Core i7-8809G vs Opteron 6386 SE

Intel

Core i7-8809G

4 Cores8 Thrd100 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018
VS
AMD

Opteron 6386 SE

16 Cores16 Thrd140 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2012

Core i7-8809G vs Opteron 6386 SE 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 i7-8809G vs Opteron 6386 SE 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 i7-8809G vs Opteron 6386 SE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8809G

2018

Why buy it

  • Costs $942 less on MSRP ($450 MSRP vs $1,392 MSRP).
  • Delivers 215.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.8 vs 6.0 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $1,392 MSRP).
  • Draws 100W instead of 140W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6386 SE, which brings 16 cores / 16 threads.

Opteron 6386 SE

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (8,291 vs 8,448).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.0 vs 18.8 PassMark/$ ($1,392 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
  • 40% higher power demand at 140W vs 100W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8809G better than Opteron 6386 SE?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6386 SE makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8809G is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-8809G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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, Core i7-8809G is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-8809G is the better buy right now. Core i7-8809G comes in $942 cheaper on MSRP at $450 MSRP versus $1,392 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 215.2% better value on MSRP (18.8 vs 6.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-8809G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 16/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8809G vs Opteron 6386 SE Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-8809G

The Core i7-8809G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 8,448 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

Opteron 6386 SE

The Opteron 6386 SE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,291 points. Launch price was $2,408.

Processing Power

The Core i7-8809G packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6386 SE offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Opteron 6386 SE has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-8809G versus 3.5 GHz on the Opteron 6386 SE — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-8809G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-8809G uses the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Opteron 6386 SE uses Abu Dhabi (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8809G scores 8,448 against the Opteron 6386 SE's 8,291 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i7-8809G. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i7-8809GOpteron 6386 SE
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
16 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+20%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+11%
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+1500%
16 MB
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake G (2018)
Abu Dhabi (2012)
PassMark
8,448+2%
8,291
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8809G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6386 SE uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-8809GOpteron 6386 SE
Socket
FCBGA2270
G34
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8809G was priced at $450, while the Opteron 6386 SE came in at $1392. On launch pricing ($450 vs $1392), Core i7-8809G was $942 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8809G delivers 18.8 pts/$ vs 6.0 pts/$ for the Opteron 6386 SE — making the Core i7-8809G the 103.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-8809GOpteron 6386 SE
MSRP
$450-68%
$1392
Performance per Dollar
18.8+213%
6.0
Release Date
2018
2012

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