Athlon 64 3000+ vs Opteron 142

AMD

Athlon 64 3000+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2 GHz2001
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 142

1 Cores1 Thrd85 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2003
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 3000+ vs Opteron 142 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Athlon 64 3000+ vs Opteron 142 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Athlon 64 3000+ vs Opteron 142: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon 64 3000+

2001

Why buy it

  • Costs $143 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $292 MSRP).
  • Delivers 98.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 3.0 vs 1.5 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $292 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Opteron 142

2003

Why buy it

  • Draws 85W instead of 89W, a 4W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (445 vs 450).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.5 vs 3.0 PassMark/$ ($292 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 3000+ better than Opteron 142?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 142 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 3000+ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon 64 3000+ has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 25% higher max boost clock.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 3000+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon 64 3000+ is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 3000+ comes in $143 cheaper on MSRP at $149 MSRP versus $292 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% higher PassMark. It is also 98.2% better value on MSRP (3.0 vs 1.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Opteron 142 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2003 vs 2001). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 3000+ vs Opteron 142 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Athlon 64 3000+

The Athlon 64 3000+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Janeiro 2001 (24 years ago). It is based on the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 754. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 450 points. Launch price was $65.

AMD

Opteron 142

The Opteron 142 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 445 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon 64 3000+ and Opteron 142 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 3000+ versus 1.6 GHz on the Opteron 142 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 3000+. The Athlon 64 3000+ uses the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Opteron 142 uses SledgeHammer (2003−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3000+ scores 450 against the Opteron 142's 445 — a 1.1% lead for the Athlon 64 3000+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureAthlon 64 3000+Opteron 142
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2 GHz+25%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
512K+51100%
1 MB
Process
130 nm
130 nm
Architecture
Clawhammer (2001−2005)
SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
PassMark
450+1%
445
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 3000+ uses the 754 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Opteron 142 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR-400 on the Athlon 64 3000+ versus DDR-333 on the Opteron 142 — the Opteron 142 supports -16.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Opteron 142 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes.

FeatureAthlon 64 3000+Opteron 142
Socket
754
940
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR-400
DDR-333
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
8 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 3000+) / AMD-V (Opteron 142). Primary use case: Opteron 142 targets Server.

FeatureAthlon 64 3000+Opteron 142
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 3000+ was priced at $149, while the Opteron 142 came in at $292. On launch pricing ($149 vs $292), Athlon 64 3000+ was $143 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 3000+ delivers 3.0 pts/$ vs 1.5 pts/$ for the Opteron 142 — making the Athlon 64 3000+ the 65.9% better value option.

FeatureAthlon 64 3000+Opteron 142
MSRP
$149-49%
$292
Performance per Dollar
3.0+100%
1.5
Release Date
2001
2003

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