Opteron 3250 HE
CPU·Budget

Opteron 3250 HE

AMD

PassMark

2,061

20 March 2012 (13 years ago)
45 Watt
Zurich (2012)

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.

Overview

The Opteron 3250 HE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zurich (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,061 points. Launch price was $99.

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.

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

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Opteron 3250 HE across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

1080p
low25 FPS
medium19 FPS
high9 FPS
ultra5 FPS
1440p
low15 FPS
medium10 FPS
high4 FPS
ultra2 FPS
4k
low8 FPS
medium4 FPS
high3 FPS
ultra2 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
4k
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra50 FPS
Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high49 FPS
ultra45 FPS
4k
low49 FPS
medium43 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra36 FPS
Deadlock

Deadlock

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra37 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra32 FPS
4k
low37 FPS
medium31 FPS
high25 FPS
ultra17 FPS
Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra48 FPS
4k
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high46 FPS
ultra29 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
4k
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
Minecraft

Minecraft

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra42 FPS
4k
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high46 FPS
ultra22 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

1080p
low42 FPS
medium38 FPS
high32 FPS
ultra27 FPS
1440p
low30 FPS
medium27 FPS
high24 FPS
ultra19 FPS
4k
low13 FPS
medium12 FPS
high10 FPS
ultra7 FPS
Once Human

Once Human

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra41 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high43 FPS
ultra27 FPS
4k
low37 FPS
medium28 FPS
high22 FPS
ultra18 FPS
Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2

1080p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
1440p
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS
4k
low52 FPS
medium52 FPS
high52 FPS
ultra52 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Opteron 3250 HE specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Opteron 3250 HE is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Zurich (2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 4 MB of L2 cache and 192 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,061, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationOpteron 3250 HE
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designZurich (2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data4 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache192 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor315 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,200 million
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,061
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Opteron 3250 HE fits into the AM3+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

SpecificationOpteron 3250 HE
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorWorkstation
SocketMotherboard socket requiredAM3+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Opteron 3250 HE has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationOpteron 3250 HE
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload45 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2560 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationOpteron 3250 HE
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$99
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2560
Release DateLaunch date20 March 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)GlobalFoundries

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

TypeWorkstation
DesignerAMD
Launch Price$99
ManufacturerGlobalFoundries
Release Date20 March 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture CodenameZurich (2012)
Performance Ranking Position2560

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores4
Threads4
Die Size315 mm2
L1 Cache192 kB
L2 Cache4 MB
L3 Cache4 MB (total)
Max Frequency3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.5 GHz
Transistor Count1,200 million
Process Technology32 nm

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketAM3+
PCIe GenerationPCIe 2.0
Power Consumption (TDP)45 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

1 spec

RAM TypesDDR3

Our Recommendation for Opteron 3250 HE

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Opteron 3250 HE

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