INTEL

Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

10
Cores
20
Threads
3.5
GHz Boost
135W
TDP
πŸ›‘οΈECC Memory

Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 Specifications

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Xeon E5-1681 v3 Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 features 10 physical cores and 20 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
10
Threads
20
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

E5-1681 v3 Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon E5-1681 v3 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Xeon E5-1681 v3 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2.9 GHz
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz
Multiplier
29x
πŸ’Ύ

Intel's Xeon E5-1681 v3 Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the E5-1681 v3 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Xeon E5-1681 v3's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
25 MB (shared)
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Haswell Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 is built on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in E5-1681 v3 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Haswell
Codename
Haswell-EP
Process Node
22 nm
Foundry
Intel
Transistors
2,600 million
Die Size
356 mmΒ²
Generation
Xeon E5 (Haswell-EP)
πŸ”’

Haswell Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Xeon E5-1681 v3 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
AVX
AVX2
FMA3
AES-NI
F16C
BMI1
BMI2
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d
πŸ”Œ

E5-1681 v3 Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 135W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
135W
Tj Max
66Β°C
πŸ”§

Intel Socket 2011-3 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Xeon E5-1681 v3 uses the Intel Socket 2011-3 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Socket 2011-3
Chipsets
C612, X99
PCIe
Gen 3, 40 Lanes(CPU only)
DDR5

Intel Socket 2011-3 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the E5-1681 v3 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Xeon E5-1681 v3 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR4
Memory Bus
Quad-channel
Memory Bandwidth
68.3 GB/s
ECC Memory
Supported
πŸ“¦

Xeon E5-1681 v3 Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Xeon E5-1681 v3 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Sep 2014
Market
Server/Workstation
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SR1Y2

Xeon E5-1681 v3 Benchmark Scores

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 performs in parallel rendering workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #655 of 1788
1,269
8%
Max: 14,978
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 handles tasks that can't be parallelized.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #655 of 1245
179
8%
Max: 2,114

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource

Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #655 of 1788
5,290
8%
Max: 62,412
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #655 of 1784
746
8%
Max: 8,811

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource

Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #655 of 1788
12,597
8%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #655 of 1788
1,778
8%
Max: 20,979
Compare with other CPUs

About Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3

The Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 is a beast when it comes to multi-threaded throughput, packing 10 cores and 20 threads on the Haswell-EP architecture, making it a solid contender for CPU-heavy tasks that thrive on parallel processing. With a base clock of 2.90 GHz and the ability to turbo up to 3.50 GHz under load, it balances sustained performance and dynamic boost well, especially in workloads that don’t max out all cores simultaneously. The 22 nm process, while not the most efficient by today’s standards, still delivers strong performance per watt for its era, particularly when paired with well-optimized cooling. Its 25 MB of shared L3 cache helps reduce memory latency, improving responsiveness in data-intensive operations. This chip’s thread density gives it an edge in rendering, encoding, and simulation tasks where modern gaming engines also benefit from high core counts. However, gamers should note that single-threaded performance, while decent at 1,778 points in Cinebench R23, won’t match newer architectures optimized for gaming responsiveness. Still, for content creators who also play, the E5-1681 v3 offers a compelling hybrid profile. Thermally, the 135W TDP of the Xeon E5-1681 v3 demands serious cooling especially under sustained AVX workloads or heavy multi-core rendering. Without proper airflow or liquid cooling, thermal throttling can curb its turbo potential, limiting burst performance just when you need it most. The Socket 2011-3 platform supports quad-channel DDR4 memory, which massively boosts bandwidth and keeps data flowing efficiently to all 20 threads. This memory subsystem is critical for avoiding bottlenecks in high-FPS gaming with large asset loads or when multitasking between game streaming and encoding. While not designed for overclocking, the locked multiplier ensures stability, appealing to users who prioritize reliability over pushing limits. The lack of overclocking headroom is a trade-off for enterprise-grade consistency, particularly in server and workstation environments where the chip was originally targeted. Still, on a high-end desktop (HEDT) build, it delivers exceptional value for users who need both compute muscle and multitasking resilience. Ideal workloads for the Xeon E5-1681 v3 include video editing, 3D rendering, scientific computing, and virtualization all areas where its 10 cores and 20 threads can stretch out. Even in modern gaming scenarios involving streaming or running multiple background apps, it holds its own thanks to the thread count and large cache. Benchmarks like Cinebench R23’s 12,597 multicore score confirm its strength in sustained CPU loads, outperforming many consumer CPUs of its time. While single-core scores of 746 in Cinebench R20 show it's not the fastest in legacy or lightly-threaded games, it remains viable with a strong GPU. This processor shines brightest in hybrid setups where gaming meets productivity, offering workstation-grade durability without sacrificing too much in real-time responsiveness. For enthusiasts building on older HEDT platforms, the Xeon E5-1681 v3 remains a powerful, cost-effective anchor for performance-focused builds.

The AMD Equivalent of Xeon E5-1681 v3

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1600X offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 5 1600X

AMD β€’ 6 Cores

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