Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 Tetradeca-core 2.40 GHz Processor

In this review the Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 is evaluated as a high-density server CPU best suited for virtualization, compute-dense applications, and workstation builds that need many simultaneous threads. The bottom line: its 14 cores and 28 threads package delivers clear multi-threaded throughput advantages for data center workloads, while the 35 MB cache and 2.40 GHz base clock help sustain high sustained performance. For those seeking efficient, scalable processing in rack or workstation environments, the E5-2680 v4 offers a balance of core count, cache, and energy profile that justifies consideration.

Key Features

• High core and thread count: Fourteen cores and 28 threads provide substantial parallelism for virtual machines, multi-threaded servers, and batch processing tasks.
• Large cache: The 35 MB cache reduces memory access latency and improves throughput for data- and I/O-heavy workloads.
• Solid base frequency: A 2.40 GHz base clock ensures responsive performance across mixed loads without relying solely on turbo bursts.
• Energy conscious TDP: At 120 W TDP the processor balances performance against power and cooling needs in dense server deployments.
• Scalable platform: As part of the Xeon E5-2600 family it integrates with established LGA 2011-v3 platforms for flexible infrastructure scaling.

Who It's For

The E5-2680 v4 is aimed at IT professionals, system builders, and small data centers that need many cores per socket for virtualization, database caching, or parallel compute jobs. Its combination of core count and cache is particularly useful for hosts running multiple VMs, container clusters, or CPU-bound simulation tasks.

Those seeking the highest single-thread clock speeds for gaming or light desktop use should look elsewhere; desktop CPUs with higher boost frequencies and lower core counts will feel more responsive for single-threaded applications and power-constrained consumer rigs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional multi-threaded throughput from 14 cores and 28 threads for scalable server workloads.
• Large 35 MB cache improves data locality and lowers I/O latency for databases and virtualization hosts.
• Reasonable energy efficiency for its class with a 120 W TDP, helping total cost of ownership in dense racks.

Cons

• Base clock of 2.40 GHz means single-threaded tasks may not match the responsiveness of higher-clocked desktop CPUs.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 is a strong choice for virtualization hosts, compute nodes, and workstations that prioritize parallel throughput over single-thread peak speed. With 14 cores, a large cache, and a balanced 120 W TDP it delivers solid value in server and enterprise contexts where density and sustained performance matter more than consumer-oriented burst clocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this CPU good for virtualization?
Yes. Its 14 cores and 28 threads make it well suited to running multiple virtual machines and containerized workloads on a single socket.

What socket does it require?
The processor uses the LGA 2011-v3 socket and fits platforms that support the Xeon E5-2600 family.

Is it energy efficient?
Relative to its core count, the 120 W TDP offers a reasonable balance of performance and power for rack or workstation deployments.