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 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,825 points. Launch price was $800.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5-2603 v3 is positioned at rank #635 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 v3

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

10864%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

2051%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

1822%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

1408%

#380

Xeon Gold 6526Y

MSRP: $2878|Avg: N/A

99%

#382

Xeon Platinum 8352Y

MSRP: $3995|Avg: N/A

98%

#383

EPYC 7551P

MSRP: $2100|Avg: $329

95%

#384

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

MSRP: $7349|Avg: $7999

95%

#635

Xeon E5-2603 v3

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#636

Xeon E5-2680 v2

MSRP: $667|Avg: $462

100%

#640

Xeon W-2104

MSRP: $294|Avg: $309

98%

#643

Xeon E5-2620 v3

MSRP: $417|Avg: $80

97%

#650

Xeon E3-1275L v3

MSRP: $350|Avg: $29

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2603 v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2603 v3 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2603 v3 is a 6-core / 6-thread processor based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.6 GHz from a base frequency of 1.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 15 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 3,825, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603 v3
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 6T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.6 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	15 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	6.4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,825

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2603 v3 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-1600 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603 v3
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-1600
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2603 v3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 85 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603 v3
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	85 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #635 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2042 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2603 v3
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$800
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#635
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2042
Release DateLaunch date	2015-01-01
Release Year	2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel