Intel Xeon E7-2803
Also called intel xeon e7-2803, xeon e7-2803, e7-2803, xeon-e7-2803
Intel Xeon E7 server processor on Westmere, with 6 cores and 12 threads and 18 MB L3 at 105 W TDP on a 32 nm process addressing up to 1 GB.
What you need to know
Intel Xeon E7-2803 is a legacy server cpu.
Intel Xeon E7-2803 launched in April 1, 2011., It has 6 cores and 12 threads on Westmere, dropping into the FCLGA1567 socket. Treat the spec table as the facts. Age alone does not tell you to throw it out.
- Still good?
- Only if the workload is light
- Product age
- 15 years old
- Upgrade pressure
- Moderate
What this hardware means today
Age and usefulness are not the same number. This page keeps them separate.
- Performance today
- Average. Average for the class when RAM, storage, and the GPU keep up.
- Product age 15 years old
- Legacy. Launched April 1, 2011. Newer platforms exist. That does not make this chip unusable by itself.
- Support status
- Supported. Current Windows and current applications still run on this class of CPU. Platform BIOS support depends on the motherboard or laptop vendor.
- Upgrade pressure
- Moderate. Upgrade pressure comes from platform features and specific CPU-bound work, not from the chip being unusable.
Where does it sit?
Westmere sits on Intel's recent Core timeline. Later desktop branding moved toward Core Ultra.
Performance context
These are qualitative readings, not a fake 8.7 out of 10. Workload still wins.
Gaming: Poor fit
Not the job. Use a desktop or workstation part if games are the point.
Productivity: Average
6 cores cover office, browser, and compile work in this class.
Multithreaded workloads: Good
12 threads. Heavy encodes still scale further on higher-core parts.
General use: Good
Everyday Windows use is not where most people notice this SKU first.
Efficiency: Good
Rated 105 W base power. That is a platform number, not a promise about your cooler.
Should you upgrade?
Probably not based on CPU performance alone.
Upgrade makes more sense if
- Your workload is strongly CPU limited
- You need a newer platform for memory, I/O, or chipset features
- You need substantially more multicore performance
- You need newer connectivity that your current board cannot offer
Upgrade makes less sense if
- The GPU is the real bottleneck
- Current applications are already responsive
- The CPU rarely limits your workload
Specifications
Figures below follow the Feex Hardware Database record for this SKU. Fields without a recorded value are omitted.
Processor
Intel Xeon E7-2803 is built on Westmere using a 32 nm process.
| Manufacturer | Intel |
|---|---|
| Family | Xeon E7 |
| Architecture | Westmere |
| Codename | Westmere EX |
| Generation | Intel Xeon Processor E7 Family |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Segment | Server |
Cores and threads
Intel Xeon E7-2803 has 6 cores and 12 threads.
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
Clock speeds
Base clock is 1.73 GHz.
| Base frequency | 1.73 GHz |
|---|
Cache
Cache on this sheet is 18 MB L3.
| L3 cache | 18 MB |
|---|---|
| Total cache | 18 MB |
Memory
Intel Xeon E7-2803 addresses 1 GB across 4 memory channels.
| Supported types | DDR3 |
|---|---|
| Max capacity | 1 GB |
| Channels | 4 |
Package and power
Intel Xeon E7-2803 uses the FCLGA1567 socket and a 105 W TDP.
| Socket | FCLGA1567 |
|---|---|
| TDP | 105 W |
Market
Intel Xeon E7-2803 launched April 1, 2011.
| Launch date | April 1, 2011 |
|---|---|
| Model | E7-2803 |
Features
Intel Xeon E7-2803 records 3 instruction sets on this sheet.
| Instruction sets | 64-bit (x86-64)SSE4.1SSE4.2 |
|---|---|
| Virtualization | Extended Page Tables (EPT)VT-d (DMA Remapping)VT-x (Hardware Virtualization) |
Compatibility
| Socket | FCLGA1567 |
|---|---|
| Board | A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Check the motherboard CPU list and BIOS revision. |
| Memory | DDR3, up to 1 GB |
A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Boards often need a BIOS update before a newer chip in the same socket will post.
Cooler clearance, VRM quality, and power limits matter as much as the socket name.
Read the memory list on the board. The CPU can list more standards than one motherboard will accept.
No post after a CPU swap
Clear CMOS only after you confirm the board list includes this SKU and the BIOS is new enough. A supported name on a box is not the same as a flashed board.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Partially Verified. How we research.
- Feex Hardware Database · Specification source used for this sheet. CC BY 4.0.
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