CPU
GPU
Opteron 6281
Xeon E3-1280 v3
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 Xeon E3-1280 v3 is on rank 496, 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 Xeon E3-1280 v3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E3-1280 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($44) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-WS (2013−2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E3-1280 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+849%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($44) |
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 Xeon E3-1280 v3
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.
Xeon E3-1280 v3
The Xeon E3-1280 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,252 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6281 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6281 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6281 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 v3 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1280 v3 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Opteron 6281 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6281 scores 7,279 against the Xeon E3-1280 v3's 7,252 — a 0.4% lead for the Opteron 6281. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6281 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v3.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E3-1280 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16+300% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4 GHz+25% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+44% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8192 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module)+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Interlagos (2011−2012) | Haswell-WS (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 7,279 | 7,252 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6281 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E3-1280 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6281 launched at $988 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 debuted at $250. At current prices ($419 vs $44), the Xeon E3-1280 v3 is $375 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6281 delivers 17.4 pts/$ vs 164.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1280 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1280 v3 the 161.9% better value option.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E3-1280 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $988 | $250-75% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $419 | $44-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.4 | 164.8+847% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2013 |
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