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 E5-2697A 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 40 MB. L2 cache: 4 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: 21,621 points. Launch price was $2,891.

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.

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

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2697A v4

#506

Xeon E5-2680 v3

MSRP: $1745|Avg: $212

114%

#507

Xeon Platinum 8562Y+

MSRP: $5945|Avg: $7000

113%

#508

Xeon E7-8895 v2

MSRP: $6841|Avg: $65

112%

#509

EPYC 9754

MSRP: $11900|Avg: $10631

111%

#509

EPYC 9684X

MSRP: $14756|Avg: $14756

111%

#511

Xeon D-1587

MSRP: $1652|Avg: $1443

110%

#512

Xeon E5-2687W v4

MSRP: $2141|Avg: $1138

110%

#513

Xeon W-3265

MSRP: $3684|Avg: $3400

109%

#514

Xeon E5-2658A V3

MSRP: $1832|Avg: $200

109%

#515

Xeon E5-4640 v4

MSRP: $2837|Avg: N/A

106%

#516

Xeon E7-8867 v3

MSRP: $4672|Avg: $4672

106%

#517

Xeon Gold 6150

MSRP: $3358|Avg: $196

105%

#518

Xeon E5-1680 v3

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $200

103%

#519

Xeon E5-2690 v3

MSRP: $2090|Avg: $85

103%

#520

Xeon 6780E

MSRP: $11350|Avg: $8513

102%

#521

Xeon E5-2697A v4

MSRP: $2891|Avg: $121

100%

#522

Xeon Gold 6134

MSRP: $2214|Avg: $378

100%

#523

Xeon Gold 6138T

MSRP: $2742|Avg: $400

99%

#524

Xeon E5-2675 V3

MSRP: $1800|Avg: $100

98%

#524

Xeon E5-2676 V3

MSRP: $1800|Avg: $36

98%

#524

Xeon E7-4880 v2

MSRP: $6619|Avg: $185

98%

#527

Xeon Platinum 8592+

MSRP: $11600|Avg: $11600

97%

#528

Xeon E5-2687W v3

MSRP: $2141|Avg: $749

91%

#529

Xeon Max 9480

MSRP: $12980|Avg: $12980

85%

#530

Xeon E5-2689 v4

MSRP: $2723|Avg: $100

84%

#531

EPYC 7543

MSRP: $10257|Avg: $468

82%

#532

Xeon Platinum 8368Q

MSRP: $7719|Avg: $7719

81%

#533

Xeon Gold 6250

MSRP: $3400|Avg: $2000

81%

#534

Xeon E5-2699 v4

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $400

80%

#535

Xeon W-3245M

MSRP: $5002|Avg: $5002

76%

#536

Xeon W-3265M

MSRP: $6300|Avg: $3500

75%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

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

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2697A v4 is a 16-core / 32-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 2.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 40 MB of L3 cache, plus 4 MB of L2 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 21,621, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697A v4
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	16C / 32T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Broadwell (2015−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	40 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4 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)	78 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	21,621

🧠

Memory & Platform

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

Specification	Xeon E5-2697A 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)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2697A 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 E5-2697A v4
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	145 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	78 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $121 (MSRP: $2891), the Xeon E5-2697A v4 delivers 179 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #703 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2697A v4
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$2891
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$121
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$2,891
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#703
Release DateLaunch date	20 June 2016 (9 years ago)
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel