Opteron 6282 SE vs Xeon E3-1290 v2

AMD

Opteron 6282 SE

16 Cores16 Thrd140 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1290 v2

4 Cores8 Thrd87 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Opteron 6282 SE vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 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 6282 SE vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 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 6282 SE vs Xeon E3-1290 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 6282 SE

2011

Why buy it

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($1,019 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
  • 60.9% higher power demand at 140W vs 87W.

Xeon E3-1290 v2

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $134 less on MSRP ($885 MSRP vs $1,019 MSRP).
  • Delivers 14.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.2 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $1,019 MSRP).
  • Draws 87W instead of 140W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,354 vs 6,385).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 v2 better than Opteron 6282 SE?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E3-1290 v2 is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Opteron 6282 SE pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron 6282 SE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1290 v2 comes in $134 cheaper on MSRP at $885 MSRP versus $1,019 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Opteron 6282 SE is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 14.6% better value on MSRP (7.2 vs 6.3 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1290 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Opteron 6282 SE vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Opteron 6282 SE

The Opteron 6282 SE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 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): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,385 points. Launch price was $1,090.

Intel

Xeon E3-1290 v2

The Xeon E3-1290 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.

Processing Power

The Opteron 6282 SE packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6282 SE has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Opteron 6282 SE versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — a 21.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Opteron 6282 SE uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6282 SE scores 6,385 against the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 6,354 — a 0.5% lead for the Opteron 6282 SE. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureOpteron 6282 SEXeon E3-1290 v2
Cores / Threads
16 / 16+300%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz
4.1 GHz+24%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
3.7 GHz+42%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per module)+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Interlagos (2011−2012)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
6,385
6,354
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Opteron 6282 SE uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureOpteron 6282 SEXeon E3-1290 v2
Socket
G34
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Opteron 6282 SE was priced at $1019, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($1019 vs $885), Xeon E3-1290 v2 was $134 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6282 SE delivers 6.3 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Xeon E3-1290 v2 the 13.6% better value option.

FeatureOpteron 6282 SEXeon E3-1290 v2
MSRP
$1019
$885-13%
Performance per Dollar
6.3
7.2+14%
Release Date
2011
2012

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