CPU
GPU
Xeon E3-1260L
Opteron 6234
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. The Xeon E3-1260L is positioned at rank 750 and the Opteron 6234 is on rank 85, so the Opteron 6234 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1260L
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6234
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1260L | Opteron 6234 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) | ✅ More affordable ($141) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1260L | Opteron 6234 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+91%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) | ✅ More affordable ($141) |
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 Xeon E3-1260L and Opteron 6234
Xeon E3-1260L
The Xeon E3-1260L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,076 points. Launch price was $150.
Opteron 6234
The Opteron 6234 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 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): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,072 points. Launch price was $377.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1260L packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6234 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6234 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1260L versus 3 GHz on the Opteron 6234 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1260L (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Xeon E3-1260L uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Opteron 6234 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1260L scores 4,076 against the Opteron 6234's 4,072 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1260L. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1260L | Opteron 6234 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 12 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+10% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 4,076 | 4,072 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1260L uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Opteron 6234 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1260L | Opteron 6234 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | G34 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1260L launched at $294 MSRP, while the Opteron 6234 debuted at $377. At current prices ($270 vs $141), the Opteron 6234 is $129 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1260L delivers 15.1 pts/$ vs 28.9 pts/$ for the Opteron 6234 — making the Opteron 6234 the 62.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1260L | Opteron 6234 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $294-22% | $377 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $270 | $141-48% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.1 | 28.9+91% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon E3-1260L and Opteron 6234
