Xeon E5-1603 v3
Intel
PassMark
4,460
MSRP
$273
AVG Price
$40
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.
Overview
The Xeon E5-1603 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 4,460 points. Launch price was $800.
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 E5-1603 v3
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E5-1603 v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
ARC Raiders
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Deadlock
Delta Force
Garry's Mod
Grand Theft Auto V
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-1603 v3 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-1603 v3 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 10 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,460, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E5-1603 v3 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.8 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.8 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 22 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 10 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 356 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 2,600 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 0 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 67 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Core Voltage Range | 0.65–1.3V |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 4,460 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-1603 v3 fits into the LGA2011-3 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866 memory.
| Specification | Xeon E5-1603 v3 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA2011-3 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E5-1603 v3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 140 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon E5-1603 v3 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 140 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 67 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $273), the Xeon E5-1603 v3 delivers 112 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1944 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E5-1603 v3 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $273 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $40 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $800 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1944 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $800 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 2015-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1944 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 356 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 10 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 0 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 2.8 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.8 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 2,600 million |
| Process Technology | 22 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 0.65–1.3V |
| Max Core Temperature | 67 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA2011-3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 140 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866 |
| Memory Channels | 4 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 59 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 768 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E5-1603 v3
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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