Opteron 6238 vs Xeon E3-1280
Opteron 6238
Xeon E3-1280
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 6238 is positioned at rank 61 and the Xeon E3-1280 is on rank 517, so the Opteron 6238 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6238
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1280
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6238 | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($118) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6238 | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($118) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Opteron 6238 and Xeon E3-1280
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.
Xeon E3-1280
The Xeon E3-1280 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,612 points. Launch price was $450.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6238 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E3-1280 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6238 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6238 versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1280 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Opteron 6238 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1280 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6238 scores 5,625 against the Xeon E3-1280's 5,612 — a 0.2% lead for the Opteron 6238. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Opteron 6238 | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 12+200% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.9 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.5 GHz+35% |
| 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 | 5,625 | 5,612 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6238 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1280 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6238 | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
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