Core i7-3615QE vs Opteron 6238

Core i7-3615QE vs Opteron 6238 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3615QE

4 / 8

5,617

0.0%

5,625

+0.1%

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 i7-3615QE 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 i7-3615QE 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 i7-3615QE

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $55 less on MSRP ($400 MSRP vs $455 MSRP).
✅Delivers 13.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.0 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($400 MSRP vs $455 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 115W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6238 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,617 vs 5,625).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6238, which brings 12 cores / 12 threads.

Opteron 6238

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.6% 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 12.4 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($455 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).
❌155.6% higher power demand at 115W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6238 better than Core i7-3615QE?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6238 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3615QE 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 6238 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.6% 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 6238 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% 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 6238 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Opteron 6238 comes in 13.8% more expensive on MSRP at $455 MSRP versus $400 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3615QE only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 8.6% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i7-3615QE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3615QE vs Opteron 6238 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3615QE

The Core i7-3615QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,617 points. Launch price was $149.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3615QE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6238 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6238 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3615QE versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6238 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3615QE (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-3615QE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6238 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3615QE scores 5,617 against the Opteron 6238's 5,625 — a 0.1% lead for the Opteron 6238. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3615QE vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6238.

Feature	Core i7-3615QE	Opteron 6238
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	12 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.6 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB (per module)+700%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Interlagos (2011−2012)
PassMark	5,617	5,625

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3615QE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6238 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3615QE	Opteron 6238
Socket	BGA1023	G34
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3615QE was priced at $400, while the Opteron 6238 came in at $455. On launch pricing ($400 vs $455), Core i7-3615QE was $55 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3615QE delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Opteron 6238 — making the Core i7-3615QE the 12.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3615QE	Opteron 6238
MSRP	$400-12%	$455
Performance per Dollar	14.0+13%	12.4
Release Date	2012	2011

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