Xeon E5-1620 v3 vs Xeon X5680

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.

Xeon E5-1620 v3 vs Xeon X5680 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.

Xeon E5-1620 v3 vs Xeon X5680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-1620 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $156 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
✅Delivers 54.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.7 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X5680

2010

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).
✅Draws 130W instead of 140W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1620 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,910 vs 6,959).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 23.7 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1620 v3 better than Xeon X5680?

Yes. Xeon E5-1620 v3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-1620 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 E5-1620 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon E5-1620 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-1620 v3 comes in $156 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 54.1% better value on MSRP (23.7 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon E5-1620 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010), more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E5-1620 v3 vs Xeon X5680 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-1620 v3

The Xeon E5-1620 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 6,959 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon X5680

The Xeon X5680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,910 points. Launch price was $172.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-1620 v3 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5680 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5680 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 v3 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X5680 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Xeon E5-1620 v3 uses the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5680 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1620 v3 scores 6,959 against the Xeon X5680's 6,910 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E5-1620 v3. L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1620 v3 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5680.

Feature	Xeon E5-1620 v3	Xeon X5680
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+5%	3.33 GHz
L3 Cache	10 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	6,959	6,910

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-1620 v3 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5680 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-1620 v3 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5680 — the Xeon E5-1620 v3 supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E5-1620 v3) vs 3 (Xeon X5680). Chipset compatibility: Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-1620 v3) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5680).

Feature	Xeon E5-1620 v3	Xeon X5680
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	768 GB	—
RAM Channels	4+33%	3
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon E5-1620 v3 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-1620 v3) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5680). Primary use case: Xeon E5-1620 v3 targets Server, Xeon X5680 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5680 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Xeon E5-1620 v3	Xeon X5680
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Server	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-1620 v3 was priced at $294, while the Xeon X5680 came in at $450. On launch pricing ($294 vs $450), Xeon E5-1620 v3 was $156 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1620 v3 delivers 23.7 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Xeon X5680 — making the Xeon E5-1620 v3 the 42.6% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-1620 v3	Xeon X5680
MSRP	$294-35%	$450
Performance per Dollar	23.7+54%	15.4
Release Date	2014	2010

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