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 E5-2603 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,325 points. Launch price was $207.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5-2603 is positioned at rank #825 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 E5-2603

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

17870%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

3374%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

2998%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

2316%

#469

EPYC 9554

MSRP: $9087|Avg: $2795

99%

#470

Xeon Gold 6338T

MSRP: $3139|Avg: $1795

98%

#471

Xeon E5-2650 v4

MSRP: $1166|Avg: $45

98%

#472

EPYC 9845

MSRP: $13564|Avg: $8670

97%

#473

EPYC 7F32

MSRP: $2100|Avg: $179

95%

#474

EPYC 9654P

MSRP: $10625|Avg: $5345

94%

#475

EPYC 9965

MSRP: $14813|Avg: $10000

93%

#825

Xeon E5-2603

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#827

Xeon W3565

MSRP: $294|Avg: $69

99%

#837

Xeon W3550

MSRP: $294|Avg: $30

95%

#839

Xeon E5-2450

MSRP: $694|Avg: $795

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2603 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2603 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2603 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.8 GHz from a base frequency of 1.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 10240 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,325, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	10240 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	294 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,270 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	6.4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	70 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,325

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2603 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2603 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 80 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	80 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	70 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #825 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2453 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$207
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#825
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2453
Release DateLaunch date	6 March 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel