Core i5-11400T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3

Intel

Core i5-11400T

6 Cores12 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2021
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2660 v3

10 Cores20 Thrd105 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-11400T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-11400T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-11400T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-11400T

2021

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,263 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).
  • Delivers 693.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.6 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 105W, a 70W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD 730, while Xeon E5-2660 v3 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5-2660 v3.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2660 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (13,034 vs 13,039).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660 v3, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2660 v3

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +27.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 71.6 PassMark/$ ($1,445 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
  • 200% higher power demand at 105W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-11400T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-11400T.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2660 v3 better than Core i5-11400T?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-11400T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2660 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 27.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2660 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2660 v3 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-11400T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E5-2660 v3 comes in 694.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,445 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 27.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-11400T is also 693.7% better value on MSRP (71.6 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-11400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-11400T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i5-11400T

The Core i5-11400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,034 points. Launch price was $182.

Intel

Xeon E5-2660 v3

The Xeon E5-2660 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 13,039 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i5-11400T packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-11400T versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-11400T (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-11400T uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11400T scores 13,034 against the Xeon E5-2660 v3's 13,039 — a 0% lead for the Xeon E5-2660 v3. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11400T vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v3.

FeatureCore i5-11400TXeon E5-2660 v3
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
10 / 20+67%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+12%
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
1.3 GHz
2.6 GHz+100%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
25 MB (total)+108%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Rocket Lake (2021)
Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark
13,034
13,039
Cinebench R23 Multi
3,891
Geekbench 6 Single
1,767
Geekbench 6 Multi
6,179
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11400T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11400T versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — the Core i5-11400T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-11400T) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2660 v3). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11400T) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2660 v3) — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H510,B560,Z590,H470,Z490 (Core i5-11400T) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2660 v3).

FeatureCore i5-11400TXeon E5-2660 v3
Socket
LGA1200
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+50%
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
768 GB+500%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
40+100%
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-11400T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2660 v3). The Core i5-11400T includes integrated graphics (UHD 730), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11400T targets Productivity, Xeon E5-2660 v3 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i5-11400T rivals Core i5-11400.

FeatureCore i5-11400TXeon E5-2660 v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD 730
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Productivity
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11400T was priced at $182, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 came in at $1445. On launch pricing ($182 vs $1445), Core i5-11400T was $1263 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11400T delivers 71.6 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — making the Core i5-11400T the 155.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-11400TXeon E5-2660 v3
MSRP
$182-87%
$1445
Performance per Dollar
71.6+696%
9.0
Release Date
2021
2014

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