Opteron 6234 vs Core i5-3330
Opteron 6234
Core i5-3330
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Opteron 6234 is positioned at rank 85 and the Core i5-3330 is on rank 736, so the Opteron 6234 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6234
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3330
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6234 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($141) | ✅ More affordable ($21) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6234 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+576%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($141) | ✅ More affordable ($21) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Opteron 6234 and Core i5-3330
Opteron 6234
The Opteron 6234 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 4,072 points. Launch price was $377.
Core i5-3330
The Core i5-3330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,100 points. Launch price was $360.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6234 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-3330 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Opteron 6234 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Opteron 6234 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-3330 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Opteron 6234 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3330 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6234 scores 4,072 against the Core i5-3330's 4,100 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-3330. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6234 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12+200% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module)+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Interlagos (2011−2012) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,072 | 4,100 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 600 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6234 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3330 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Opteron 6234) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3330). The Core i5-3330 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Opteron 6234 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6234 launched at $377 MSRP, while the Core i5-3330 debuted at $182. At current prices ($141 vs $21), the Core i5-3330 is $120 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6234 delivers 28.9 pts/$ vs 195.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-3330 — making the Core i5-3330 the 148.5% better value option.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $377 | $182-52% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $141 | $21-85% |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.9 | 195.2+575% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2012 |
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