Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3

The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 is an 8-core, 16-thread processor built on the Haswell-EP architecture, aimed at server and workstation workloads. With an average benchmark score of 3092 and a 55th percentile ranking among all CPUs, it sits in the middle of the performance spectrum, closely matching several modern desktop and server parts despite its 2014 release date. The data shows a processor that remains competitive in multi-threaded tasks, though its single-thread performance is less impressive.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Xeon W-2133, the E5-1660 v3 trails by a razor-thin 0.5% in average score (3092 vs. 3107). This difference is negligible, meaning the two processors deliver virtually identical overall performance in mixed workloads. The W-2133 is a newer part, but the E5-1660 v3 holds its ground, making the choice between them depend on platform features rather than raw compute.

The Intel Core i7-8700B, a mainstream desktop chip, scores 3077 on average, which is 0.5% lower than the E5-1660 v3. While the i7-8700B has a higher boost clock, the Xeon's additional two cores and four threads (8/16 vs. 6/12) offset that advantage in multi-threaded scenarios. The E5-1660 v3 is effectively the stronger choice for heavily threaded applications, though the i7-8700B may edge it out in single-threaded tasks.

The Intel Xeon E-2334, a newer entry-level server processor, posts an average score of 3115, 0.7% higher than the E5-1660 v3. The E-2334 has only 4 cores and 8 threads, but its higher clock speeds and newer architecture give it a slight overall lead. The E5-1660 v3 compensates with more cores and a larger L3 cache (20 MB vs. an unspecified smaller size), making it better suited for parallel workloads.

The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 7330U, a mobile processor, scores 3063 on average, 0.9% lower than the E5-1660 v3. Despite being a low-power mobile chip, the Ryzen 3 PRO 7330U nearly matches the Xeon in average performance, which highlights how far mobile CPUs have come. However, the E5-1660 v3 offers quad-channel memory and 40 PCIe lanes, which are critical for workstation expansion.

Power and Thermals

The E5-1660 v3 carries a 140 W TDP, placing it in the high-power class. This demands a robust cooling solution — a capable air cooler or a liquid cooler is necessary to maintain stable operation under sustained load. The unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, which can push power consumption and heat output further, so users must plan for additional thermal headroom if they choose to overclock. The 22 nm process node and 2,600 million transistors contribute to this power profile, but the processor's end-of-life status means no official power-management updates are forthcoming.

Benchmark Performance

Cinebench results show a clear multi-threaded bias. In Cinebench R23, the E5-1660 v3 scores 10692 in multi-core and 1509 in single-core. The multi-core figure is roughly seven times the single-core score, reflecting the benefit of 16 threads across 8 physical cores. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 4490 (multi-core) and 633 (single-core), while Cinebench R15 yields 1077 and 151 respectively. These numbers indicate that the processor scales well with thread count, but its single-thread performance is modest compared to modern parts.

Relative to its nearest rivals, the E5-1660 v3 is statistically tied. It is 0.5% slower than the Xeon W-2133 and 0.7% slower than the Xeon E-2334, but 0.5% faster than the Core i7-8700B and 0.9% faster than the Ryzen 3 PRO 7330U. The average score of 3092 places it at the 55th percentile, meaning it outperforms more than half of all CPUs in the database. For a processor released in 2014, this is a respectable showing, driven largely by its core count and memory bandwidth.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What memory does it support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration, with a peak bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s and ECC support.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: No, the integrated graphics field is null, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing manual overclocking.

Q: What is the production status?

A: The processor is end-of-life, meaning it is no longer in active production.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 2011-3.

Who Should Consider It

The E5-1660 v3 is best suited for multi-threaded server and workstation workloads such as 3D rendering, scientific simulation, video encoding, and heavy multitasking. Its 8 cores, 16 threads, and 20 MB of shared L3 cache provide strong parallel throughput, as evidenced by the Cinebench multi-core scores. For gaming, the processor can handle titles when paired with a discrete GPU, but its single-thread performance (e.g., 1509 in Cinebench R23) is not exceptional, so frame rates in CPU-bound games may lag behind newer chips. Office productivity tasks that rely on bursty single-thread performance will see only average results, but the high core count ensures smooth operation under heavy background loads. Users who require ECC memory support or need 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes for expansion cards will find these features valuable, making the processor a viable option for budget workstation builds despite its age.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The benchmark data reveals a stark contrast between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 1509 is low by modern standards, while the multi-core score of 10692 is respectable for an 8-core part. This pattern repeats across R20 (633 single-core vs. 4490 multi-core) and R15 (151 vs. 1077). The multi-core scores are roughly 7x the single-core scores, which is near the theoretical maximum for 8 cores with hyper-threading. This indicates that the processor's design prioritizes parallel throughput over per-core speed. Consequently, workloads that can utilize all threads — such as rendering or compiling — will see strong performance, while single-threaded applications like legacy software or some games will not benefit from the core count and may feel sluggish.

Platform and Compatibility

The E5-1660 v3 uses Intel Socket 2011-3, a platform that supports DDR4 memory in quad-channel mode, with ECC capability for error-correcting workloads. The processor provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes directly from the CPU, enabling high-bandwidth connectivity for multiple GPUs, NVMe storage, or network cards. The architecture is Haswell-EP, built on a 22 nm process with 2,600 million transistors on a 356 mm² die. Memory bandwidth is rated at 68.3 GB/s, which is ample for most workstation tasks. Since the processor is end-of-life, upgrade paths on this socket are limited to other LGA 2011-3 Xeon parts, but the platform's expansion capabilities remain relevant for legacy systems. The unlocked multiplier adds flexibility for users willing to overclock, though the 140 W TDP sets a practical ceiling for cooling. Overall, the E5-1660 v3 is a capable, if aging, platform for multi-threaded workstation use.