Intel Xeon E5-2690 Sandy Bridge-EP 2.9GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) 20MB L3 Cache LGA 2011 135W BX80621E52690 Server Processor

Pros: low TDP excellent performance can handle quad channel ram Cons: Cost: the Xeon 2687W (150w TDP) is 1-5% faster, depending on your benchmark and prices at ~$1,800 rather than ~2,000 The reason this processor costs more than the 2687W is the TDP, which makes a big difference in air cooled server environment. Overall Review: I bought 2 for quantum calculations and am not disappointed. I have one on an ATX sabertooth x79, 64gb of 1866mhz vengeance and an H100. The other is on an mATX Asus rampage IV gene with 32GB of 1866mhz Dominatior. Big question: why did I buy it? For my mATX setup an overclocked 3960X hits 200-300W when matching the performance of the Xeon 2690, too much for my 12-14in case (Silverstone Temjin TJ08-E) with custom water loop that included an EVGA 580 3GB hydro. If you need the performance but require a low heat output, this is the processor for you….but money must NOT be an issue when you start your build.

Pros: Have two installed in a moderately busy web server and very pleased with performance. Running a stack of VMs. Boot swarms are no longer a problem. Cons: Intel needs to be a bit more forthcoming about their advertising here. A 3.9 turbo assumes you’ve only activated one core in the bios. With all cores active, turbo is only 3.3. Overall Review: Not a huge concern but a note for any Intel process engineers that happen to be reading this.. both chips had cardboard fibers inside the final plastic packaging tray, and under the pins.