| Model Name | E5-2660 V3 |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Intel |
| Series | E5 |
| Platform | Server |
| Cores | 10 |
| Threads | 20 |
| TDP | 105 W |
| Base Frequency | 2.6 GHz |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 3.3 GHz |
| Cache L3 | 25 MB |
| Memory Types | DDR4 1600/1866/2133 |
| Max Memory Size | 768 GB |
| ECC Memory Supported | Yes |
| Sockets Supported | FCLGA2011 |
| Max CPU Configuration | 2 |
Engineer's Note: The Intel Xeon E5-2660 v3 pairs 10 cores / 20 threads with a 2.6 GHz base clock that boosts to 3.3 GHz on demand, making it a drop-in candidate for budget virtualization clusters and dev/test environments. The 105 W thermal envelope keeps it inside standard server cooling budgets. Positioned as a proven Haswell/Broadwell-era Xeon that still powers thousands of production clusters worldwide, it is built for sustained multi-user workloads.
1. 2.6 GHz base / 3.3 GHz turbo: the frequency governor drops light threads onto boosted cores, so single-threaded paths (license checks, stored procedures, log processing) finish fast while background jobs keep the remaining cores saturated. The result is responsive interactive performance without sacrificing aggregate throughput.
2. 105 W TDP: the thermal envelope is sized for sustained all-core loads in multi-socket chassis, so the processor holds its rated clocks through long batch windows instead of throttling halfway through. It also keeps per-socket cooling and power costs predictable when you scale out — datacenter capacity planning runs on numbers like these.
3. Memory platform on the Intel Xeon E5-2660 v3: support for DDR4 1600/1866/2133, up to 768 GB of RAM. This is the headroom in-memory databases and dense VM farms need — capacity for growth, bandwidth for the data streams in between.
4. 10 cores / 20 threads: hardware multi-threading lets each physical core run two instruction streams, so concurrent workloads — budget virtualization clusters and dev/test environments — share the die without context-switch overhead. When you size licenses or plan VM placement, thread count is the number the scheduler actually sees.
5. Value in the refurbished market: as a previous-generation part it delivers proven reliability at a fraction of launch pricing, which is why it remains the default choice for dev/test farms, lab clusters, and secondary nodes where cost per core matters more than peak performance.
When you spec out budget virtualization clusters and dev/test environments, the Intel Xeon E5-2660 v3 turns architectural decisions into predictable outcomes. Its 10-core layout sizes the node for expected concurrency, the 3.3 GHz turbo headroom keeps interactive paths responsive, and 768 GB of addressable memory gives the platform room to grow. Every unit passes functional testing before shipment, and our bulk-pricing desk keeps multi-socket refresh projects inside budget.
Q: What memory does it require?
A: The platform supports DDR4 1600/1866/2133. Use ECC registered memory (RDIMM/LRDIMM) — desktop UDIMMs are not compatible with Xeon sockets. Faster modules will downclock to the processor's rated speed.
Q: Does this CPU include a cooler?
A: Server processors are typically installed with chassis-specific heat sinks, so none is included. Match the heat sink to your server model for correct airflow direction — our team can advise on the right part.
Q: What workloads suit 10-core processors best?
A: With 10 cores / 20 threads, this processor is sized for multi-threaded server workloads: virtualization hosts, database servers, and application consolidation. Single-threaded-light environments (file servers, internal tools) will leave headroom unused.
Q: Will 105 W TDP fit my server's cooling budget?
A: 105 W is within the standard envelope for its socket generation, so existing chassis cooling handles it under sustained all-core load. Confirm your server's supported TDP range if you are upgrading from a lower-tier part.
Q: Is it new or refurbished? What warranty applies?
A: We offer both new and tested refurbished units — the condition is shown on each listing. All processors include a one-year warranty and pass functional testing (boot, memory controller, all cores) before dispatch.