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.

Overview

The Opteron 246 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Agosto 2003 (22 years ago). It is based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 940. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 538 points. Launch price was $109.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Opteron 246 is positioned at rank #762 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Opteron 246

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

15452%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

2917%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

2592%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

2002%

#439

Xeon Gold 6338

MSRP: $2990|Avg: $1604

100%

#440

Xeon Gold 6538N

MSRP: $3351|Avg: $170

100%

#441

EPYC 7F52

MSRP: $3100|Avg: $1826

99%

#442

EPYC 7542

MSRP: $3400|Avg: $899

99%

#443

EPYC 9655

MSRP: $11852|Avg: $11852

98%

#444

Xeon 6781P

MSRP: $8960|Avg: $8960

98%

#445

Xeon Gold 6338N

MSRP: $3200|Avg: $3200

98%

#446

Xeon Gold 5117

MSRP: $1286|Avg: $300

98%

#447

EPYC 73F3

MSRP: $3521|Avg: $2100

97%

#448

EPYC 9384X

MSRP: $5529|Avg: $4157

97%

#449

EPYC 8534P

MSRP: $5529|Avg: $5529

97%

#762

Opteron 246

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#768

Xeon E3-1270L v4

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

98%

#771

Xeon E3-1545M v5

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

98%

#775

Xeon E5-2407 v2

MSRP: $250|Avg: $39

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Opteron 246 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Opteron 246 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Opteron 246 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the SledgeHammer (2003−2005) architecture, manufactured on a 130 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 538, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Opteron 246
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	SledgeHammer (2003−2005)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	130 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	193 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	106 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	538

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Opteron 246 fits into the 940 socket and supports PCIe 2.0.

Specification	Opteron 246
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	940
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Opteron 246 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 89 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Opteron 246
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	89 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #762 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3297 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Opteron 246
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$109
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#762
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3297
Release DateLaunch date	Agosto 2003 (22 years ago)
Release Year	2003
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD