Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2
Opteron 6276
Xeon E3-1290 v2
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 6276 is positioned at rank 53 and the Xeon E3-1290 v2 is on rank 453, so the Opteron 6276 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6276
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1290 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6276 | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($397) | ✅ More affordable ($125) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6276 | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+218%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($397) | ✅ More affordable ($125) |
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 6276 and Xeon E3-1290 v2
Opteron 6276
The Opteron 6276 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 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 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: 6,348 points. Launch price was $119.
Xeon E3-1290 v2
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6276 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6276 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6276 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — a 24.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Opteron 6276 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6276 scores 6,348 against the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 6,354 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Opteron 6276 | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16+300% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.1 GHz+28% |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+61% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 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 | 6,348 | 6,354 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6276 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6276 | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6276 launched at $788 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 debuted at $885. At current prices ($397 vs $125), the Xeon E3-1290 v2 is $272 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6276 delivers 16.0 pts/$ vs 50.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Xeon E3-1290 v2 the 104.3% better value option.
| Feature | Opteron 6276 | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $788-11% | $885 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $397 | $125-69% |
| Performance per Dollar | 16.0 | 50.8+217% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2012 |
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