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 E5-1681 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: DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 14,820 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.

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 E5-1681 V3

#140

Xeon E5-2407 v2

MSRP: $250|Avg: $39

113%

#141

Xeon E3-1220L

MSRP: $189|Avg: $27

113%

#142

Xeon E5-1620

MSRP: $885|Avg: $70

113%

#143

Xeon E5-2667 v3

MSRP: $2057|Avg: $150

112%

#144

Xeon E5-1680 v2

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $150

112%

#145

Xeon Gold 6138

MSRP: $2612|Avg: $300

108%

#146

Xeon E5-2660 v2

MSRP: $1393|Avg: $129

108%

#147

Xeon Gold 5520+

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $764

108%

#148

Xeon W-1350P

MSRP: $311|Avg: $250

106%

#149

Xeon E5-2450L

MSRP: $1106|Avg: $78

105%

#150

Xeon Platinum 8260

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

104%

#151

Xeon E5-1428L V2

MSRP: $494|Avg: $83

102%

#152

Xeon E5-2637

MSRP: $885|Avg: $40

100%

#153

Xeon E5-2658A V3

MSRP: $1832|Avg: $200

100%

#154

Xeon 5120

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

100%

#155

Xeon E5-1681 V3

MSRP: $1589|Avg: $200

100%

#156

Xeon X3450

MSRP: $241|Avg: $39

100%

#157

Xeon Silver 4314

MSRP: $395|Avg: $395

99%

#158

EPYC 74F3

MSRP: $913|Avg: $824

99%

#159

Xeon W-1350

MSRP: $255|Avg: $255

99%

#160

Xeon W-1370P

MSRP: $323|Avg: $323

99%

#161

Xeon 6315P

MSRP: $1166|Avg: $160

99%

#162

Xeon Gold 6143

MSRP: $342|Avg: $342

98%

#163

Xeon E-2456

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $289

97%

#164

Xeon E7540

MSRP: $1980|Avg: $146

96%

#165

Xeon W-1370

MSRP: $323|Avg: $323

96%

#166

Xeon E-2234

MSRP: $250|Avg: $136

96%

#167

Opteron 6274

MSRP: $639|Avg: $80

95%

#168

Xeon E5-2680 v3

MSRP: $1745|Avg: $212

95%

#169

Ryzen 3 PRO 1200

MSRP: $109|Avg: $80

95%

#170

Xeon 6505P

MSRP: $563|Avg: $563

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-1681 V3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-1681 V3 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-1681 V3 is a 10-core / 20-thread processor based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 25 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 14,820, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,050, while multi-core reaches 9,000.

Specification	Xeon E5-1681 V3
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	10C / 20T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.9 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	25 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
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	14,820
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,050
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	9,000

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-1681 V3 fits into the LGA2011-3 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2133 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 768 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

Specification	Xeon E5-1681 V3
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011-3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	40
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2133
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	768 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	C612,X99
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Xeon E5-1681 V3
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-1681 V3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 135 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.

Specification	Xeon E5-1681 V3
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	135 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $200 (MSRP: $1589), the Xeon E5-1681 V3 delivers 74 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1021 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-1681 V3
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1589
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$200
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$800
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1021
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

Type	server
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$800
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	2015-01-01
Architecture Codename	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
Performance Ranking Position	1021

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores	10
Threads	20
Die Size	356 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)
Max Frequency	3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.9 GHz
Transistor Count	2,600 million
Process Technology	22 nm