Xeon E5-2696 V3
Intel
PassMark
21,435
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 E5-2696 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 145 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 21,435 points. Launch price was $800.
Value Upgrade Path
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Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2696 V3
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2696 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 E5-2696 V3 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2696 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 3.8 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 (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 21,435, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2696 V3 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 18C / 36T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.8 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.3 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 | 21,435 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2696 V3 fits into the LGA2011-3 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel memory.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2696 V3 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA2011-3 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E5-2696 V3 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.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2696 V3 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 145 Watt |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #712 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2696 V3 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $800 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #712 |
| 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 E5-2696 V3
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Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
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High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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