Opteron 6281 vs Core i3-9320
Opteron 6281
Core i3-9320
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. The Opteron 6281 is positioned at rank #44 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Great cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6281
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9320
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Core i3-9320 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Core i3-9320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+429%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 i3-9320
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 i3-9320
The Core i3-9320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,358 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6281 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i3-9320 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Opteron 6281 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6281 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-9320 — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-9320 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Opteron 6281 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-9320 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6281 scores 7,279 against the Core i3-9320's 7,358 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-9320. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6281 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9320.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Core i3-9320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16+300% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.4 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+48% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Interlagos (2011−2012) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 7,279 | 7,358+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6281 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-9320 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Core i3-9320 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6281 launched at $988 MSRP, while the Core i3-9320 debuted at $154. At current prices ($419 vs $80), the Core i3-9320 is $339 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6281 delivers 17.4 pts/$ vs 92.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-9320 — making the Core i3-9320 the 136.5% better value option.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Core i3-9320 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $988 | $154-84% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $419 | $80-81% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.4 | 92.0+429% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2019 |
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