Opteron 6238 vs Ryzen 3 PRO 1200

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 6238 vs Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 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 6238 vs Ryzen 3 PRO 1200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 6238

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 51.5 PassMark/$ ($455 MSRP vs $109 MSRP).
❌76.9% higher power demand at 115W vs 65W.

Ryzen 3 PRO 1200

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $346 less on MSRP ($109 MSRP vs $455 MSRP).
✅Delivers 316.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.5 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($109 MSRP vs $455 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 115W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6238 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,609 vs 5,625).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6238, which brings 12 cores / 12 threads.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6238 better than Ryzen 3 PRO 1200?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6238 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Opteron 6238 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.2% 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, Opteron 6238 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Opteron 6238 is still the better call for a fresh build. Opteron 6238 comes in 317.4% more expensive on MSRP at $455 MSRP versus $109 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 5,609 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Opteron 6238 vs Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 Technical Specifications

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

Opteron 6238

The Opteron 6238 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 5,625 points. Launch price was $455.

Ryzen 3 PRO 1200

The Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,609 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Opteron 6238 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Opteron 6238 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6238 versus 3.4 GHz on the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Opteron 6238 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6238 scores 5,625 against the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200's 5,609 — a 0.3% lead for the Opteron 6238. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Opteron 6238	Ryzen 3 PRO 1200
Cores / Threads	12 / 12+200%	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per module)	512K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Interlagos (2011−2012)	Zen (2017−2020)
PassMark	5,625	5,609

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Memory & Platform

The Opteron 6238 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Opteron 6238	Ryzen 3 PRO 1200
Socket	G34	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Opteron 6238 was priced at $455, while the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 came in at $109. On launch pricing ($455 vs $109), Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 was $346 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6238 delivers 12.4 pts/$ vs 51.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 — making the Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 the 122.5% better value option.

Feature	Opteron 6238	Ryzen 3 PRO 1200
MSRP	$455	$109-76%
Performance per Dollar	12.4	51.5+315%
Release Date	2011	2017

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