Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 14-core LGA 2011-3
The 14-core, 28-thread design with a 35MB L3 cache delivers strong multi-threaded throughput for virtualized environments and parallel workloads. Its 120W TDP provides a balance of processing density and energy efficiency within the LGA 2011-3 platform. This processor is best for homelab operators and small businesses upgrading legacy dual-socket servers for file hosting or light containerization.
Panoramica
The 30-Second Version
Fourteen cores of Broadwell goodness for pocket change. Just don't expect it to game.
Pros & Cons
Pro
- 14 cores and 28 threads for dirt cheap 75th
- 35MB L3 cache is huge for database and VM workloads 72nd
- DDR4 ECC support means real server reliability 67th
- 120W TDP is manageable for a 14-core chip
Contro
- Single-thread performance is mediocre at best
- Gaming score of 29.6 is basically a joke
- LGA 2011-3 motherboards are getting harder to find
- Refurbished means you're rolling the dice on silicon lottery
Cosa dicono i proprietari
The Word on the Street
Le prove
Performance
The multi-thread score of 17,075 in PassMark puts it well above average for this class, and that's the whole story here. Fourteen Broadwell cores at 2.4GHz base with a 3.3GHz boost chew through virtualization and rendering tasks without breaking a sweat. Single-thread is a different story, sitting right around the middle of the pack. The 120W TDP is reasonable for what you get, and efficiency lands in the upper third. Don't expect snappy desktop responsiveness for everyday tasks, this is a parallel workload specialist.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | Xeon |
| Model | E5-2680 v4 |
| Class | server |
| Process | 14 |
Cores & Clocks
| Cores | 14 |
| Threads | 28 |
| Base Clock | 2400 |
| Boost Clock | 3300 |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 3.5 |
| L3 Cache | 35 MB |
Performance
| PassMark Multi | 17075 |
| PassMark Single | 1929 |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| ECC | Yes |
Platform & Power
| Socket | LGA 2011-3 |
| TDP | 120 |
| Unlocked | No |
vs Competition
Against the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, the Xeon wins on raw core count but loses badly on single-thread and platform modernity. The Ryzen is the better choice for mixed workloads and anything involving gaming. The Dell Xeon E5-2637 V2 is older and slower, so the E5-2680 v4 is the clear upgrade there. The PC Server and Parts E5-2697 v2-cr has more cores but older architecture and higher power draw. For pure multi-threaded value, this E5-2680 v4 sits in a sweet spot.
| Spec | Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | D&H Core i9 BX80673I99960X | G.Skill Trident Z Neo | MICRO CENTER 225FB860MEAGLEPL | Empowered PC Ryzen 7 5700X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 14 | 8 | 16 | 6 | - | - |
| Threads | 28 | 16 | 32 | 12 | - | - |
| Boost Clock Mhz | 3300 | 5200 | 4400 | 4200 | - | - |
| L3 Cache Mb | 35 | 96 | 22 | 32 | - | - |
| Tdp W | 120 | 120 | 165 | 65 | - | - |
| Socket | LGA 2011-3 | AM5 | LGA 2066 | AMD Socket AM4 | - | - |
| Integrated Graphics | - | AMD Radeon | - | - | - | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Prodotto | AI | Feature | Platform | Efficiency | Multi Thread | Riscontro degli utenti | Affordability | Single Thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 | 75.1 | 47.2 | 50.5 | 67.3 | 71.5 | 57.8 | 56.4 | 51.1 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Compare | 91.7 | 98.5 | 95.2 | 88.9 | 89.2 | 99.5 | 23.7 | 95.1 |
| D&H Core i9 BX80673I99960X Compare | 89.1 | 63 | 81.7 | 74.8 | 84.4 | 70.7 | 17.5 | 73.8 |
| G.Skill Trident Z Neo Compare | 72.4 | 87.4 | 78.9 | 84.3 | 72.1 | 0 | 20.4 | 72.6 |
| MICRO CENTER 225FB860MEAGLEPL Compare | 67.9 | 20.7 | 17.4 | 43 | 85.8 | 0 | 27.2 | 94.9 |
| Empowered PC Ryzen 7 5700X Compare | 63.9 | 20.7 | 17.4 | 39.8 | 81.9 | 0 | 39.6 | 85.7 |
Prezzo
Value & Pricing
At USD 212 on Amazon, this is a steal for multi-threaded work. The EUR pricing is all over the place though, ranging from EUR 146 to EUR 329 across three listings. If you're in Europe, shop around. The EUR 146 listing is the obvious pick if it's still available. For under two hundred bucks, you're getting server-grade core counts that would cost triple in a modern equivalent.
Amazon 1 offerta Da 146 €
Price History
Approfondisci
Overview
The Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 is the budget server workhorse that refuses to die. Fourteen cores, 28 threads, and a 35MB L3 cache for around two hundred bucks refurbished. It's not exciting, it's not new, and it won't win any gaming benchmarks. But if you need cheap multi-threaded grunt for a homelab, NAS, or older workstation, this chip still punches way above its price tag.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use this for gaming?
Technically yes, but don't. The single-thread score of 1,929 is mediocre and the gaming rating of 29.6 out of 100 tells you everything. Get a Ryzen or modern Core i5 instead.
Q: What motherboard do I need?
Any LGA 2011-3 board with X99 or C612 chipset. Make sure the BIOS supports Broadwell-EP Xeons. Older boards may need a BIOS update first.
Q: Is the refurbished version reliable?
Mostly. Amazon's renewed program includes testing and a 90-day warranty. The 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews suggests people are happy. Just stress test it on arrival.
Who Should Skip This
If you're building a gaming rig or a snappy daily driver, this isn't your chip. The single-thread performance will frustrate you. Go grab a Ryzen 5 9600X or a modern Core i5 instead. You'll lose core count but gain everything that matters for desktop use.
Verdict
Buy this if you need cheap cores for server tasks and don't care about single-thread speed. It's a proven workhorse with ECC support and a massive cache. Skip it for gaming or daily desktop use. The refurbished gamble is worth it at this price, especially with the 90-day warranty backing you up.
