Opteron 3260 HE vs Xeon X3350

AMD

Opteron 3260 HE

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2012
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VS
Intel

Xeon X3350

95 WW2008
Similar parts
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Opteron 3260 HE vs Xeon X3350 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 3260 HE vs Xeon X3350 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 3260 HE vs Xeon X3350: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 3260 HE

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3350 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,283 vs 2,291).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X3350

2008

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.0% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

  • 111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3350 better than Opteron 3260 HE?
Yes. Xeon X3350 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.0% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon X3350 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.0% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon X3350 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X3350 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.0% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Opteron 3260 HE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Opteron 3260 HE vs Xeon X3350 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Opteron 3260 HE

The Opteron 3260 HE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zurich (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,283 points. Launch price was $125.

Intel

Xeon X3350

The Xeon X3350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,291 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Opteron 3260 HE is built on the Zurich (2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Opteron 3260 HE scores 2,283 against the Xeon X3350's 2,291 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon X3350. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Opteron 3260 HE vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3350.

FeatureOpteron 3260 HEXeon X3350
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+2%
2.66 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
12 MB L2 Cache+200%
L2 Cache
4 MB
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Zurich (2012)
PassMark
2,283
2,291
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Memory & Platform

The Opteron 3260 HE uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3350 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureOpteron 3260 HEXeon X3350
Socket
AM3+
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0