Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2

Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 Performance Spectrum

Opteron 6276

16 / 16

6,348

0.0%

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

Athlon Gold 7220U

Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

Ryzen 9 5900XT

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Xeon E3-1290 v2

4 / 8

6,354

+0.1%

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.

Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 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 6276 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 6276

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $97 less on MSRP ($788 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 12.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.1 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($788 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,348 vs 6,354).
❌32.2% higher power demand at 115W vs 87W.

Xeon E3-1290 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 87W instead of 115W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $788 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 v2 better than Opteron 6276?

Yes. Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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, Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1290 v2 is still the faster CPU overall, but Opteron 6276 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E3-1290 v2 comes in 12.3% more expensive on MSRP at $885 MSRP versus $788 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Opteron 6276 is also 12.2% better value on MSRP (8.1 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1290 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 16/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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

At launch, the Opteron 6276 was priced at $788, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($788 vs $885), Opteron 6276 was $97 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6276 delivers 8.1 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Opteron 6276 the 11.5% better value option.

Feature	Opteron 6276	Xeon E3-1290 v2
MSRP	$788-11%	$885
Performance per Dollar	8.1+12%	7.2
Release Date	2011	2012

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