Processor Buying Guide
Intel Xeon Server Processor Guide
Xeon processor listings are full of core counts and clock speeds that mean little without context — this page explains what those numbers actually mean for a server workload, using the real Intel Xeon E5-2600 v4 processors we genuinely stock as concrete examples rather than abstract specs. Both the Intel Xeon E5-2696 v4 (22-core) and Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4 (18-core, available as tested refurbished stock) are real, currently-stocked processors built for the LGA 2011-3 platform, the same socket used by our in-stock Cisco UCS C220 M4 rack server. Whether you're speccing a new build or upgrading an existing E5-2600-socket server, this guide covers how to actually choose between them.
Genuine Silicon
Real, currently-stocked Xeon processors
Tested Refurbished Option
Genuine, functionally tested E5-2697 v4
GST Invoicing
Proper invoices on every order
PAN-India Delivery
Tracked delivery to any Indian city
Shop Xeon Processors & Compatible Servers
Everything you need to choose and fit the right Xeon processor:
Features
What Xeon E5-2600 v4 processor specifications actually mean for your workload:
- Core and thread count
- More cores support more concurrent workloads (VMs, containers, parallel tasks) — the E5-2696 v4 offers 22 cores/44 threads, the E5-2697 v4 offers 18 cores/36 threads.
- Base vs turbo clock speed
- Base clock is the guaranteed sustained speed under full load; turbo is the burst speed for lighter, single-threaded tasks — both matter depending on your workload.
- Socket compatibility (LGA 2011-3)
- Both processors use the LGA 2011-3 socket, the same platform as our in-stock Cisco UCS C220 M4 and most other E5-2600 v3/v4-era servers.
- TDP and cooling
- Higher core-count Xeons draw more power and generate more heat — confirm your chassis cooling is rated for the processor you're choosing.
- New vs refurbished availability
- The E5-2697 v4 in our stock is genuine, tested refurbished silicon — a real cost saving if your workload doesn't need the newest chip.
Why Buy From Arnav Infosystem
Both Xeon processors on this page are real, currently-stocked inventory, not a manufacturer spec sheet with nothing behind it — the E5-2696 v4 as standard stock, and the E5-2697 v4 as genuine, tested refurbished silicon at a meaningfully lower price. Tell us whether your workload favours more cores (multi-tenant virtualization, dense containers) or a higher per-core clock (latency-sensitive single-threaded tasks) and we'll help you pick between them, or size a dual-processor configuration if your chassis supports it.
Choosing Between Xeon E5-2600 v4 Processors
A practical way to decide, rather than picking on core count alone:
Decide cores vs clock speed for your workload
Many concurrent light tasks (VMs, containers) favour more cores; fewer, latency-sensitive tasks favour higher clock speed — know which one describes your workload.
Confirm your chassis supports the processor
Check your server's supported processor list, socket, and cooling rating before ordering — not every E5-2600-socket chassis supports every TDP.
Consider refurbished if budget matters more than the newest chip
The tested refurbished E5-2697 v4 is genuine enterprise compute at a meaningfully lower price, if your workload doesn't need the E5-2696 v4's extra cores.
Plan for dual-socket if your chassis supports it
A dual-socket configuration roughly doubles available cores in the same chassis — worth considering for dense virtualization before buying a second server.
Who These Processors Suit
Xeon E5-2600 v4 processors at this core-count range suit a recognizable set of workloads:
- Virtualization Hosts: High core counts suit VMware, Proxmox, or Hyper-V hosts running many concurrent VMs.
- ISPs & Network Operators: MikroTik CHR/RouterOS and other network-gateway workloads that benefit from strong per-core performance.
- Database & Application Servers: Workloads that need a balance of core count and clock speed rather than one extreme or the other.
- Budget Server Builds: The refurbished E5-2697 v4 offers genuine enterprise-grade compute at a fraction of new pricing.
Intel Xeon E5-2696 v4 vs E5-2697 v4
Both are real, LGA 2011-3 processors we currently stock:
| Spec | Xeon E5-2696 v4 | Xeon E5-2697 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 22 / 44 | 18 / 36 |
| Base Clock | 2.20 GHz | 2.30 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | Up to 3.70 GHz | Up to 3.60 GHz |
| Socket | LGA 2011-3 | LGA 2011-3 |
| Stock Condition | New | Tested Refurbished |
| Best For | Maximum core density | Balanced performance at a lower price |
Xeon Processors in Stock
The real Xeon E5-2600 v4 processors covered on this page, currently in stock:
Intel
Intel xeon e5-2696 v4 22core
Intel
Intel Xeon E5-2697 v4 Refurbished – 18-Core 2.30GHz Server Processor (SR2JV)FAQ
What's the real difference between the E5-2696 v4 and E5-2697 v4?
The E5-2696 v4 has more cores (22 vs 18) for higher consolidation; the E5-2697 v4 is available as tested refurbished stock at a lower price.
Is the E5-2697 v4 actually refurbished, or new?
It's genuine, tested refurbished/used silicon — listed and sold as such, not relabeled as new.
What socket do these processors use?
LGA 2011-3 — the same platform as our in-stock Cisco UCS C220 M4 and most other E5-2600 v3/v4-era servers.
Can I run two of these processors in one server?
If your chassis supports dual-socket configuration (like the Cisco UCS C220 M4), yes — tell us your chassis and we'll confirm compatibility.
Which processor is better for virtualization?
Higher core count generally wins for virtualization density — the E5-2696 v4's 22 cores suit multi-tenant hosting well.
Are these processors compatible with any E5-2600 v3/v4 server?
Generally yes for the socket, but always confirm your specific server's supported processor list before ordering.
Do you sell other Xeon generations too?
Our current in-stock processors are E5-2600 v4 generation — contact us if you need a different generation and we'll check sourcing options.
Is there a warranty on the new (non-refurbished) processor?
Contact us for current warranty terms on the specific SKU — we'll confirm before you order.
Do these processors ship with GST invoicing?
Yes — every order, new or refurbished, comes with a proper GST invoice.
India Coverage
Xeon processors ship PAN-India, with faster turnaround in these cities: