Xeon E5-2685 v3
Intel
PassMark
12,944
MSRP
$2090
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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. The Xeon E5-2685 v3 is positioned at rank #250 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2685 v3
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2685 v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
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. It currently holds Rank #250 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #250 |
| 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 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E5-2685 v3
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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