Opteron 6386 SE vs Ryzen 7 3700X

AMD

Opteron 6386 SE

16 Cores16 Thrd140 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Opteron 6386 SE vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 6386 SE vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 6386 SE vs Ryzen 7 3700X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron 6386 SE

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (8,291 vs 22,430).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.0 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($1,392 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • 115.4% higher power demand at 140W vs 65W.

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +81.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Costs $1,063 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $1,392 MSRP).
  • Delivers 1044.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 6.0 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $1,392 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 140W, a 75W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6386 SE, which brings 16 cores / 16 threads.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Opteron 6386 SE?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6386 SE makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 7 3700X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 81.8% 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, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 170.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in $1,063 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $1,392 MSRP, and it still gives you a 81.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1044.6% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 6.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012), 300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 16/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Opteron 6386 SE vs Ryzen 7 3700X Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Opteron 6386 SE

The Opteron 6386 SE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,291 points. Launch price was $2,408.

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Processing Power

The Opteron 6386 SE packs 16 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Opteron 6386 SE has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Opteron 6386 SE versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 22.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Opteron 6386 SE uses the Abu Dhabi (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6386 SE scores 8,291 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 92% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6386 SE vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.

FeatureOpteron 6386 SERyzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads
16 / 16+100%
8 / 16
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz
4.4 GHz+26%
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
3.6 GHz+29%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
32 MB+300%
L2 Cache
16 MB
512K (per core)+3100%
Process
32 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-78%
Architecture
Abu Dhabi (2012)
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark
8,291
22,430+171%
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Memory & Platform

The Opteron 6386 SE uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureOpteron 6386 SERyzen 7 3700X
Socket
G34
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Opteron 6386 SE was priced at $1392, while the Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($1392 vs $329), Ryzen 7 3700X was $1063 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Opteron 6386 SE delivers 6.0 pts/$ vs 68.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 167.9% better value option.

FeatureOpteron 6386 SERyzen 7 3700X
MSRP
$1392
$329-76%
Performance per Dollar
6.0
68.2+1037%
Release Date
2012
2019

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