Core i3-3130M vs Opteron X2170

Core i3-3130M vs Opteron X2170 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3130M

2 / 4

1,906

0.0%

1,911

+0.3%

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.

Core i3-3130M vs Opteron X2170 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.

Core i3-3130M vs Opteron X2170: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3130M

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Opteron X2170 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,906 vs 1,911).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron X2170, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Opteron X2170 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1948% higher power demand at 512W vs 25W.

Opteron X2170

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 25W instead of 512W, a 487W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3130M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron X2170 better than Core i3-3130M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron X2170 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-3130M is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron X2170 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Opteron X2170 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Opteron X2170 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. Core i3-3130M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (8.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Opteron X2170 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3130M vs Opteron X2170 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3130M

The Core i3-3130M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,906 points. Launch price was $225.

Opteron X2170

The Opteron X2170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Steppe Eagle (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,911 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3130M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Opteron X2170 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Opteron X2170 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M versus 2.4 GHz on the Opteron X2170 — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i3-3130M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-3130M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron X2170 uses Steppe Eagle (2016) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3130M scores 1,906 against the Opteron X2170's 1,911 — a 0.3% lead for the Opteron X2170. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3130M vs 0 kB on the Opteron X2170.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Opteron X2170
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+8%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+8%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (total)
Process	22 nm-21%	28 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Steppe Eagle (2016)
PassMark	1,906	1,911

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3130M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron X2170 uses FT3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Opteron X2170
Socket	PGA988	FT3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-3130M) / not specified (Opteron X2170). The Core i3-3130M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Opteron X2170 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.