Core i7-2700K vs Opteron 6238

Core i7-2700K vs Opteron 6238 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2700K

4 / 8

5,689

+1.1%

5,625

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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 i7-2700K vs Opteron 6238 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 i7-2700K vs Opteron 6238: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2700K

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $123 less on MSRP ($332 MSRP vs $455 MSRP).
✅Delivers 38.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.1 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($332 MSRP vs $455 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 115W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6238 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6238, which brings 12 cores / 12 threads.

Opteron 6238

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,625 vs 5,689).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 17.1 PassMark/$ ($455 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).
❌21.1% higher power demand at 115W vs 95W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2700K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2700K better than Opteron 6238?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6238 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-2700K 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 i7-2700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-2700K comes in $123 cheaper on MSRP at $332 MSRP versus $455 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Opteron 6238 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 38.6% better value on MSRP (17.1 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Opteron 6238 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-2700K vs Opteron 6238 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2700K

The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.

Opteron 6238

The Opteron 6238 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 5,625 points. Launch price was $455.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2700K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6238 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6238 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6238 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-2700K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Opteron 6238 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2700K scores 5,689 against the Opteron 6238's 5,625 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-2700K. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2700K	Opteron 6238
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	12 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+35%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB (per module)+700%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Interlagos (2011−2012)
PassMark	5,689+1%	5,625
Geekbench 6 Single	701	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2700K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Opteron 6238 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2700K	Opteron 6238
Socket	LGA1155	G34
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i7-2700K) / not specified (Opteron 6238). The Core i7-2700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Opteron 6238 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150.

Feature	Core i7-2700K	Opteron 6238
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Gaming Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2700K was priced at $332, while the Opteron 6238 came in at $455. On launch pricing ($332 vs $455), Core i7-2700K was $123 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2700K delivers 17.1 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Opteron 6238 — making the Core i7-2700K the 32.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2700K	Opteron 6238
MSRP	$332-27%	$455
Performance per Dollar	17.1+38%	12.4
Release Date	2011	2011

Search Core i7-2700K on Amazon

Search Opteron 6238 on Amazon

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.