Opteron 6348 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3

AMD

Opteron 6348

12 Cores12 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1286 v3

4 Cores8 Thrd84 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Opteron 6348 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3 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 6348 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3 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 6348 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 6348

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (7,850 vs 7,879).
    • Launch MSRP is still $575 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1286 v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 36.9% higher power demand at 115W vs 84W.

    Xeon E3-1286 v3

    2014

    Why buy it

    • Draws 84W instead of 115W, a 31W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon E3-1286 v3 better than Opteron 6348?
    Yes. Xeon E3-1286 v3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1286 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1286 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon E3-1286 v3 is still the faster CPU overall, but Opteron 6348 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E3-1286 v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $575 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Opteron 6348 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Xeon E3-1286 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 12/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Opteron 6348 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Opteron 6348

    The Opteron 6348 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,850 points. Launch price was $800.

    Intel

    Xeon E3-1286 v3

    The Xeon E3-1286 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,879 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    The Opteron 6348 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E3-1286 v3 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6348 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Opteron 6348 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286 v3 — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1286 v3 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Opteron 6348 is built on the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Opteron 6348 scores 7,850 against the Xeon E3-1286 v3's 7,879 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1286 v3. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6348 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286 v3.

    FeatureOpteron 6348Xeon E3-1286 v3
    Cores / Threads
    12 / 12+200%
    4 / 8
    Boost Clock
    3.4 GHz
    4.1 GHz+21%
    Base Clock
    2.8 GHz
    3.7 GHz+32%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB (total)
    8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
    L2 Cache
    12 MB
    Process
    32 nm
    22 nm-31%
    Architecture
    Abu Dhabi (2012)
    PassMark
    7,850
    7,879
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Opteron 6348 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1286 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureOpteron 6348Xeon E3-1286 v3
    Socket
    G34
    LGA1150
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 3.0+50%