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload205 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionServer Passive
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $764 (MSRP: $1083), the Xeon Gold 5520+ delivers 80 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #123 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5520+
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$1083
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$764
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$1,640
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#123
Release DateLaunch date14 December 2023 (1 year ago)
Release Year2023
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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