Xeon E5-2660 v3 vs Ryzen 5 7600X
Xeon E5-2660 v3
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 7600X
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 E5-2660 v3
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 7600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 v3 | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-EP (2014−2015) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 v3 | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+83%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E5-2660 v3 and Ryzen 5 7600X
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.
Ryzen 5 7600X
The Ryzen 5 7600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 28,325 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2660 v3 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen 5 7600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 versus 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen 5 7600X — a 46.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 7600X (base: 2.6 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2660 v3 scores 13,039 against the Ryzen 5 7600X's 28,325 — a 73.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 7600X. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 7600X.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v3 | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 5.3 GHz+61% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 4.7 GHz+81% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+28% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 22 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-77% |
| Architecture | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 13,039 | 28,325+117% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 15,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 13,800 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 5 7600X — the Ryzen 5 7600X supports 22.2% 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 — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E5-2660 v3) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 7600X). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-2660 v3) vs 28 (Ryzen 5 7600X) — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2660 v3) and X670E,X670,B650E,B650,A620 (Ryzen 5 7600X).
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v3 | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR5-5200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB+500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+43% | 28 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 7600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2660 v3) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 7600X). The Ryzen 5 7600X includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E5-2660 v3 targets Server, Ryzen 5 7600X targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 7600X rivals Intel Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v3 | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Server | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-2660 v3 launched at $1445 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 7600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($150 vs $178), the Xeon E5-2660 v3 is $28 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2660 v3 delivers 86.9 pts/$ vs 159.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 7600X — making the Ryzen 5 7600X the 58.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v3 | Ryzen 5 7600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1445 | $299-79% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-16% | $178 |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.9 | 159.1+83% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2022 |
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