Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Opteron 6238
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Opteron 6238
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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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6238
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($486) | ✅ More affordable ($118) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+169%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($486) | ✅ More affordable ($118) |
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 Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Opteron 6238
Ryzen 9 7950X3D
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 62,323 points. Launch price was $699.
Opteron 6238
The Opteron 6238 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 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 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): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,625 points. Launch price was $455.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Opteron 6238 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 9 7950X3D has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6238 — a 56.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Opteron 6238 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D scores 62,323 against the Opteron 6238's 5,625 — a 166.9% lead for the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. L3 cache: 128 MB (total) on the Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6238.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+33% | 12 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.7 GHz+78% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+62% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 128 MB (total)+1500% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per module)+100% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-84% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 62,323+1008% | 5,625 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 38,581 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,926 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 19,643 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Opteron 6238 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | G34 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Ryzen 9 7950X3D) / not specified (Opteron 6238). The Ryzen 9 7950X3D includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics), while the Opteron 6238 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 7950X3D rivals Core i9-13900K.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Radeon Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D launched at $699 MSRP, while the Opteron 6238 debuted at $455. At current prices ($486 vs $118), the Opteron 6238 is $368 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 7950X3D delivers 128.2 pts/$ vs 47.7 pts/$ for the Opteron 6238 — making the Ryzen 9 7950X3D the 91.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $699 | $455-35% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $486 | $118-76% |
| Performance per Dollar | 128.2+169% | 47.7 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2011 |
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