Athlon 64 3600+ vs Opteron 248

AMD

Athlon 64 3600+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2004
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 248

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2003
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 3600+ vs Opteron 248 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 3600+ vs Opteron 248 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 3600+ vs Opteron 248: 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 3600+

2004

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Opteron 248 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

    Opteron 248

    2003

    Why buy it

      Trade-offs

      • Lower PassMark (585 vs 595).

      Quick Answers

      So, is Athlon 64 3600+ better than Opteron 248?
      Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 248 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 3600+ 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 3600+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 3600+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
      Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
      Athlon 64 3600+ is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 3600+ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
      Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
      Athlon 64 3600+ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2004 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 3600+ vs Opteron 248 Technical Specifications

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

      AMD

      Athlon 64 3600+

      The Athlon 64 3600+ 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. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 754. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 595 points. Launch price was $149.

      AMD

      Opteron 248

      The Opteron 248 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Novembro 2003 (22 years ago). It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 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: 585 points. Launch price was $12.

      Processing Power

      Both the Athlon 64 3600+ and Opteron 248 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3600+ versus 2.2 GHz on the Opteron 248 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 3600+. The Athlon 64 3600+ uses the Clawhammer (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Opteron 248 uses SledgeHammer (2003−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3600+ scores 595 against the Opteron 248's 585 — a 1.7% lead for the Athlon 64 3600+.

      FeatureAthlon 64 3600+Opteron 248
      Cores / Threads
      1 / 1
      1 / 1
      Boost Clock
      2.4 GHz+9%
      2.2 GHz
      L3 Cache
      0 kB
      L2 Cache
      1 MB
      1 MB
      Process
      130 nm
      130 nm
      Architecture
      Clawhammer (2001−2005)
      SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
      PassMark
      595+2%
      585
      🧠

      Memory & Platform

      The Athlon 64 3600+ uses the 754 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Opteron 248 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

      FeatureAthlon 64 3600+Opteron 248
      Socket
      754
      940
      PCIe Generation
      PCIe 1.1
      PCIe 2.0+82%
      Max RAM Speed
      DDR2-800
      Max RAM Capacity
      16 GB
      RAM Channels
      2
      ECC Support
      No
      PCIe Lanes
      0