Core i5-4590T vs Opteron 6234

Intel

Core i5-4590T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Opteron 6234

12 Cores12 Thrd115 WWMax: 3 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······

Core i5-4590T vs Opteron 6234 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.

Core i5-4590T vs Opteron 6234 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 i5-4590T vs Opteron 6234: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590T

2014

Why buy it

  • Costs $185 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $377 MSRP).
  • Delivers 96.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.2 vs 10.8 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $377 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 115W, a 80W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Opteron 6234 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6234 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,064 vs 4,072).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6234, which brings 12 cores / 12 threads.

Opteron 6234

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +15.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.8 vs 21.2 PassMark/$ ($377 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
  • 228.6% higher power demand at 115W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4590T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590T.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6234 better than Core i5-4590T?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6234 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4590T 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 6234 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.2% 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 6234 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Opteron 6234 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Opteron 6234 comes in 96.4% more expensive on MSRP at $377 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4590T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 96.0% better value on paper (21.2 vs 10.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-4590T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590T vs Opteron 6234 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-4590T

The Core i5-4590T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,064 points. Launch price was $192.

AMD

Opteron 6234

The Opteron 6234 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,072 points. Launch price was $377.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4590T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Opteron 6234 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6234 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-4590T versus 3 GHz on the Opteron 6234 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-4590T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6234 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590T scores 4,064 against the Opteron 6234's 4,072 — a 0.2% lead for the Opteron 6234. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590T vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6234.

FeatureCore i5-4590TOpteron 6234
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
12 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
3 GHz
3 GHz
Base Clock
2 GHz
2.4 GHz+20%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
2 MB (per module)+700%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Interlagos (2011−2012)
PassMark
4,064
4,072
Geekbench 6 Single
917
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6234 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-4590TOpteron 6234
Socket
LGA1150
G34
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590T) / not specified (Opteron 6234). The Core i5-4590T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Opteron 6234 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590T rivals A8-7600.

FeatureCore i5-4590TOpteron 6234
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590T was priced at $192, while the Opteron 6234 came in at $377. On launch pricing ($192 vs $377), Core i5-4590T was $185 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590T delivers 21.2 pts/$ vs 10.8 pts/$ for the Opteron 6234 — making the Core i5-4590T the 64.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-4590TOpteron 6234
MSRP
$192-49%
$377
Performance per Dollar
21.2+96%
10.8
Release Date
2014
2011

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.