Athlon 64 3400+ vs Opteron 246

AMD

Athlon 64 3400+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2001
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 246

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2 GHz2003
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 3400+ vs Opteron 246 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 3400+ vs Opteron 246 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 3400+ vs Opteron 246: 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 3400+

2001

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.7% higher average FPS across 44 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $440 MSRP, while Opteron 246 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Opteron 246

2003

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon 64 3400+ across 44 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (538 vs 545).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 3400+ better than Opteron 246?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 246 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 3400+ 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 3400+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.7% more average FPS across 44 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 3400+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon 64 3400+ is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 3400+ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $440 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.7% average FPS lead across 44 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (1.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 246 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 3400+ vs Opteron 246 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 3400+

    The Athlon 64 3400+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 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: 545 points. Launch price was $149.

    AMD

    Opteron 246

    The Opteron 246 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Agosto 2003 (22 years ago). It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 538 points. Launch price was $109.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon 64 3400+ and Opteron 246 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3400+ versus 2 GHz on the Opteron 246 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 3400+. The Athlon 64 3400+ uses the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Opteron 246 uses SledgeHammer (2003−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3400+ scores 545 against the Opteron 246's 538 — a 1.3% lead for the Athlon 64 3400+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3400+Opteron 246
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2.4 GHz+20%
    2 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
    545+1%
    538
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    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 3400+ uses the 754 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Opteron 246 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3400+Opteron 246
    Socket
    754
    940
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR-400
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    1
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0