Atom S1260 vs Opteron 246

Atom S1260 vs Opteron 246 Performance Spectrum

Atom S1260

2 / 4

555

+3.2%

538

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Atom S1260 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.

Atom S1260 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.

Atom S1260

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.7% higher average FPS across 42 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 9W instead of 89W, a 80W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Opteron 246

2003

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Atom S1260 across 42 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (538 vs 555).
❌888.9% higher power demand at 89W vs 9W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom S1260 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 Atom S1260 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Atom S1260 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.7% more average FPS across 42 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom S1260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Atom S1260 still makes the most sense overall. Atom S1260 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.7% average FPS lead across 42 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom S1260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2003) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Atom S1260 vs Opteron 246 Technical Specifications

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

Atom S1260

The Atom S1260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2012 (12 years ago). It is based on the Centerton (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1283. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 555 points. Launch price was $64.

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.

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Processing Power

The Atom S1260 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Opteron 246 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Atom S1260 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Atom S1260 versus 2 GHz on the Opteron 246 — identical boost frequencies. The Atom S1260 uses the Centerton (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Opteron 246 uses SledgeHammer (2003−2005) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Atom S1260 scores 555 against the Opteron 246's 538 — a 3.1% lead for the Atom S1260. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Atom S1260	Opteron 246
Cores / Threads	2 / 4+100%	1 / 1
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)	1 MB+100%
Process	32 nm-75%	130 nm
Architecture	Centerton (2012)	SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
PassMark	555+3%	538

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Memory & Platform

The Atom S1260 uses the FCBGA1283 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Opteron 246 uses 940 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.