Illustration: generic 3D model of a processor (no brand)
Illustration: generic 3D model
Intel · Ivy Bridge-EP · 2013

Xeon E5-2640 v2

0.0(0 votes)
TierD
Cores / Threads8C/16T
Boost2.50 GHz
TDP95 W
SocketLGA2011

Xeon E5-2640 v2: Intel processor with 8 cores / 16 threads, up to 2.50 GHz, 95 W TDP, socket LGA2011. FPSHQ Gaming Score: 1 410 out of 10,000 (tier D). Source of the numbers: per the FPSHQ catalog (Gaming Score is FPSHQ's own gaming index).

FPSHQ index · data updated · methodology · Check my PC

Full specs of the Xeon E5-2640 v2

ArchitectureIvy Bridge-EP
Cores8
Threads16
Base Clock2.00 GHz
Boost Clock2.50 GHz
L3 Cache20 MB
TDP95 W
Process node22 nm
SocketLGA2011
PCIe3.0
Memory channels4
Memory up to1600 MHz
3D V-CacheNo
Integrated graphicsNo
Bench Score1290
Gaming Score1410
Release year2013

Xeon E5-2640 v2 for gaming: X79 platform and comparison

Per the FPSHQ model, the Xeon E5-2640 v2 (8 cores / 16 threads, 2–2.5 GHz, 95 W) averages 65 FPS across 8 games with an RTX 4070 Super at 1080p — -71 % vs the Ryzen 5 5600 and -71 % vs the Core i5-12400F. model estimate

Platform: LGA2011 socket (X79 board), DDR3 memory up to 1600 MHz, 4 channels, ECC, up to 768 GB; 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes — per Intel ark. Intel ark spec

Average FPS in 8 popular games, High settings, RTX 4070 Super (model estimate)
CPUGaming ScoreFPS 1080pFPS 1440p
Xeon E5-2640 v214106565
Ryzen 5 56005250222197
Core i5-12400F5350225199

Which motherboard do you need for the Xeon E5-2640 v2

The Xeon E5-2640 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket; per AMD/Intel specifications it is supported by these chipsets (1): Intel X79. Memory — DDR3.

FPSHQ tip: without overclocking, a Intel X79 board is enough for the Xeon E5-2640 v2 — the newest mid-range chipset that supports this CPU without a mandatory BIOS update.

ChipsetBIOSCPU overclockingMemory overclockingPCIe for graphics card
Intel X79 tipBIOS update neededyesyesPCIe 3.0 ×40 (CPU)

“BIOS update needed” means a board with this chipset supports the Xeon E5-2640 v2 only with firmware that adds this support: boards released before the CPU must be updated before installing it. The exact CPU list of a specific model is on its maker’s website.

📡 Xeon E5-2640 v2 profile

Strengths and weaknesses across 5 parameters (0–100).

Games14Multi-thread11Cores33Efficiency25

⚡ Key metrics

14
Gaming score
1410
13
Multi-thread
1290
11
Efficiency
95W TDP

📊 Position in the CPU gaming ranking

Compared with other models. A longer bar means a higher result.

▶ Xeon E5-2640 v2
1 410
💬 FPSHQ advice

The Xeon E5-2640 v2 is entry-level for office work and light games. For modern AAA, consider an upgrade. It works as a stopgap or for esports titles.

— FPSHQ · FPSHQ recommendation for the Xeon E5-2640 v2 · methodology

Best GPU pairings for the Xeon E5-2640 v2

To avoid a CPU or GPU bottleneck, you need a balanced graphics card. Here are our recommendations for the Xeon E5-2640 v2:

Key figures

Unique FPSHQ metrics from this page's data

1,410
FPSHQ gaming score FPSHQ index
faster than 3% of catalogue GPUs
8 / 16
cores / threads
2.5GHz
boost clock
20MB
L3
95W
TDP
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
balanced GPU pairing model estimate
In short

How good is Xeon E5-2640 v2 for gaming?

