CPU Comparison

AMD Opteron 6220 and AMD Opteron 6212 are two eight-core server processors from the same Opteron 6000 series, built on the same Bulldozer architecture and Interlagos codename. The data shows the 6220 is the clear performance leader in every single benchmark comparison, yet the two chips land in the same 33rd percentile of all CPUs, with average benchmark scores of 1168 and 1162 respectively. The 6220 pulls ahead by roughly 20% across all tests, a consistent margin driven by higher clock speeds rather than any architectural advantage.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD Opteron 6220 wins all five head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with every victory falling in a remarkably tight 19.6% to 20.1% range. This consistency across both single-core and multi-core workloads indicates a pure clock-speed advantage rather than any workload-specific strength.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 6220 scores 407 against the 6212's 340, a 19.7% lead. The single-core R15 test shows the 6220 at 57 versus 51 for the 6212, this test was not included in the head-to-head data for the 6212, but the pattern holds across other single-core tests. The R20 multi-core test shows a 19.6% delta, with scores of 1696 and 1418. The R20 single-core test delivers the largest margin at 20.1%, with the 6220 scoring 239 against 199.

The R23 results mirror the other tests almost exactly. Multi-core shows 4040 for the 6220 versus 3377 for the 6212, a 19.6% gap, while single-core shows 570 versus 476, a 19.7% gap. When a processor wins every benchmark by nearly the same percentage, it signals a uniform performance ceiling difference rather than an architectural quirk.

The average benchmark scores tell a similar story. The 6220 averages 1168, while the 6212 averages 1162, a difference of only 0.5%. The nearest rival data places the 6220 against the Intel Core i5-3570S (1169, delta -0.1%), Intel Core i7-2960XM (1169, delta -0.1%), Intel Core i5-3450 (1166, delta 0.1%), and Intel Core i7-3635QM (1170, delta -0.2%). The 6212's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-3450 (1166, delta -0.4%), AMD Ryzen Embedded R2312 (1156, delta 0.5%), the AMD Opteron 6220 itself (1168, delta -0.5%), and Intel Core i5-3570S (1169, delta -0.6%).

Both processors sit at the 33rd percentile of all CPUs, meaning the 6220's consistent 20% advantage in Cinebench tests does not translate into a meaningful overall ranking difference. The 6220 is the stronger part on paper, but both are positioned similarly in the broader CPU landscape.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The AMD Opteron 6220 wins all multi-core tests by roughly 19.6-19.7%. Cinebench R15 multi-core shows 407 versus 340, R20 multi-core shows 1696 versus 1418, and R23 multi-core shows 4040 versus 3377.

Q: Does the 6212 win any benchmark comparison?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the 6220 winning all five tests, with the 6212 recording zero wins. The closest the 6212 comes is in average benchmark score, where it trails by only 6 points (1162 versus 1168).

Q: Are these processors from the same generation and architecture?

A: Yes. Both use the Bulldozer architecture, the Interlagos codename, a 32 nm process node from GlobalFoundries, and the AMD Socket G34. They also share identical cache configurations: 768 KB L1, 2 MB L2 per module, and 8 MB L3 per die.

Q: What is the clock speed difference between the two?

A: The 6220 has a 3.00 GHz base clock and 3.60 GHz boost clock, while the 6212 has a 2.60 GHz base clock and 3.20 GHz boost clock. The 6220 is 0.40 GHz faster in both base and boost clocks.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory configuration?

A: Yes. Both support DDR3 memory in quad-channel configuration with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth and ECC memory support.

Q: How do these processors compare to Intel rivals?

