Opteron 6281
AMD
PassMark
7,279
MSRP
$988
AVG Price
$419
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 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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6281
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Opteron 6281 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Fortnite
Garry's Mod
Grand Theft Auto V
Hogwarts Legacy
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Naraka: Bladepoint
Once Human
Overwatch 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Opteron 6281 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Opteron 6281 is a 16-core / 16-thread processor based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 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 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (per module) of L2 cache and 768 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,279, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 16C / 16T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.5 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 32 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 2 MB (per module) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 768 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 2x 315 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 2,400 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 7,279 |
Memory & Platform
The Opteron 6281 fits into the G34 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | G34 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 4 |
Power & Cooling
The Opteron 6281 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 130 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $419 (MSRP: $988), the Opteron 6281 delivers 17 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1538 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Opteron 6281 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $988 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $419 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $988 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1538 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 May 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| 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
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $988 |
| Manufacturer | GlobalFoundries |
| Release Date | 1 May 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1538 |
Technical Specifications
11 specs
Technical Specifications
11 specs
| Cores | 16 |
| Threads | 16 |
| Die Size | 2x 315 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 768 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module) |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 3.2 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.5 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 2,400 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | G34 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 4 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Opteron 6281
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Opteron 6281
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