Xeon E5-2640 v2 (2013, LGA2011): FPSHQ gaming score 1,410 — faster than 3% of catalogue CPUs. 8 cores / 16 threads, boost 2.5 GHz, L3 20 MB, TDP 95 W. The balanced pairing per the FPSHQ model is a GPU of the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti level: a stronger card will be CPU-bound, a weaker one will not use the CPU fully. Source of the numbers: per the FPSHQ catalog (Gaming Score is FPSHQ's own gaming index); FPSHQ model estimate (not a measurement). (model accuracy)

FPSHQ gaming score
1,410 FPSHQ index
cores / threads
8/16
TDP
95 W
updated · source: Bottleneck, FPSHQ model estimate

Frequently asked questions about the Xeon E5-2640 v2

Which socket does the Xeon E5-2640 v2 use?
Socket: LGA2011. The platform is finished: the last LGA2011 CPUs came out in 2013, so upgrades are limited to chips for this socket. Memory: DDR3, 4-channel controller. Motherboard chipsets: X79, C602. Xeon chips are officially supported on server boards with the C602 chipset; on X79 boards only if the board BIOS supports them.
How many cores and threads does the Xeon E5-2640 v2 have?
Cores: 8, threads: 16. The optimal core count for gaming in 2026. All modern games use 6–8 cores.
Does the Xeon E5-2640 v2 have 3D V-Cache?
No, the Xeon E5-2640 v2 does not have 3D V-Cache. The technology is only in AMD X3D-suffix models (5800X3D, 7800X3D, 9800X3D, 9950X3D).
Which RAM should I use with the Xeon E5-2640 v2?
Memory type: DDR3. The controller is 4-channel: use a kit of 4 identical modules; for gaming, 4×8 GB (32 GB). Officially supported speed: up to 1600 MT/s. ECC is supported (Intel ark); server ECC REG (RDIMM) modules work if the motherboard supports them — for Chinese X79/X99 boards, check the board specs. Memory will not run faster than this with this CPU, so there is no point paying for faster modules.
Does the Xeon E5-2640 v2 need a powerful cooler?
TDP: 95 W. At 95 W TDP a mid-size tower is enough (Deepcool AG500, ID-Cooling SE-224, Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE).
Which GPU should I pair with the Xeon E5-2640 v2?
To avoid a bottleneck imbalance, we recommend GPUs with a bench score in the 700–900 range. That is roughly: Radeon RX 470, GeForce GTX 770, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, GeForce GTX 960.
Xeon E5-2640 v2 — what is better for gaming?
We compared it with its closest rival: Xeon E5-2640 v2 vs Ryzen 5 3500U. In pure gaming the results are close — the choice depends on price and platform.
Is the Xeon E5-2640 v2 enough for streaming?
Yes, 8 cores are enough to game and stream at once via OBS with the x264 software encoder (veryfast/faster preset). If you encode via NVENC on the GPU, CPU load is minimal.
Can the Xeon E5-2640 v2 be overclocked?
The Xeon E5-2640 v2 has a locked multiplier. Turbo Boost works on its own; the only extra gains come from faster memory (if the board's chipset allows memory overclocking) and cooling that prevents throttling.
Will the Xeon E5-2640 v2 still be relevant in 2028?
In 2–3 years the Xeon E5-2640 v2 will limit FPS in the most demanding AAA games. It stays a good Full HD gaming option, but for 1440p+ with a high-end GPU consider an upgrade.
How does the Xeon E5-2640 v2 differ from the previous generation?
Architecture: Ivy Bridge-EP. Each generation typically brings +10–20% IPC (performance per clock), efficiency improvements and support for new memory/PCIe standards. The in-game difference versus the previous generation is usually +8–15%.
What GPU is best for Xeon E5-2640 v2?
The graphics card is chosen by pairing balance so Xeon E5-2640 v2 does not become the bottleneck. The top 5 GPUs for Xeon E5-2640 v2 with in-game FPS and PSU are on what GPU for Xeon E5-2640 v2.
Which motherboard do I need for the Xeon E5-2640 v2?
The Xeon E5-2640 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket. Boards with these chipsets fit: Intel X79 (BIOS) (“BIOS” — firmware with support for the CPU required). FPSHQ tip: Intel X79. Before buying, check the supported CPU list on the motherboard maker’s website.
How good is the Xeon E5-2640 v2 for gaming?
Per the FPSHQ model the Xeon E5-2640 v2 averages 65 FPS across 8 popular games with an RTX 4070 Super at 1080p: -71 % vs the Ryzen 5 5600 and -71 % vs the Core i5-12400F. It runs on LGA2011 (X79) boards with DDR3 memory, best in 4 channels.

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