Xeon E5-2686 V3
Intel
PassMark
18,148
MSRP
$1500
AVG Price
$160
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 E5-2686 V3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 18,148 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2686 V3
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2686 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 E5-2686 V3 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2686 V3 is a 18-core / 36-thread processor based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 45 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 18,148, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,033, while multi-core reaches 8,649. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 10,000.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2686 V3 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 18C / 36T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.5 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2 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 | 45 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 |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 18,148 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 10,000 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,033 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 8,649 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2686 V3 fits into the LGA2011-3 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 768 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 E5-2686 V3 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA2011-3 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 40 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 768 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 | C612,X99 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Xeon E5-2686 V3 |
|---|---|
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | Yes |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E5-2686 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2686 V3 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 120 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $160 (MSRP: $1500), the Xeon E5-2686 V3 delivers 113 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #868 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2686 V3 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $1500 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $160 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $800 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #868 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Xeon E5-2686 V3
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
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High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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