Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3

The Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3 is an 8-core, 16-thread Haswell-EP processor designed for the server and workstation segment, and its benchmark data shows a very tight clustering with its nearest rivals. With an average benchmark score of 3263, it sits at the 55th percentile of all CPUs, indicating a solidly mid-pack performer. The data shows that its performance is virtually indistinguishable from its closest competitors, with all deltas falling within a fraction of a percent, making it a reliable but not class-leading choice for its era.

How It Compares

The Xeon E5-1680 v3’s closest rival is the Intel Xeon E5-2676 v3, which posts an average score of 3266. The delta between them is a mere -0.1%, meaning the E5-1680 v3 is essentially tied with this rival. In practical terms, benchmark results indicate that neither processor holds a meaningful advantage over the other, and users would be hard-pressed to notice any difference in real-world workloads.

Against the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X, the Xeon E5-1680 v3 trails by -0.3%. The Ryzen 3 3300X, despite being a mainstream desktop part with fewer cores, achieves an average score of 3272. This positions the two chips at near-parity in overall synthetic performance, highlighting that the older Xeon’s high core count is offset by architectural differences and clock behavior in these benchmarks.

The Intel Xeon E-2136 also edges out the E5-1680 v3 with an average score of 3274, a delta of -0.3%. This rival is a newer, higher-clocked part, yet the performance gap remains negligible. The data suggests that for applications that scale well across cores, the E5-1680 v3’s 8-core/16-thread configuration competes directly with a 6-core part that benefits from a more modern design.

Finally, the Intel Xeon E5-2650 v4, another Haswell-generation Xeon, scores 3276, which is -0.4% ahead of the E5-1680 v3. This is the largest delta among the listed rivals, but it is still within a rounding error. The comparison shows that within this generation of Xeon processors, the E5-1680 v3 performs at the same level as its siblings, regardless of core count differences.

Who Should Consider It

For users focused on multi-threaded rendering tasks, the Cinebench R23 multicore score of 11282 indicates strong parallel throughput. This makes the E5-1680 v3 a viable option for 3D rendering, video encoding, and other content creation workloads that can utilize all 16 threads. The benchmark results show it delivers performance comparable to its nearest rivals, so it will handle these tasks without being a bottleneck in a workstation built around this platform.

Gamers should note that the single-core performance, while not exceptional, is sufficient for many titles. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1592 places it in a range where it can drive modern games, but it will not lead the pack. The data indicates that for gaming, the processor’s age and architecture mean it is more suited to pairing with a mid-range GPU than a top-tier one, as the CPU may limit frame rates in CPU-intensive scenarios.

For general office productivity and everyday computing, the E5-1680 v3 is overkill in core count but adequate in speed. The single-threaded scores from Cinebench R15 (160) and R20 (668) show that it handles typical office tasks, web browsing, and document editing with ease. Its high core count also allows for smooth multitasking, such as running virtual machines or handling large spreadsheets while streaming media.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance reveals a processor that is heavily weighted toward parallel work. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score of 11282 is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score of 1592, showing excellent scaling across its 8 cores. This suggests that applications optimized for multi-threading will see a substantial benefit, while lightly-threaded tasks will only leverage a fraction of the chip’s potential.

In Cinebench R20, the multicore score of 4738 versus the single-core score of 668 yields a similar ratio of about 7.1x. This consistency across benchmark versions indicates that the processor’s architecture scales predictably with thread count. The data implies that for workloads like software compilation or batch photo processing, which can use all cores, the E5-1680 v3 performs admirably.

However, the single-core performance is modest by modern standards. The Cinebench R15 single-core score of 160 is a clear indicator that the Haswell architecture, despite its 3.80 GHz boost clock, cannot match newer designs in per-thread efficiency. Real-world implications are that legacy software, which often relies on a single thread, will not see the same performance uplift as multi-threaded applications, making the processor a better fit for server-style workloads than for high-frequency gaming or single-threaded productivity apps.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3?

A: The average benchmark score is 3263, placing it at the 55th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the Xeon E5-1680 v3 compare to the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X?

