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 E5-2686 V3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 18,148 points. Launch price was $800.

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 E5-2686 V3

#89

Xeon W-2145

MSRP: $1113|Avg: $145

110%

#90

Xeon E7450

MSRP: $417|Avg: $80

109%

#91

Xeon E5-2660

MSRP: $1329|Avg: $65

109%

#92

Opteron 6344

MSRP: $415|Avg: $49

109%

#93

EPYC 7401

MSRP: $1500|Avg: $450

108%

#94

Xeon w9-3575X

MSRP: $3789|Avg: $675

108%

#95

Xeon W3580

MSRP: $294|Avg: $30

107%

#96

Xeon E5-4650

MSRP: $3616|Avg: $71

107%

#97

Xeon E5-4667 v3

MSRP: $128|Avg: $128

106%

#98

Xeon X3460

MSRP: $316|Avg: $25

104%

#99

Xeon 5130

MSRP: $316|Avg: $10

104%

#100

Xeon E5405

MSRP: $209|Avg: $15

103%

#101

EPYC 7551P

MSRP: $2100|Avg: $329

102%

#102

Xeon E5-2620 v2

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $54

102%

#103

Xeon X5672

MSRP: $300|Avg: $44

101%

#104

Xeon E5-2686 V3

MSRP: $1500|Avg: $160

100%

#105

Xeon D-2766NT

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $212

100%

#106

EPYC 7413

MSRP: $1825|Avg: $450

99%

#107

Xeon E5-1603 v3

MSRP: $273|Avg: $40

98%

#108

Xeon W5590

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

98%

#109

EPYC 4345P

MSRP: $329|Avg: $329

96%

#110

Xeon W3550

MSRP: $294|Avg: $30

96%

#111

Xeon E7330

MSRP: $64|Avg: $60

95%

#112

EPYC 4344P

MSRP: $329|Avg: $314

95%

#113

Xeon E5-2407

MSRP: $250|Avg: $25

94%

#114

EPYC 4464P

MSRP: $429|Avg: $450

92%

#115

Opteron 6272

MSRP: $523|Avg: $50

92%

#116

Xeon E5-2643

MSRP: $1552|Avg: $50

92%

#117

Ryzen 9 PRO 7945

MSRP: $409|Avg: $450

92%

#118

Xeon E-2478

MSRP: $568|Avg: $269

91%

#119

EPYC 4364P

MSRP: $399|Avg: $334

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2686 V3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2686 V3 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2686 V3 is a 18-core / 36-thread processor based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 45 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 18,148, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,033, while multi-core reaches 8,649. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 10,000.

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 V3
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	18C / 36T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	45 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	356 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	2,600 million
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	18,148
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	10,000
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,033
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	8,649

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2686 V3 fits into the LGA2011-3 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 768 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 V3
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011-3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	40
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	768 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	C612,X99
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 V3
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2686 V3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 120 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.

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 V3
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	120 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $160 (MSRP: $1500), the Xeon E5-2686 V3 delivers 113 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #868 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 V3
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1500
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$160
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$800
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#868
Release DateLaunch date	2015-01-01
Release Year	2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel