Athlon 64 3100+ vs Opteron 142

AMD

Athlon 64 3100+

1 Cores1 Thrd25 WWMax: 2 GHz2008
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 3100+ 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 3100+ 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 3100+ 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 3100+

2008

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $192 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $292 MSRP).
  • Delivers 211.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 4.8 vs 1.5 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $292 MSRP).
  • Draws 25W instead of 85W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Opteron 142

2003

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon 64 3100+ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (445 vs 475).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.5 vs 4.8 PassMark/$ ($292 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
    • 240% higher power demand at 85W vs 25W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 3100+ 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 3100+ 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 3100+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 3100+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 6.7% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon 64 3100+ is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 3100+ comes in $192 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $292 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 211.7% better value on MSRP (4.8 vs 1.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Athlon 64 3100+ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2003) and more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 1 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Athlon 64 3100+ vs Opteron 142 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 3100+

    The Athlon 64 3100+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Lima (2008−2009) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 475 points. Launch price was $149.

    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 3100+ and Opteron 142 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 3100+ versus 1.6 GHz on the Opteron 142 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 3100+. The Athlon 64 3100+ uses the Lima (2008−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Opteron 142 uses SledgeHammer (2003−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3100+ scores 475 against the Opteron 142's 445 — a 6.5% lead for the Athlon 64 3100+.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3100+Opteron 142
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2 GHz+25%
    1.6 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512K+51100%
    1 MB
    Process
    65 nm-50%
    130 nm
    Architecture
    Lima (2008−2009)
    SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
    PassMark
    475+7%
    445
    Geekbench 6 Single
    280
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    280
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 3100+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Opteron 142 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 3100+ versus DDR-333 on the Opteron 142 — the Athlon 64 3100+ supports -340.2% 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Athlon 64 3100+) vs 0 (Opteron 142) — the Athlon 64 3100+ offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3100+Opteron 142
    Socket
    AM2
    940
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-800
    DDR-333
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    8 GB+100%
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Athlon 64 3100+ targets Legacy Desktop, Opteron 142 targets Server. Direct competitor: Athlon 64 3100+ rivals Celeron D 352.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3100+Opteron 142
    Integrated GPU
    No
    No
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    AMD-V
    AMD-V
    Target Use
    Legacy Desktop
    Server
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon 64 3100+ was priced at $100, while the Opteron 142 came in at $292. On launch pricing ($100 vs $292), Athlon 64 3100+ was $192 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 3100+ delivers 4.8 pts/$ vs 1.5 pts/$ for the Opteron 142 — making the Athlon 64 3100+ the 102.8% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3100+Opteron 142
    MSRP
    $100-66%
    $292
    Performance per Dollar
    4.8+220%
    1.5
    Release Date
    2008
    2003

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