Xeon E3-1290 v2 vs Opteron 6276
Xeon E3-1290 v2
Opteron 6276
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 E3-1290 v2 is positioned at rank 453 and the Opteron 6276 is on rank 53, so the Opteron 6276 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1290 v2
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6276
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Opteron 6276 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($125) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($397) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Opteron 6276 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+218%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($125) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($397) |
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 E3-1290 v2 and Opteron 6276
Xeon E3-1290 v2
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.
Opteron 6276
The Opteron 6276 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 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 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: 6,348 points. Launch price was $119.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6276 offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Opteron 6276 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6276 — a 24.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6276 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1290 v2 scores 6,354 against the Opteron 6276's 6,348 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Opteron 6276 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 16 / 16+300% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+28% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+61% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 6,354 | 6,348 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6276 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Opteron 6276 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | G34 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 launched at $885 MSRP, while the Opteron 6276 debuted at $788. At current prices ($125 vs $397), the Xeon E3-1290 v2 is $272 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1290 v2 delivers 50.8 pts/$ vs 16.0 pts/$ for the Opteron 6276 — making the Xeon E3-1290 v2 the 104.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Opteron 6276 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $885 | $788-11% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $125-69% | $397 |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.8+217% | 16.0 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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