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 E5-2685 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 12,944 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 E5-2685 v3

#537

Xeon W-3265

MSRP: $3684|Avg: $3400

143%

#538

Opteron 6282 SE

MSRP: $1019|Avg: $770

134%

#539

EPYC 9684X

MSRP: $14756|Avg: $14756

134%

#540

Xeon E3110

MSRP: $214|Avg: $158

132%

#541

Xeon E5-4640 v4

MSRP: $2837|Avg: N/A

128%

#542

Opteron 6376

MSRP: $703|Avg: N/A

128%

#543

Xeon E7-8867 v3

MSRP: $4672|Avg: $4672

128%

#544

Xeon E5649

MSRP: $774|Avg: N/A

118%

#545

Xeon Platinum 8592+

MSRP: $11600|Avg: $11600

117%

#546

Xeon Platinum 8562Y+

MSRP: $5945|Avg: $7000

116%

#547

Opteron 4386

MSRP: $459|Avg: $459

115%

#548

Xeon E5-2640

MSRP: $885|Avg: N/A

115%

#549

Xeon E5-2650L v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $1078

114%

#550

Xeon Platinum 8260L

MSRP: $7500|Avg: $750

110%

#551

Xeon Max 9480

MSRP: $12980|Avg: $12980

103%

#552

Xeon E5-2685 v3

MSRP: $2090|Avg: N/A

100%

#553

Xeon E5-2630 v2

MSRP: $1069|Avg: $1224

99%

#554

Xeon Platinum 8368Q

MSRP: $7719|Avg: $7719

98%

#555

Xeon Platinum 8280M

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $6223

98%

#556

Xeon L5430

MSRP: $390|Avg: $380

96%

#557

Xeon W-3245M

MSRP: $5002|Avg: $5002

92%

#558

Xeon X7550

MSRP: $1500|Avg: $1400

91%

#559

Xeon Platinum 8268

MSRP: $6302|Avg: N/A

90%

#560

Xeon L5640

MSRP: $996|Avg: N/A

76%

#561

Xeon Platinum 8270

MSRP: $7405|Avg: N/A

73%

#562

Xeon Platinum 8260M

MSRP: $7705|Avg: N/A

71%

#563

Xeon E5-4640

MSRP: $2725|Avg: N/A

42%

#564

Xeon E5-4655 v4

MSRP: $4616|Avg: N/A

38%

#565

Xeon E5-4650L

MSRP: $3616|Avg: N/A

38%

#566

Xeon L3110

MSRP: $1000|Avg: $950

23%

#567

Xeon X5355

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4000

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2685 v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2685 v3 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2685 v3 is a 12-core / 12-thread processor based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 30 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 12,944, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2685 v3
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	12C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.6 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	30 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	9.6 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	85 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	0.65V–1.3V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	12,944

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2685 v3 fits into the LGA2011-3 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5-2685 v3
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011-3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2685 v3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 120 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E5-2685 v3
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	120 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	85 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $2,090, the Xeon E5-2685 v3 delivers 6 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1148 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2685 v3
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$2090
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$800
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1148
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	1148

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	12
Threads	12
Die Size	356 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)
Bus Speed	9.6 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.3 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.6 GHz
Transistor Count	2,600 million
Process Technology	22 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	0.65V–1.3V
Max Core Temperature	85 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-