The Xeon E5 2690 v2 is a server-grade central processing unit (CPU) developed by Intel as part of its Xeon E5 family. Launched in 2013, it features 10 cores and 20 threads, operating at a base frequency of 3.0 GHz with a turbo boost up to 3.5 GHz.
The Xeon E5 2690 v2 is based on Intel's Sandy Bridge-EP architecture, an enhanced version of the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. It uses a 22-nanometer manufacturing process and supports up to 256 GB of RAM through its quad-channel DDR3 memory controller. The CPU also includes 25 MB of L3 cache, divided into 20 individual banks of 1.25 MB each.
The key specifications of the Xeon E5 2690 v2 include:
The Xeon E5 2690 v2 is designed for high-performance computing tasks such as virtualization, database management, and scientific simulations. Its high core count and thread count make it well-suited for multi-threaded applications. For example, in a virtualized environment, the Xeon E5 2690 v2 can handle multiple virtual machines simultaneously without significant performance degradation.
According to Intel's benchmarks, the Xeon E5 2690 v2 offers a significant performance improvement over its predecessor, the Xeon E5 2680. This is due to the increased core count and higher clock speeds. The CPU also supports advanced features such as Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX), which improve performance in floating-point intensive applications.
The Xeon E5 2690 v2 is part of a larger family of Xeon E5 processors. Here's how it compares to other models in the same series:
One common misconception is that the Xeon E5 2690 v2 is better than the Xeon E5 2690 v3. While the v2 model has higher clock speeds, the v3 model offers more cores and threads, as well as a larger L3 cache. The choice between the two depends on the specific workload requirements.
Another misconception is that the Xeon E5 2690 v2 is only suitable for enterprise environments. While it is a server-grade CPU, it can also be used in high-end workstations for tasks such as video rendering and 3D modeling.
I once used a Xeon E5 2690 v2 in a custom-built workstation for video editing. The additional cores and threads reduced rendering times compared to a consumer-grade CPU. However, the power consumption was higher, requiring a solid cooling solution.
The Xeon E5 2690 v2 is a useful server CPU designed for high-performance computing tasks. Its 10 cores and 20 threads, along with advanced features like Intel AVX, make it suitable for many applications. Whether used in a server or a high-end workstation, the Xeon E5 2690 v2 delivers reliable performance for demanding workloads.