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 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 4.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCLGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 145 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,860 points. Launch price was $800.

Value Upgrade Path

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MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
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Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2686 v4 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2686 v4 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2686 v4 is a 18-core / 36-thread processor based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 45 MB of L3 cache, plus 4.5 MB of L2 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 19,860, 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 895, while multi-core reaches 6,822.

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 v4
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	18C / 36T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Broadwell (2015−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	45 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4.5 MB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	456.12 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	7200 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	2 × 9.6 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	19,860
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	895
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	6,822

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2686 v4 fits into the FCLGA2011-3 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 1536 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 v4
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SeriesProduct family	Intel Xeon E5
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCLGA2011-3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 4.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	40
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	1536 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 (Multiprocessor)

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 v4
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

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Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2686 v4 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 145 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 v4
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	145 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #787 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2686 v4
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$800
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#787
Release DateLaunch date	2015-01-01
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	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
Series	Intel Xeon E5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$800
Release Date	2015-01-01
Architecture Codename	Broadwell (2015−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	787

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	18
Threads	36
Bus Type	QPI
Die Size	456.12 mm2
L2 Cache	4.5 MB
L3 Cache	45 MB
Bus Speed	2 × 9.6 GT/s
Multiplier	23
Max Frequency	3 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.3 GHz
Transistor Count	7200 Million
Process Technology	14 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-