AMD Opteron 4284 vs Intel Core i7-2960XM Comparison

The Intel Core i7-2960XM and AMD Opteron 4284 are both 32nm processors from 2011, but they target different market segments. The database records six head-to-head benchmark comparisons, and the Intel wins all six, though by margins of 0.5% to 0.9%. The AMD counters with ECC memory support, more physical cores, and a higher base clock, but the recorded data shows the Intel ahead in every measured test.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The AMD Opteron 4284 has 8 cores, while the Intel Core i7-2960XM has 4 cores. Both support 8 threads.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Opteron 4284 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i7-2960XM does not.

Q: Which processor includes integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i7-2960XM includes Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics. The AMD Opteron 4284 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the base clock difference?

A: The AMD Opteron 4284 has a base clock of 3.00 GHz, while the Intel Core i7-2960XM has a base clock of 2.70 GHz. Both have a boost clock of 3.70 GHz.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-2960XM has an average benchmark score of 1169, compared to 1146 for the AMD Opteron 4284.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The Intel Core i7-2960XM has an unlocked multiplier, while the AMD Opteron 4284 does not.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share a 32nm process node, but the similarities end there. The Intel Core i7-2960XM is built on the Sandy Bridge architecture and manufactured by Intel, while the AMD Opteron 4284 uses the Bulldozer architecture, codenamed Valencia, and is produced by GlobalFoundries. The Intel die measures 216 mm² with 1,160 million transistors, while the AMD die is larger at 315 mm² with 1,200 million transistors.

Core and thread counts differ significantly. The Intel has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the AMD has 8 cores and 8 threads. Cache layouts also diverge. The Intel provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD offers 384 KB of L1 cache, 8 MB of L2 cache, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. This means the AMD has a larger aggregate L1 and L2, but the Intel's per-core L2 is smaller.

Feature sets are distinct. The Intel includes Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics, while the AMD has none. The AMD supports ECC memory, the Intel does not. The Intel has an unlocked multiplier, the AMD is locked. The Intel uses Socket G2 (988B) and targets the mobile segment, while the AMD uses Socket C32 and targets server and workstation use. The Intel's PCIe is Gen 2 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the AMD is Gen 2 without lane specification. Both support DDR3 memory with dual-channel bus and 25.6 GB/s bandwidth.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows the Intel Core i7-2960XM winning all six head-to-head comparisons, but the margins are narrow. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Intel scores 401 against the AMD's 399, a 0.5% lead. In singlecore, both score 56, resulting in a 0% delta. The Intel wins again in Cinebench R20 multicore with 1674 versus 1665, a 0.5% lead, and in singlecore with 236 versus 234, a 0.9% lead. Cinebench R23 multicore shows the Intel at 3988 against 3965, a 0.6% lead, and singlecore at 563 versus 559, a 0.7% lead.

The AMD's higher base clock of 3.00 GHz compared to the Intel's 2.70 GHz does not translate into a win in any recorded test. The Intel's boost clock matches the AMD at 3.70 GHz, but the Intel still edges ahead in every benchmark. The largest delta is 0.9% in Cinebench R20 singlecore, while the smallest is 0% in Cinebench R15 singlecore. These differences are small enough that real-world performance would be nearly indistinguishable, but the database consistently places the Intel ahead.

The Verdict

The data shows the Intel Core i7-2960XM as the faster processor in every recorded benchmark, but the margins are minimal. The AMD Opteron 4284 offers ECC memory support and more physical cores, making it a better fit for server environments where data integrity is critical. The Intel, with integrated graphics and an unlocked multiplier, suits mobile and enthusiast use cases. The launch MSRP for the Intel is $1096, and for the AMD it is $316. The Intel's average benchmark score of 1169 places it at the 33rd percentile of all CPUs, while the AMD's 1146 places it at the 32nd percentile. For users prioritizing raw performance in the recorded tests, the Intel is the choice. For those needing ECC and a server-oriented feature set, the AMD is the option.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i7-2960XM | AMD Opteron 4284 |

|-------|----------------------|------------------|

| Cores | 4 | 8 |

| Threads | 8 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 3.00 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 95 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket G2 (988B) | AMD Socket C32 |

| Architecture | Sandy Bridge | Bulldozer |

| Codename | Sandy Bridge | Valencia |

| Generation | Core i7 Extreme (Sandy Bridge) | Opteron (Valencia) |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | 1,160 million | 1,200 million |

| Die Size | 216 mm² | 315 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 384 KB |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 8 MB |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 3000 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Server/Workstation |

| Release Date | 2011-09-03 | 2011-11-13 |

| Launch MSRP | $1096 | $316 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | SR02FQ1NA | OS4284WLU8KGU |

| PCIe | Gen 2, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 2 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 33 | 32 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 1169 | 1146 |

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-2960XM wins all six recorded head-to-head benchmarks, so it takes the performance crown in the database. It also wins on integrated graphics, an unlocked multiplier, and a lower TDP of 55 W compared to the AMD's 95 W. The AMD Opteron 4284 wins on ECC memory support, more physical cores, and a higher base clock of 3.00 GHz. The AMD also has a larger L1 and L2 cache, though the Intel's per-core L2 is smaller. For workloads that rely on the recorded Cinebench tests, the Intel is ahead. For server deployments requiring ECC and higher core counts, the AMD is the appropriate pick. The data does not show the AMD winning any benchmark, so its advantages are purely feature-based.