Opteron 6281 vs Core 3 N350
Opteron 6281
Core 3 N350
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 6281 is positioned at rank 44 and the Core 3 N350 is on rank 666, so the Opteron 6281 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6281
Performance Per Dollar Core 3 N350
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Core 3 N350 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($220) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Twin Lake (2024−2025) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Core 3 N350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+90%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($220) |
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 6281 and Core 3 N350
Opteron 6281
The Opteron 6281 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 2.5 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): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,279 points. Launch price was $988.
Core 3 N350
The Core 3 N350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 7 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 7,249 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6281 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Core 3 N350 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6281 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6281 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core 3 N350 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core 3 N350 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 0.1 GHz). The Opteron 6281 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 3 N350 uses Twin Lake (2024−2025) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6281 scores 7,279 against the Core 3 N350's 7,249 — a 0.4% lead for the Opteron 6281. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6281 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core 3 N350.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Core 3 N350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16+100% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.9 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+2400% | 0.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module) | 2 MB (total) |
| Process | 32 nm | Intel 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Interlagos (2011−2012) | Twin Lake (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 7,279 | 7,249 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6281 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 3 N350 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Core 3 N350 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6281 launched at $988 MSRP, while the Core 3 N350 debuted at $225. At current prices ($419 vs $220), the Core 3 N350 is $199 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6281 delivers 17.4 pts/$ vs 33.0 pts/$ for the Core 3 N350 — making the Core 3 N350 the 61.9% better value option.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Core 3 N350 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $988 | $225-77% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $419 | $220-47% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.4 | 33.0+90% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2025 |
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