Intel Xeon E5-2628L v3

The Intel Xeon E5-2628L v3 is a 10-core, 20-thread server processor built on Intel's Haswell-EP architecture. It operates at a base clock of 2.0 GHz and a boost of 2.5 GHz, with a 75W TDP that signals an efficient design for its core count. The chip integrates 2.6 billion transistors on a 356 mm² die using a 22nm process, and it offers 25 MB of shared L3 cache. Its average benchmark score of 2446 places it at the 51st percentile among all CPUs, indicating a mid-pack standing that is surprisingly close to several mainstream desktop and mobile parts. The launch MSRP was $1364.

Benchmark Performance

The Cinebench results reveal a clear split between multi-core and single-core capability. In Cinebench R23, the processor scores 8456 in multi-core and 1193 in single-core, a ratio of 7.1x. The same pattern appears in R20 (3551 multi, 501 single) and R15 (852 multi, 120 single), with ratios of 7.09 and 7.1 respectively. This consistent scaling suggests that the 10 physical cores are effectively engaged when the workload is parallel, but the single-core scores are modest—likely constrained by the 2.5 GHz boost ceiling and the older Haswell microarchitecture.

The average benchmark score of 2446 places the Xeon in a tight cluster of rivals. The Core i5-8600 matches it almost exactly at 2447 (delta 0%), while the Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U trails by 0.1% (2444) and the Core i5-8500B by 0.4% (2436). The Core i7-1365UE leads by 0.7% (2463). These deltas are tiny, meaning that in aggregate performance, the Xeon E5-2628L v3 is effectively indistinguishable from a modern desktop Core i5 or a low-power mobile Ryzen. However, the Cinebench scores show that this aggregate parity hides a very different workload profile: the Xeon's multi-core numbers are strong, while its single-core numbers are far below what those rivals would likely achieve—though direct single-core comparisons are not provided in the data.

Power and Thermals

The 75W TDP is a defining characteristic of this processor. For a 10-core, 20-thread part, that is a remarkably low thermal envelope, which implies that cooling requirements are modest. The 22nm process and 2.6 billion transistors on a 356 mm² die contribute to this efficiency. The low TDP also suggests that the chip can operate in dense server environments where heat dissipation and power budgets are critical constraints. The absence of an integrated graphics unit further reduces thermal load, as the CPU is purely compute-focused. While the exact cooling solution is not specified, the 75W rating places it in a class where a capable air cooler would likely suffice—though no specific cooler size or type is mentioned in the data.

How It Compares

vs. Intel Core i5-8600: The Xeon's average benchmark score of 2446 is effectively tied with the i5-8600's 2447, a delta of 0%. This is surprising given that the i5-8600 is a six-core desktop chip with a much higher boost clock. The parity suggests that the Xeon's extra cores and threads compensate for its lower frequency in aggregate workloads, but the single-core deficit would be significant in lightly-threaded tasks.

vs. AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U: The Xeon edges out the Ryzen by 0.1% (2446 vs 2444). The Ryzen is a low-power mobile processor with four cores, so the Xeon's 10 cores provide a substantial multi-thread advantage, yet the overall average is nearly identical. This indicates that the Ryzen's newer architecture and higher single-core performance offset the core count difference in the aggregate metric.

vs. Intel Core i5-8500B: The Xeon leads by 0.4% (2446 vs 2436). The i5-8500B is a six-core desktop chip, and the Xeon's 10 cores give it a 10-point advantage in the average score. Again, the gap is minimal, underscoring that the Xeon's performance is competitive with mid-range desktop silicon from a similar era.

vs. Intel Core i7-1365UE: The Xeon trails by 0.7% (2446 vs 2463). The i7-1365UE is a newer, hybrid mobile processor, and its higher average score reflects better single-core performance and efficiency. The Xeon's 10 cores cannot overcome the architectural advantage of the newer part, but the deficit is small—less than a single percentage point.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Xeon E5-2628L v3 use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 2011-3.

Q: What memory type and configuration does it support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s and ECC support.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: It provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU itself.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Q: What is the production status of this processor?

A: It is end-of-life.

Q: What was the launch MSRP?

A: The launch MSRP was $1364.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Cinebench scores paint a clear picture: this Xeon is a multi-threaded workhorse with limited single-thread agility. In R23, the multi-core score of 8456 is 7.1 times the single-core score of 1193. The same ratio holds in R20 and R15, indicating that the scaling is consistent across different Cinebench versions. This near-linear scaling suggests that the 10 cores are well-utilized in parallel workloads, and the 20 threads provide ample concurrency for heavily threaded applications. However, the single-core scores are low—1193 in R23, 501 in R20, and 120 in R15—which means that any task that depends on a single thread will see limited performance. The 2.5 GHz boost clock is the primary limiter here, as the architecture itself is not optimized for high-frequency operation. For real-world usage, this means the processor excels in rendering, scientific computing, virtualization, and other parallel tasks, but it will feel sluggish in applications that are predominantly single-threaded, such as older games or lightweight office tools.

Who Should Consider It

Given the benchmark results, this processor is best suited for workloads that exploit its multi-core strength. The strong multi-thread scaling, combined with 59.7 GB/s of memory bandwidth and quad-channel DDR4 support, makes it a viable choice for video rendering, 3D animation, data analysis, and server-side virtualization. The ECC memory support adds a layer of reliability for long-running, error-sensitive computations. For content creation tasks that are parallelized—such as batch photo processing or video encoding—the Xeon can hold its own against more modern mainstream chips, as evidenced by its average score parity with the Core i5-8600. However, for gaming or general office productivity where single-thread performance dominates, the low single-core scores would be a bottleneck. The 75W TDP also makes it attractive for compact server builds or workstation configurations where power efficiency is a priority.

Platform and Compatibility

The Xeon E5-2628L v3 is built for the Intel Socket 2011-3 platform, which supports DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration. The memory controller provides 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth and ECC functionality, catering to server and workstation reliability requirements. The CPU offers 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, allowing for multiple expansion cards such as GPUs, NVMe storage, or network adapters. As an end-of-life product, the upgrade path is limited to other processors that share the same socket, but the platform itself is mature and well-established. The lack of an integrated GPU means a discrete graphics card is mandatory, which is typical for server platforms. Overall, the platform offers solid I/O and memory capabilities, though the processor's age and EOL status may limit long-term scalability.