Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 socket: LGA 2011-v3
The Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 uses the LGA 2011-v3 socket. It is a ten core Haswell-EP workstation part with 20 threads from 2.9 GHz to 3.5 GHz at 135 W with 25 MB of cache.
- Socket
- LGA 2011-v3
- Launched
- September 2014
- Cores and threads
- 10 and 20
- Base power
- 135 W
- Codename
- Haswell-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.9 / 3.5 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 specifications
| Cores | 10 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 20 |
| Core architecture | Haswell-EP cores on 22 nm |
| Clocks | 2.9 GHz base, up to 3.5 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 25 MB Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 135 W |
| Manufacturing process | 22 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4, four channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 40 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | None (workstation graphics required) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA2011-3 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3 needs a motherboard with a LGA 2011-v3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| C612 series | C612 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 2011-v3.
LGA 2011-v3 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 2,011 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 52.5 × 45 mm |
| Introduced | August 2014 |
| Memory | DDR4-2400, four channels, up to 128 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Xeon E5-1681 v3 is
The Xeon E5-1681 v3 is an OEM Haswell-EP ten core for single socket workstations on LGA 2011-v3. Intel set ten cores and 20 threads at 2.9 GHz base with turbo to 3.5 GHz. Twenty five megabytes of Smart Cache serve large assemblies and simulations. Power is 135 W on 22 nm from September 2014. OEM status ties it to vendor workstation systems with locked firmware support.
Ten threads beyond eight core parts cut render times with room for background tasks. Base clocks near 3 GHz keep interactive steps direct. Large cache covers big data sets. ECC DDR4 guards long jobs. Professional graphics handle display, since no integrated GPU exists. Fast NVMe shapes project loads. Buyers meet this SKU in vendor workstation pulls where generic board support varies.
DDR4 ECC over four channels feeds the socket with DMI to the companion. The mix is a workstation socket for vendor desks where ten fast threads with protection are specified.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The E5-1681 v3 fits LGA 2011-v3 on vendor C612 workstation platforms. OEM stepping validation may block generic boards, so confirm the system matrix before purchase. Desktop X99 never suits this OEM workstation chip.
Memory is ECC UDIMMs or RDIMMs over four channels per vendor support. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide is desktop focused, so use vendor population rules. Cooling needs a 135 W tower with strong airflow.
Retail eight core workstation parts offer wider board support where OEM locks bind. Verify microcode before any cross vendor move.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4 ECC quad channel suits large projects. Sixty four gigabytes covers assemblies with NVMe. Matched sticks unlock bandwidth. Speed follows population per manual.
Forty PCIe lanes feed graphics plus fast storage for project files. Layouts favor x16 professional graphics with NVMe beside. Chipset lanes add USB and SATA. Manuals show U.2 sharing.
Tower 135 W cooling sustains 2.9 GHz with bursts to 3.5 GHz. Firm pressure on the large package matters. Keep memory airflow in mind during long renders.
Upgrade paths
Within the socket the Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3 with eight cores offers retail availability for broader boards. The Intel Core i7-5960X with eight cores is an HEDT chip without ECC for single socket creation. Both need platform checks.
Newer workstation sockets replace Grantley. The E5-1681 v3 covers vendor desks where ten OEM cores are specified.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon E5-1681 v3 use?
It uses LGA 2011-v3 on vendor C612 workstation systems.
How many cores does the Xeon E5-1681 v3 have?
Ten cores and 20 threads at 2.9 GHz base with turbo to 3.5 GHz.
How much cache does the Xeon E5-1681 v3 have?
25 MB of Smart Cache.
What is the TDP of the Xeon E5-1681 v3?
135 W as an OEM vendor part.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Xeon processors Haswell-based (Wikipedia, E5-1681 v3 data)
- Haswell microarchitecture (Wikipedia, Haswell-EP data)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .