Opteron 6278 vs Xeon E-2246G

AMD

Opteron 6278

16 Cores16 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E-2246G

6 Cores12 Thrd80 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Opteron 6278 vs Xeon E-2246G 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 6278 vs Xeon E-2246G 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 6278 vs Xeon E-2246G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 6278

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E-2246G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (13,733 vs 13,832).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
    • 43.8% higher power demand at 115W vs 80W.

    Xeon E-2246G

    2019

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +20.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
    • Draws 80W instead of 115W, a 35W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $311 MSRP, while Opteron 6278 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon E-2246G better than Opteron 6278?
    Yes. Xeon E-2246G is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 20.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 E-2246G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 20.0% 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, Xeon E-2246G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon E-2246G is the better buy right now. Xeon E-2246G comes in at an unclear MSRP at $311 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 20.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (44.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E-2246G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012), 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 16/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Opteron 6278 vs Xeon E-2246G Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Opteron 6278

    The Opteron 6278 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 13,733 points. Launch price was $988.

    Intel

    Xeon E-2246G

    The Xeon E-2246G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 May 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 13,832 points. Launch price was $311.

    Processing Power

    The Opteron 6278 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E-2246G offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6278 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Opteron 6278 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon E-2246G — a 37% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2246G (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Opteron 6278 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E-2246G uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6278 scores 13,733 against the Xeon E-2246G's 13,832 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E-2246G. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6278 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2246G.

    FeatureOpteron 6278Xeon E-2246G
    Cores / Threads
    16 / 16+167%
    6 / 12
    Boost Clock
    3.3 GHz
    4.8 GHz+45%
    Base Clock
    2.4 GHz
    3.6 GHz+50%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB (total)
    12 MB (total)+50%
    L2 Cache
    2 MB (per module)+700%
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    32 nm
    14 nm-56%
    Architecture
    Interlagos (2011−2012)
    Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019)
    PassMark
    13,733
    13,832
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Opteron 6278 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E-2246G uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureOpteron 6278Xeon E-2246G
    Socket
    G34
    LGA1151
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 3.0+50%