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 E5-2697 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 14,267 points. Launch price was $1,723.

Value Upgrade Path

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MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2697 v2 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2697 v2 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 is a 12-core / 24-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 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 14,267, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697 v2
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	12C / 24T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
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	160 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	86 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	14,267

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (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 E5-2697 v2
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SeriesProduct family	Intel Xeon (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
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
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1866
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	Intel X79,Intel C602
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

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Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697 v2
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	86 °C

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #1049 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697 v2
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,723
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1049
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
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

8 specs

Type	server
Series	Intel Xeon (Desktop)
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$1,723
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
Performance Ranking Position	1049

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	12
Threads	24
Die Size	160 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)
Bus Speed	8GT/s
Max Frequency	3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.7 GHz
Transistor Count	1,400 million
Process Technology	22 nm
Max Core Temperature	86 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-