CPU
GPU
Xeon E5-2696 v4
M3 Pro 11-Core
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 E5-2696 v4
Performance Per Dollar M3 Pro 11-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2696 v4 | M3 Pro 11-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2696 v4 | M3 Pro 11-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 E5-2696 v4 and M3 Pro 11-Core
Xeon E5-2696 v4
The Xeon E5-2696 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 22 cores and 44 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 55 MB. L2 cache: 5.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCLGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,938 points. Launch price was $800.
M3 Pro 11-Core
The M3 Pro 11-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 30 October 2023 (2 years ago). It features 11 cores and 11 threads. Base frequency is 2.748 GHz, with boost up to 4.06 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 24,861 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2696 v4 packs 22 cores / 44 threads, while the M3 Pro 11-Core offers 11 cores / 11 threads — the Xeon E5-2696 v4 has 11 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2696 v4 versus 4.06 GHz on the M3 Pro 11-Core — a 12% clock advantage for the M3 Pro 11-Core (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.748 GHz). The Xeon E5-2696 v4 is built on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2696 v4 scores 24,938 against the M3 Pro 11-Core's 24,861 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2696 v4.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2696 v4 | M3 Pro 11-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 22 / 44+100% | 11 / 11 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.06 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.748 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 55 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 5.5 MB | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 3 nm-79% |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | — |
| PassMark | 24,938 | 24,861 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2696 v4 uses the FCLGA2011-3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the M3 Pro 11-Core uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2696 v4 | M3 Pro 11-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCLGA2011-3 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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