Athlon 64 4000+ vs Opteron 254

AMD

Athlon 64 4000+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2001
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 254

1 Cores1 Thrd92 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2005
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 4000+ vs Opteron 254 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 4000+ vs Opteron 254 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 4000+ vs Opteron 254: 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 4000+

2001

Why buy it

  • Draws 89W instead of 92W, a 3W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (675 vs 690).
  • Launch MSRP is still $482 MSRP, while Opteron 254 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Opteron 254

2005

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

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

    Quick Answers

    So, is Opteron 254 better than Athlon 64 4000+?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 254 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 4000+ 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 254 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, Opteron 254 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Opteron 254 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Opteron 254 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $482 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 4000+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2001 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (1.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 254 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 4000+ vs Opteron 254 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 4000+

    The Athlon 64 4000+ 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: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 675 points. Launch price was $160.

    AMD

    Opteron 254

    The Opteron 254 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Troy (2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 92 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 690 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon 64 4000+ and Opteron 254 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon 64 4000+ versus 2.8 GHz on the Opteron 254 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Opteron 254. The Athlon 64 4000+ uses the San Diego (2001−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Opteron 254 uses Troy (2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 4000+ scores 675 against the Opteron 254's 690 — a 2.2% lead for the Opteron 254. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAthlon 64 4000+Opteron 254
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2.6 GHz
    2.8 GHz+8%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512K+51100%
    1 MB
    Process
    130 nm
    90 nm-31%
    Architecture
    San Diego (2001−2005)
    Troy (2005)
    PassMark
    675
    690+2%
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 4000+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Opteron 254 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon 64 4000+Opteron 254
    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