Opteron 142 vs Pentium M 730

AMD

Opteron 142

1 Cores1 Thrd85 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2003
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium M 730

1 Cores1 Thrd27 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2005
Similar parts
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Opteron 142 vs Pentium M 730 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.

Opteron 142 vs Pentium M 730 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.

Opteron 142 vs Pentium M 730: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 142

2003

Why buy it

  • +2.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $292 MSRP, while Pentium M 730 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 214.8% higher power demand at 85W vs 27W.

Pentium M 730

2005

Why buy it

  • Draws 27W instead of 85W, a 58W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (435 vs 445).

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 142 better than Pentium M 730?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 142 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium M 730 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron 142 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.3% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Opteron 142 is the better buy right now. Opteron 142 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $292 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (1.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pentium M 730 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2005 vs 2003). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Opteron 142 vs Pentium M 730 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Opteron 142

The Opteron 142 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 445 points. Launch price was $800.

Intel

Pentium M 730

The Pentium M 730 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 27 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 435 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Opteron 142 and Pentium M 730 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Opteron 142 versus 1.6 GHz on the Pentium M 730 — identical boost frequencies. The Opteron 142 uses the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture (130 nm), while the Pentium M 730 uses Dothan (2004−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 142 scores 445 against the Pentium M 730's 435 — a 2.3% lead for the Opteron 142. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureOpteron 142Pentium M 730
Cores / Threads
1 / 1
1 / 1
Boost Clock
1.6 GHz
1.6 GHz
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
2 MB+100%
Process
130 nm
90 nm-31%
Architecture
SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
Dothan (2004−2005)
PassMark
445+2%
435
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Memory & Platform

The Opteron 142 uses the 940 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium M 730 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureOpteron 142Pentium M 730
Socket
940
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR-333
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (Opteron 142) / not specified (Pentium M 730). Primary use case: Opteron 142 targets Server.

FeatureOpteron 142Pentium M 730
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Server