Athlon 64 3800+ vs Opteron 250

AMD

Athlon 64 3800+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2004
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Opteron 250

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2004
Similar parts
······

Athlon 64 3800+ vs Opteron 250 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 3800+ vs Opteron 250 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 3800+ vs Opteron 250: 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 3800+

2004

Why buy it

  • +4.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $354 MSRP, while Opteron 250 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Opteron 250

2004

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (620 vs 648).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 3800+ better than Opteron 250?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 250 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 3800+ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 3800+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 4.5% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon 64 3800+ is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 3800+ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $354 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (1.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 3800+ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 3800+ vs Opteron 250 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 3800+

    The Athlon 64 3800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Junho 2004 (21 years ago). It is based on the Venice (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 648 points. Launch price was $160.

    AMD

    Opteron 250

    The Opteron 250 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2004 (21 years ago). It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 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: 620 points. Launch price was $12.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon 64 3800+ and Opteron 250 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3800+ versus 2.4 GHz on the Opteron 250 — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 3800+ uses the Venice (2004−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Opteron 250 uses SledgeHammer (2003−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3800+ scores 648 against the Opteron 250's 620 — a 4.4% lead for the Athlon 64 3800+. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3800+Opteron 250
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2.4 GHz
    2.4 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB
    1 MB+100%
    Process
    130 nm
    130 nm
    Architecture
    Venice (2004−2005)
    SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
    PassMark
    648+5%
    620
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 3800+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Opteron 250 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3800+Opteron 250
    Socket
    939
    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