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 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). 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 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 4.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 145 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 20,990 points. Launch price was $2,702.

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 E5-2697 v4 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2697 v4 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2697 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 3.6 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 20,990, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697 v4
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	18C / 36T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 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
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	79 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	20,990

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2697 v4 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697 v4
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SeriesProduct family	Intel Xeon E5
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2 (Multiprocessor)

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Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2697 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.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697 v4
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	145 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	79 °C

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #729 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697 v4
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$2,702
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#729
Release DateLaunch date	20 June 2016 (9 years ago)
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	$2,702
Release Date	20 June 2016 (9 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Broadwell (2015−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	729

Technical Specifications

15 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	3.6 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.3 GHz
Transistor Count	7200 Million
Process Technology	14 nm
Max Core Temperature	79 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-