CPU
GPU
Xeon E5-1620 v4
Opteron 6281
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 E5-1620 v4 is positioned at rank 959 and the Opteron 6281 is on rank 44, so the Opteron 6281 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-1620 v4
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6281
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-1620 v4 | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($160) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-EP (2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-1620 v4 | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+164%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($160) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($419) |
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 E5-1620 v4 and Opteron 6281
Xeon E5-1620 v4
The Xeon E5-1620 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-EP (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,338 points. Launch price was $294.
Opteron 6281
The Opteron 6281 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 16 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 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): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,279 points. Launch price was $988.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-1620 v4 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6281 offers 16 cores / 16 threads — the Opteron 6281 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 v4 versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6281 — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1620 v4 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Xeon E5-1620 v4 uses the Broadwell-EP (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Opteron 6281 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1620 v4 scores 7,338 against the Opteron 6281's 7,279 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5-1620 v4. L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1620 v4 vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6281.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1620 v4 | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 16 / 16+300% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+19% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+40% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 10 MB (total)+25% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-EP (2016) | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 7,338 | 7,279 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-1620 v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6281 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1620 v4 | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | G34 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-1620 v4 launched at $1166 MSRP, while the Opteron 6281 debuted at $988. At current prices ($160 vs $419), the Xeon E5-1620 v4 is $259 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1620 v4 delivers 45.9 pts/$ vs 17.4 pts/$ for the Opteron 6281 — making the Xeon E5-1620 v4 the 90.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1620 v4 | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1166 | $988-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $160-62% | $419 |
| Performance per Dollar | 45.9+164% | 17.4 |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2012 |
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