Xeon E5-2666 V3 vs Xeon E5-2673 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 E5-2666 V3 vs Xeon E5-2673 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 E5-2666 V3 vs Xeon E5-2673 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 E5-2666 V3

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 30 MB).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 135W vs 105W.

Xeon E5-2673 V3

2014

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Draws 105W instead of 135W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,899 vs 14,044).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2666 V3 better than Xeon E5-2673 V3?

Yes. Xeon E5-2666 V3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2666 V3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 E5-2666 V3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

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

Xeon E5-2666 V3 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5-2666 V3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5-2673 V3 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon E5-2666 V3 vs Xeon E5-2673 V3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2666 V3

The Xeon E5-2666 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 14,044 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon E5-2673 V3

The Xeon E5-2673 V3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 13,899 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2666 V3 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon E5-2673 V3 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-2673 V3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2666 V3 versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2673 V3 — a 12.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2666 V3 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2666 V3 scores 14,044 against the Xeon E5-2673 V3's 13,899 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5-2666 V3. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2666 V3 vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2673 V3.

Feature	Xeon E5-2666 V3	Xeon E5-2673 V3
Cores / Threads	10 / 20	12 / 24+20%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+13%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+21%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	14,044+1%	13,899