Athlon 64 3500+ vs Opteron 150

AMD

Athlon 64 3500+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2001
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 150

1 Cores1 Thrd85 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2005
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 3500+ vs Opteron 150 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 3500+ vs Opteron 150 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 3500+ vs Opteron 150: 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 3500+

2001

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 150 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (570 vs 585).
    • Launch MSRP is still $272 MSRP, while Opteron 150 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

    Opteron 150

    2005

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +6.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Draws 85W instead of 89W, a 4W reduction.

    Trade-offs

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

    Quick Answers

    So, is Opteron 150 better than Athlon 64 3500+?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 150 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 3500+ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Opteron 150 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.9% 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, Opteron 150 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.6% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Opteron 150 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Opteron 150 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $272 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 3500+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2001 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (2.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on 939.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Opteron 150 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2005 vs 2001) 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 3500+ vs Opteron 150 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 3500+

    The Athlon 64 3500+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Janeiro 2001 (24 years ago). It is based on the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 570 points. Launch price was $59.

    AMD

    Opteron 150

    The Opteron 150 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Venus (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 585 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon 64 3500+ and Opteron 150 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 3500+ versus 2.4 GHz on the Opteron 150 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Opteron 150. The Athlon 64 3500+ uses the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Opteron 150 uses Venus (2004−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3500+ scores 570 against the Opteron 150's 585 — a 2.6% lead for the Opteron 150. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3500+Opteron 150
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2.2 GHz
    2.4 GHz+9%
    Base Clock
    2.4 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB
    1 MB+100%
    Process
    130 nm
    130 nm
    Architecture
    San Diego (2001−2005)
    Venus (2004−2005)
    PassMark
    570
    585+3%
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    Both processors use the 939 socket with PCIe 1.1.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3500+Opteron 150
    Socket
    939
    939
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR-400
    Max RAM Capacity
    4 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0