CPU
GPU
Opteron 6281
Xeon E5-1620 v4
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 E5-1620 v4 is on rank 959, 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 E5-1620 v4
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E5-1620 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($160) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-EP (2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E5-1620 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+164%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) | ✅ More affordable ($160) |
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 E5-1620 v4
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 E5-1620 v4
The Xeon E5-1620 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-EP (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,338 points. Launch price was $294.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6281 packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-1620 v4 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6281 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6281 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 v4 — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1620 v4 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Opteron 6281 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-1620 v4 uses Broadwell-EP (2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6281 scores 7,279 against the Xeon E5-1620 v4's 7,338 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5-1620 v4. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6281 vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1620 v4.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E5-1620 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 16+300% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.8 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 10 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Interlagos (2011−2012) | Broadwell-EP (2016) |
| PassMark | 7,279 | 7,338 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6281 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-1620 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E5-1620 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | G34 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The Opteron 6281 launched at $988 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-1620 v4 debuted at $1166. At current prices ($419 vs $160), the Xeon E5-1620 v4 is $259 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6281 delivers 17.4 pts/$ vs 45.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1620 v4 — making the Xeon E5-1620 v4 the 90.1% better value option.
| Feature | Opteron 6281 | Xeon E5-1620 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $988-15% | $1166 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $419 | $160-62% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.4 | 45.9+164% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2016 |
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