Xeon E5-1680 v2 vs Xeon E5-2667 v3

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 E5-1680 v2 vs Xeon E5-2667 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.

Xeon E5-1680 v2 vs Xeon E5-2667 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-1680 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Costs $334 less on MSRP ($1,723 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Delivers 18.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.2 vs 6.1 PassMark/$ ($1,723 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Draws 130W instead of 135W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (12,396 vs 12,474).

Xeon E5-2667 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.1 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($2,057 MSRP vs $1,723 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1680 v2 better than Xeon E5-2667 v3?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E5-1680 v2 is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2667 v3 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Xeon E5-1680 v2 also has the bigger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2667 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Xeon E5-1680 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-1680 v2 comes in $334 cheaper on MSRP at $1,723 MSRP versus $2,057 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2667 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 18.6% better value on MSRP (7.2 vs 6.1 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2667 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E5-1680 v2 vs Xeon E5-2667 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-1680 v2

The Xeon E5-1680 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600, DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 12,396 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon E5-2667 v3

The Xeon E5-2667 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 12,474 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E5-1680 v2 and Xeon E5-2667 v3 share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1680 v2 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2667 v3 — a 8% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1680 v2 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon E5-1680 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2667 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1680 v2 scores 12,396 against the Xeon E5-2667 v3's 12,474 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5-2667 v3. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1680 v2 vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2667 v3.

Feature	Xeon E5-1680 v2	Xeon E5-2667 v3
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	8 / 16
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+8%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.2 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)+25%	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	12,396	12,474
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,579	—
Geekbench 6 Single	750	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,500	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-1680 v2 versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2667 v3 — the Xeon E5-2667 v3 supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2667 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 256 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C602,X79 (Xeon E5-1680 v2) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2667 v3).

Feature	Xeon E5-1680 v2	Xeon E5-2667 v3
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	DDR4-2133+14%
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	768 GB+200%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon E5-1680 v2) / not specified (Xeon E5-2667 v3). Primary use case: Xeon E5-1680 v2 targets Server/Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E5-1680 v2 rivals Core i7-4960X.

Feature	Xeon E5-1680 v2	Xeon E5-2667 v3
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Server/Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-1680 v2 was priced at $1723, while the Xeon E5-2667 v3 came in at $2057. On launch pricing ($1723 vs $2057), Xeon E5-1680 v2 was $334 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1680 v2 delivers 7.2 pts/$ vs 6.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2667 v3 — making the Xeon E5-1680 v2 the 17% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-1680 v2	Xeon E5-2667 v3
MSRP	$1723-16%	$2057
Performance per Dollar	7.2+18%	6.1
Release Date	2013	2014

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