A: The Ryzen 3 3300X has an average score of 3272, which is 0.3% higher than the E5-1680 v3, making them effectively equal in overall performance.

Q: What is the maximum boost clock speed of this processor?

A: The boost clock is 3.80 GHz, while the base clock is 3.20 GHz.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, it supports ECC memory, which is typical for the server and workstation market segment.

Q: What is the L3 cache size?

A: The L3 cache is 20 MB, shared across all 8 cores.

Q: What is the production status of this CPU?

A: The production status is end-of-life, with a release date in September 2014.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data shows a processor that is consistently within 0.4% of its nearest rivals, indicating a highly competitive performance level for its generation. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score of 11282 demonstrates strong parallel capability, while the single-core score of 1592 reveals a more modest per-thread performance. The ratio between these scores suggests that the E5-1680 v3 is optimized for multi-threaded environments.

Comparing directly to its rivals, the Xeon E5-1680 v3’s average score of 3263 is only 0.1% behind the Xeon E5-2676 v3 (3266) and 0.3% behind the Ryzen 3 3300X (3272). The delta to the Xeon E-2136 is also -0.3%, and to the Xeon E5-2650 v4 it is -0.4%. These figures confirm that the processor is not a performance outlier; rather, it sits at the center of a tight performance band. The Cinebench R20 results echo this, with a multicore score of 4738 and a single-core score of 668, reinforcing the processor’s balanced but not exceptional standing.

The Cinebench R15 multicore score of 1137 and single-core score of 160 provide older-generation reference points. When viewed alongside the newer benchmarks, they show a consistent pattern: the E5-1680 v3 scales well with cores but lacks the per-core punch of newer architectures. For users upgrading from older systems, the data indicates that this Xeon offers a significant multi-threaded uplift, but for those coming from modern mainstream CPUs, the gains will be less pronounced.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3 is built for the Intel Socket 2011-3 platform, which is a high-end desktop and workstation socket. It uses the Haswell-EP architecture, fabricated on a 22 nm process node with 2,600 million transistors and a die size of 356 mm². Memory support is limited to DDR4, operating in a quad-channel configuration, which provides a memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. This is a key feature for memory-intensive workloads, as the quad-channel setup offers substantially more bandwidth than typical dual-channel consumer platforms.

The processor provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, enabling multiple high-speed devices such as GPUs and NVMe SSDs to be connected directly to the processor. This makes the platform suitable for workstation builds with multiple expansion cards. The socket 2011-3 platform also supports the Xeon E5-1600 and E5-2600 v3 series, offering an upgrade path to other Haswell-EP parts, though the production status is end-of-life, limiting future support.

The E5-1680 v3 has an unlocked multiplier, which is unusual for a Xeon part and indicates some overclocking headroom, although this is not a primary focus for a server/workstation chip. It supports ECC memory, which is crucial for data integrity in server environments. The part number is QFSSSR20H, and it was released in September 2014, marking it as a mature platform in the latter stages of its lifecycle.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3 has a TDP of 140 watts, which classifies it as a high-power processor. This TDP level requires a robust cooling solution to maintain stable operation under full load. The data suggests that a capable air cooler or a basic liquid cooler would be necessary, especially in a workstation chassis with limited airflow. The 22 nm process node helps manage power efficiency, but the 8-core configuration at 3.80 GHz boost still generates significant heat.

Given the 140 W TDP, the thermal design implies that the processor is intended for systems with adequate ventilation rather than compact or passively cooled cases. For users building a workstation, the power draw and heat output should be considered when selecting a power supply and case fans. The unlocked multiplier allows for potential overclocking, which would increase power consumption and thermal output beyond the specified TDP, requiring even more robust cooling.

The end-of-life status of the processor means that users are likely sourcing it from existing systems or the used market, and they should ensure their cooling solution is appropriate for a 140 W TDP part. The benchmark scores, while competitive with rivals, do not justify extreme cooling investments; a standard high-end air cooler or 240mm-class liquid cooler would be more than sufficient for stock operation. The data does not include specific temperature figures, but the TDP alone indicates that this is not a low-power part and should be treated as a high-performance workstation component.