Xeon E5-2667 v3 vs Xeon E5-2680 v2

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 E5-2667 v3 vs Xeon E5-2680 v2 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 E5-2667 v3 vs Xeon E5-2680 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2667 v3

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (12,474 vs 12,707).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.1 vs 19.1 PassMark/$ ($2,057 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).
❌17.4% higher power demand at 135W vs 115W.

Xeon E5-2680 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.9% higher PassMark.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Costs $1,390 less on MSRP ($667 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Delivers 214.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.1 vs 6.1 PassMark/$ ($667 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Draws 115W instead of 135W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2680 v2 better than Xeon E5-2667 v3?

Yes. Xeon E5-2680 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2680 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2680 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2680 v2 comes in $1,390 cheaper on MSRP at $667 MSRP versus $2,057 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 214.2% better value on MSRP (19.1 vs 6.1 PassMark/$), 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). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2667 v3 vs Xeon E5-2680 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5-2680 v2

The Xeon E5-2680 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 12,707 points. Launch price was $1,260.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2667 v3 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2680 v2 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2680 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2667 v3 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2680 v2 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Xeon E5-2667 v3 uses the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2680 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2667 v3 scores 12,474 against the Xeon E5-2680 v2's 12,707 — a 1.9% lead for the Xeon E5-2680 v2. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2667 v3 vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2680 v2.

Feature	Xeon E5-2667 v3	Xeon E5-2680 v2
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+14%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	12,474	12,707+2%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2667 v3 versus DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-2680 v2 — the Xeon E5-2667 v3 supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 768 GB of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2667 v3) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2680 v2).

Feature	Xeon E5-2667 v3	Xeon E5-2680 v2
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+14%	DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	768 GB	768 GB
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2667 v3 was priced at $2057, while the Xeon E5-2680 v2 came in at $667. On launch pricing ($2057 vs $667), Xeon E5-2680 v2 was $1390 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2667 v3 delivers 6.1 pts/$ vs 19.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2680 v2 — making the Xeon E5-2680 v2 the 103.4% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-2667 v3	Xeon E5-2680 v2
MSRP	$2057	$667-68%
Performance per Dollar	6.1	19.1+213%
Release Date	2014	2013

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