The Intel Xeon E5450 was a server/workstation processor with 4 cores, launched in November 2007, at an MSRP of $915. It is part of the Xeon lineup, using the Harpertown architecture with Socket 771. To further increase overall system performance, up to two Xeon E5450 CPUs can link up in a multi-processor (SMP) configuration. Xeon E5450 has 6 MB of L2 cache per die and operates at 3 GHz. Intel built the Xeon E5450 on a 45 nm production process using 820 million transistors. The multiplier is locked on Xeon E5450, which limits its overclocking capabilities.
With a TDP of 80 W, the Xeon E5450 consumes a good deal of power, so decent cooling is needed. Intel's processor supports DDR2 and DDR3 memory with a dual-channel interface. ECC memory is supported, too, which is an important capability for mission-critical systems, to avoid data corruption. Actual memory technology support depends on the chosen motherboard, because the memory controller is located on the motherboard (not in the processor). For communication with other components in the machine, Xeon E5450 uses a PCI-Express Gen 2 connection. This processor lacks integrated graphics, you might need a graphics card.
Hardware virtualization is available on the Xeon E5450, which greatly improves virtual machine performance.