Xeon E5-2660 v2 vs Xeon E7540

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 E5-2660 v2 vs Xeon E7540 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 E5-2660 v2 vs Xeon E7540: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2660 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+38.9% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 18 MB).
✅Costs $587 less on MSRP ($1,393 MSRP vs $1,980 MSRP).
✅Delivers 41.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.4 vs 5.2 PassMark/$ ($1,393 MSRP vs $1,980 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 105W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (10,353 vs 10,376).

Xeon E7540

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2660 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (18 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.2 vs 7.4 PassMark/$ ($1,980 MSRP vs $1,393 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2660 v2 better than Xeon E7540?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E5-2660 v2 is ahead with a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7540 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2660 v2 also has the bigger cache pool with 38.9% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 18 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7540 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon E5-2660 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2660 v2 comes in $587 cheaper on MSRP at $1,393 MSRP versus $1,980 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E7540 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 41.8% better value on MSRP (7.4 vs 5.2 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2660 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and 38.9% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 18 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2660 v2 vs Xeon E7540 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2660 v2

The Xeon E5-2660 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 10,353 points. Launch price was $850.

Xeon E7540

The Xeon E7540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 10,376 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2660 v2 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon E7540 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 versus 2.27 GHz on the Xeon E7540 — a 27.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2660 v2 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon E5-2660 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2660 v2 scores 10,353 against the Xeon E7540's 10,376 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E7540. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 vs 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon E7540.

Feature	Xeon E5-2660 v2	Xeon E7540
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+67%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3 GHz+32%	2.27 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+10%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)+39%	18 MB L3 Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)	—
PassMark	10,353	10,376

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2660 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7540 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 versus DDR3-1066 on the Xeon E7540 — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7540 supports up to 2 TB of RAM compared to 768 GB — 166.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-2660 v2) vs 32 (Xeon E7540) — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Xeon E5-2660 v2	Xeon E7540
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1567
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+75%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	768 GB	2 TB+167%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40+25%	32

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2660 v2) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E7540). Primary use case: Xeon E7540 targets Server.

Feature	Xeon E5-2660 v2	Xeon E7540
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2660 v2 was priced at $1393, while the Xeon E7540 came in at $1980. On launch pricing ($1393 vs $1980), Xeon E5-2660 v2 was $587 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2660 v2 delivers 7.4 pts/$ vs 5.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E7540 — making the Xeon E5-2660 v2 the 34.6% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-2660 v2	Xeon E7540
MSRP	$1393-30%	$1980
Performance per Dollar	7.4+42%	5.2
Release Date	2013	2010

Search Xeon E5-2660 v2 on Amazon

Search Xeon E7540 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.