Core i5-4260U vs Opteron 3260 HE

Core i5-4260U vs Opteron 3260 HE Performance Spectrum

Core i5-4260U

2 / 4

2,311

+1.2%

2,283

0.0%

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 i5-4260U vs Opteron 3260 HE 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 i5-4260U vs Opteron 3260 HE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4260U

2014

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 3260 HE, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌1037.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 45W.

Opteron 3260 HE

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,283 vs 2,311).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4260U better than Opteron 3260 HE?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 3260 HE makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4260U 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, Core i5-4260U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4260U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4260U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark.

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

Core i5-4260U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4260U vs Opteron 3260 HE Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4260U

The Core i5-4260U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,311 points. Launch price was $325.

Opteron 3260 HE

The Opteron 3260 HE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zurich (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,283 points. Launch price was $125.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4260U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Opteron 3260 HE offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Opteron 3260 HE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-4260U versus 3.7 GHz on the Opteron 3260 HE — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Opteron 3260 HE (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-4260U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 3260 HE uses Zurich (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4260U scores 2,311 against the Opteron 3260 HE's 2,283 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-4260U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4260U vs 4 MB (total) on the Opteron 3260 HE.

Feature	Core i5-4260U	Opteron 3260 HE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.7 GHz+37%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2.7 GHz+93%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	4 MB+700%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Zurich (2012)
PassMark	2,311+1%	2,283

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4260U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 3260 HE uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.