Opteron X3216 vs Pentium 987

AMD

Opteron X3216

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium 987

2 Cores2 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Opteron X3216 vs Pentium 987 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 X3216 vs Pentium 987 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 X3216 vs Pentium 987: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron X3216

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 17W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Pentium 987

2013

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,487 vs 1,498).
    • Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Opteron X3216 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Opteron X3216 better than Pentium 987?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron X3216 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium 987 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Opteron X3216 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 30 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron X3216 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Opteron X3216 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Opteron X3216 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 30 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium 987 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Opteron X3216 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Opteron X3216 vs Pentium 987 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Opteron X3216

    The Opteron X3216 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Excavator (2017−2018) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,498 points. Launch price was $800.

    Intel

    Pentium 987

    The Pentium 987 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,487 points. Launch price was $134.

    Processing Power

    Both the Opteron X3216 and Pentium 987 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Opteron X3216 versus 1.5 GHz on the Pentium 987 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Opteron X3216 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Opteron X3216 uses the Excavator (2017−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Pentium 987 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron X3216 scores 1,498 against the Pentium 987's 1,487 — a 0.7% lead for the Opteron X3216.

    FeatureOpteron X3216Pentium 987
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    3 GHz+100%
    1.5 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.6 GHz+7%
    1.5 GHz
    L3 Cache
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    1 MB (total)
    256K (per core)+25500%
    Process
    28 nm-13%
    32 nm
    Architecture
    Excavator (2017−2018)
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    PassMark
    1,498
    1,487
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Opteron X3216 uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium 987 uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureOpteron X3216Pentium 987
    Socket
    FP4
    BGA1023
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0