Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E5-2640

AMD

Opteron 6276

16 Cores16 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2640

6 Cores12 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E5-2640 Performance Spectrum

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 E5-2640 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 E5-2640: 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 $885 MSRP).
  • Delivers 13.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.1 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($788 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
  • 21.1% higher power demand at 115W vs 95W.

Xeon E5-2640

2012

Why buy it

  • +87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Draws 95W instead of 115W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,305 vs 6,348).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $788 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6276 better than Xeon E5-2640?
Yes. Opteron 6276 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Opteron 6276 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 6276 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Opteron 6276 is the better buy right now. Opteron 6276 comes in $97 cheaper on MSRP at $788 MSRP versus $885 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 13.1% better value on MSRP (8.1 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon E5-2640 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Opteron 6276 vs Xeon E5-2640 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

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.

Intel

Xeon E5-2640

The Xeon E5-2640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,305 points. Launch price was $162.

Processing Power

The Opteron 6276 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6276 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6276 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2640 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Opteron 6276 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Opteron 6276 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2640 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6276 scores 6,348 against the Xeon E5-2640's 6,305 — a 0.7% lead for the Opteron 6276. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6276 vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2640.

FeatureOpteron 6276Xeon E5-2640
Cores / Threads
16 / 16+167%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+7%
3 GHz
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
2.5 GHz+9%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
15360 kB (total)+88%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per module)+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Interlagos (2011−2012)
Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark
6,348
6,305
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Opteron 6276 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2640 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureOpteron 6276Xeon E5-2640
Socket
G34
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 5.0+150%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
384 GB
RAM Channels
4
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
40
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Opteron 6276) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2640). Primary use case: Xeon E5-2640 targets Server.

FeatureOpteron 6276Xeon E5-2640
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Opteron 6276 was priced at $788, while the Xeon E5-2640 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 7.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2640 — making the Opteron 6276 the 12.3% better value option.

FeatureOpteron 6276Xeon E5-2640
MSRP
$788-11%
$885
Performance per Dollar
8.1+14%
7.1
Release Date
2011
2012

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