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. The Xeon E5-1603 v3 is positioned at rank #683 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-1603 v3

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

12719%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

2401%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

2134%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

1648%

#400

EPYC 7713P

MSRP: $5010|Avg: $2443

100%

#401

Xeon W-2145

MSRP: $1113|Avg: $145

99%

#402

EPYC 9475F

MSRP: $7592|Avg: $7592

99%

#403

Xeon Gold 6554S

MSRP: $3157|Avg: $2836

98%

#405

Xeon 6737P

MSRP: $4995|Avg: $4995

98%

#406

Xeon Gold 6342

MSRP: $2977|Avg: $3000

97%

#407

Xeon Gold 6438N

MSRP: $3351|Avg: $3351

96%

#408

Xeon 6747P

MSRP: $6497|Avg: $6497

96%

#683

Xeon E5-1603 v3

MSRP: $273|Avg: $40

100%

#684

Xeon E3-1270

MSRP: $330|Avg: $178

100%

#691

Xeon E5-1650 v2

MSRP: $583|Avg: $60

98%

#697

Xeon E3-1275 v2

MSRP: $426|Avg: $426

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-1603 v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-1603 v3 specifications and capabilities.

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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

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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. It currently holds Rank #683 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#683
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