Opteron 6234 vs Xeon E3-1260L
Opteron 6234
Xeon E3-1260L
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 Xeon E3-1260L is on rank 750, 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 Xeon E3-1260L
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6234 | Xeon E3-1260L |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($141) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6234 | Xeon E3-1260L |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+91%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($141) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) |
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 Xeon E3-1260L
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.
Xeon E3-1260L
The Xeon E3-1260L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,076 points. Launch price was $150.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6234 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E3-1260L offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6234 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Opteron 6234 versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1260L — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1260L (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Opteron 6234 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1260L uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6234 scores 4,072 against the Xeon E3-1260L's 4,076 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1260L. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Xeon E3-1260L |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12+200% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module)+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Interlagos (2011−2012) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,072 | 4,076 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6234 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1260L uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Xeon E3-1260L |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6234 launched at $377 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1260L debuted at $294. At current prices ($141 vs $270), the Opteron 6234 is $129 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6234 delivers 28.9 pts/$ vs 15.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1260L — making the Opteron 6234 the 62.7% better value option.
| Feature | Opteron 6234 | Xeon E3-1260L |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $377 | $294-22% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $141-48% | $270 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.9+91% | 15.1 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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