Intel Xeon E5-1686 v3 socket: LGA 2011-v3
The Intel Xeon E5-1686 v3 uses the LGA 2011-v3 socket. It is a twelve core Haswell-EP workstation part with 24 threads from 2.6 GHz to 3.3 GHz at 135 W with 30 MB of cache.
- Socket
- LGA 2011-v3
- Launched
- September 2014
- Cores and threads
- 12 and 24
- Base power
- 135 W
- Codename
- Haswell-EP
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- Intel Xeon E5
- Clocks
- 2.6 / 3.3 GHz
Intel Xeon E5-1686 v3 specifications
| Cores | 12 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 24 |
| Core architecture | Haswell-EP cores on 22 nm |
| Clocks | 2.6 GHz base, up to 3.3 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 30 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 E5-1686 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 E5-1686 v3 is
The Xeon E5-1686 v3 is an OEM Haswell-EP twelve core for single socket workstations on LGA 2011-v3. Intel set twelve cores and 24 threads at 2.6 GHz base with turbo to 3.3 GHz. Thirty megabytes of Smart Cache serve very large models. Power is 135 W on 22 nm from September 2014. OEM distribution ties firmware support to vendor workstation systems.
Twelve cores cut parallel render times with threads to spare for background work. Base clocks hold all core throughput while turbo lifts interactive steps. Huge cache trims memory trips across data sets. ECC DDR4 guards long sessions. Professional graphics cover display, since no integrated GPU ships. NVMe arrays shape load times. Buyers find this SKU in vendor pulls where generic support varies.
DDR4 ECC over four channels feeds the socket. The mix is a workstation socket for vendor desks where twelve OEM threads with protection are the design point.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The E5-1686 v3 fits LGA 2011-v3 on vendor C612 workstation platforms. OEM stepping may fail on generic boards, so verify the system matrix first. X99 desktop boards never suit this OEM workstation part.
ECC memory over four channels follows vendor support lists. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide is desktop focused, so use vendor manuals. Cooling is a 135 W tower with strong case airflow.
Retail workstation parts offer broader board support where OEM locks bind. Confirm microcode before any swap.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4 ECC quad channel suits huge assemblies. Sixty four gigabytes and above cover simulations with fast storage. Matched sticks give bandwidth. Speed steps with population per manual.
Forty PCIe lanes feed professional graphics plus NVMe. Workstation wiring favors x16 graphics with storage beside. Chipset lanes add USB and SATA. Manuals detail sharing.
Tower 135 W cooling holds 2.6 GHz sustained loads with bursts to 3.3 GHz. Mount pressure on the large package decides thermals. Keep exhausts open during long jobs.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket the Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3 with eight cores has retail availability for wider boards. The Intel Core i7-5960X with eight cores is an HEDT option without ECC. Both need chipset checks.
Newer workstation platforms replace Grantley. The E5-1686 v3 covers vendor desks where twelve OEM cores are specified.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Xeon E5-1686 v3 use?
It uses LGA 2011-v3 on vendor C612 workstation systems.
How many cores does the Xeon E5-1686 v3 have?
Twelve cores and 24 threads at 2.6 GHz base with turbo to 3.3 GHz.
How much cache does the Xeon E5-1686 v3 have?
30 MB of Smart Cache.
What is the TDP of the Xeon E5-1686 v3?
135 W as an OEM vendor part.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Xeon processors Haswell-based (Wikipedia, E5-1686 v3 data)
- Haswell microarchitecture (Wikipedia, Haswell-EP data)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .