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 E5-2680 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,289 points. Launch price was $1,723.

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 E5-2680

#22

EPYC 7473X

MSRP: $3900|Avg: $200

128%

#23

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5965WX

MSRP: $2399|Avg: $225

127%

#24

Xeon E5-2650 v4

MSRP: $1166|Avg: $45

127%

#25

Xeon X5675

MSRP: $1440|Avg: $22

126%

#26

Xeon E5-1660

MSRP: $1080|Avg: $29

124%

#27

Xeon W-10855M

MSRP: $118|Avg: $43

123%

#28

Xeon w5-3435X

MSRP: $1589|Avg: $163

119%

#29

Xeon W3680

MSRP: $594|Avg: $26

116%

#30

Xeon E3-1241 v3

MSRP: $273|Avg: $27

114%

#31

Xeon Gold 6538N

MSRP: $3351|Avg: $170

114%

#32

Ryzen 5 PRO 1600

MSRP: $219|Avg: $45

114%

#33

Xeon E7-4880 v2

MSRP: $6619|Avg: $185

113%

#34

Ryzen 7 PRO 1700

MSRP: $329|Avg: $60

105%

#35

Xeon E5-2667

MSRP: $1552|Avg: $31

103%

#36

Xeon W-2125

MSRP: $444|Avg: $42

103%

#37

Xeon E5-2680

MSRP: $3226|Avg: $40

100%

#38

Xeon E5-2643 v3

MSRP: $219|Avg: $45

98%

#39

Xeon E5-4650 v2

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $48

98%

#40

EPYC 7532

MSRP: $2380|Avg: $225

97%

#41

Xeon E3-1275L v3

MSRP: $350|Avg: $29

94%

#42

Xeon W3570

MSRP: $999|Avg: $15

94%

#43

Xeon Platinum 8368

MSRP: $7214|Avg: $429

92%

#44

Xeon E5-2470 v2

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50

92%

#45

Xeon X3470

MSRP: $589|Avg: $16

90%

#46

Xeon X5670

MSRP: $67|Avg: $30

88%

#47

Xeon E5-2428L

MSRP: $692|Avg: $42

87%

#48

Xeon Gold 6414U

MSRP: $2296|Avg: $283

87%

#49

Xeon E5-4648 V3

MSRP: $169|Avg: $45

87%

#50

Xeon Silver 4108

MSRP: $417|Avg: $46

86%

#51

Xeon E5-2687W v2

MSRP: $2112|Avg: $62

85%

#52

Xeon W3520

MSRP: $284|Avg: $15

84%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2680 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2680 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2680 is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 20 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 9,289, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2680
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.7 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	20 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	435 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	2,270 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	85 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	9,289

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2680 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 384 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 E5-2680
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SeriesProduct family	Xeon (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	40
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	384 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	Intel X79,Intel C602
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2680 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E5-2680
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	85 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $3226), the Xeon E5-2680 delivers 232 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1352 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2680
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$3226
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$40
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,723
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1352
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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	server
Series	Xeon (Desktop)
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$1,723
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	6 March 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
Performance Ranking Position	1352

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	8
Threads	16
Die Size	435 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)
Bus Speed	8 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.7 GHz
Transistor Count	2,270 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	85 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-