CPU
GPU
Xeon E5-1680 v3
Core i7-5960X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-1680 v3
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-1680 v3 | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($83) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-EP (2014−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-1680 v3 | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+143%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($83) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E5-1680 v3 and Core i7-5960X
Xeon E5-1680 v3
The Xeon E5-1680 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 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20 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: 13,273 points. Launch price was $800.
Core i7-5960X
The Core i7-5960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,382 points. Launch price was $999.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon E5-1680 v3 and Core i7-5960X share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1680 v3 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-5960X — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1680 v3 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon E5-1680 v3 uses the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-5960X uses Haswell-E (2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1680 v3 scores 13,273 against the Core i7-5960X's 13,382 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-5960X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,141 vs 1,244, a 8.6% lead for the Core i7-5960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,782 vs 7,412 (16.9% advantage for the Xeon E5-1680 v3). Both processors carry 20 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1680 v3 | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+9% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+7% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) | Haswell-E (2014) |
| PassMark | 13,273 | 13,382 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,720 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,141 | 1,244+9% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,782+18% | 7,412 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The Xeon E5-1680 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C612,X99 (Xeon E5-1680 v3) and X99 (Core i7-5960X).
| Feature | Xeon E5-1680 v3 | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB+1100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 40 |
Advanced Features
Both support Yes virtualization.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1680 v3 | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-1680 v3 launched at $1723 MSRP, while the Core i7-5960X debuted at $999. At current prices ($200 vs $83), the Core i7-5960X is $117 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1680 v3 delivers 66.4 pts/$ vs 161.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-5960X — making the Core i7-5960X the 83.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1680 v3 | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1723 | $999-42% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200 | $83-59% |
| Performance per Dollar | 66.4 | 161.2+143% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2014 |
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