A: The 6220's average score of 1168 is nearly identical to the Intel Core i5-3570S at 1169 (delta -0.1%) and the Intel Core i7-2960XM at 1169 (delta -0.1%). The 6212's average of 1162 trails the same Intel Core i5-3570S by 0.6% and the Intel Core i5-3450 by 0.4%.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental architecture. They use AMD's Bulldozer design with the Interlagos codename, manufactured on a 32 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The transistor count is identical at 2,400 million, and the die size is the same at 2x 315 mm². The cache hierarchy is also identical: 768 KB of L1 cache, 2 MB of L2 cache per module, and 8 MB of L3 cache per die.

The memory subsystem is unchanged between the two. Both use DDR3 memory with quad-channel support, delivering 51.2 GB/s of bandwidth and ECC capability. PCI Express support is Gen 2 for both. Neither processor has integrated graphics.

Since there are no architectural differences, the performance gap between the 6220 and 6212 comes entirely from clock speed. The 6220 operates at 3.00 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost, while the 6212 operates at 2.60 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost. The 0.40 GHz advantage at both ends of the clock spectrum explains the consistent 20% performance delta observed across all Cinebench tests.

Both processors are end-of-life products, released on the same date of November 13, 2011. The multiplier is locked on both parts, meaning overclocking is not an option without external clock adjustment.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in exactly three specification fields: base clock, boost clock, and launch MSRP. Both have 8 cores and 8 threads, a 115 W TDP, and use the AMD Socket G34. The part numbers are similar, OS6220WKT8GGU for the 6220 and OS6212WKT8GGU for the 6212.

The base clock difference is 3.00 GHz versus 2.60 GHz, and the boost clock difference is 3.60 GHz versus 3.20 GHz. The launch MSRP was $523 for the 6220 and $266 for the 6212.

Everything else is identical: architecture (Bulldozer), codename (Interlagos), generation (Opteron Interlagos), process node (32 nm), foundry (GlobalFoundries), transistors (2,400 million), die size (2x 315 mm²), cache (768 KB L1, 2 MB L2 per module, 8 MB L3 per die), memory support (DDR3, quad-channel, 51.2 GB/s, ECC), PCIe (Gen 2), market segment (Server/Workstation), production status (End-of-life), and release date (November 13, 2011).

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the AMD Opteron 6220 is the superior processor. It wins every benchmark comparison by a margin of approximately 20%, which is a substantial and consistent performance advantage. The 6220's higher base and boost clocks, 3.00 GHz and 3.60 GHz versus 2.60 GHz and 3.20 GHz, fully account for this gap.

The 6212's only statistical claim to parity is the average benchmark score, where it trails by just 6 points (1162 versus 1168). This places both processors in the same 33rd percentile of all CPUs, suggesting that the 20% Cinebench advantage does not dramatically alter the overall performance ranking. The nearest rival data reinforces this: both processors sit within a tight cluster of Intel Core i5 and i7 parts scoring between 1166 and 1170.

For those choosing between these two specific parts, the 6220 is the clear pick when raw performance matters. The 6212 offers the same architecture, the same core count, and the same feature set at a lower launch MSRP of $266 versus $523, but the benchmark data shows the 6220 delivers roughly 20% more performance across the board.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Opteron 6220 wins in every performance category measured. It leads in Cinebench R15 multi-core (407 versus 340), R20 multi-core (1696 versus 1418), R20 single-core (239 versus 199), R23 multi-core (4040 versus 3377), and R23 single-core (570 versus 476). The largest margin is in R20 single-core at 20.1%, while the smallest is in R20 and R23 multi-core at 19.6%.

The AMD Opteron 6212 does not win any benchmark comparison. Its only advantage is the lower launch MSRP, which is a pricing consideration rather than a performance attribute. In terms of raw compute capability, the 6212 is consistently behind the 6220 by the same approximate 20% margin.

For single-threaded workloads, the 6220's 3.60 GHz boost clock gives it a clear edge, with single-core scores 19.7-20.1% higher across R20 and R23 tests. For multi-threaded workloads, the 6220's 3.00 GHz base clock maintains the same advantage, with multi-core scores 19.6-19.7% higher across R15, R20, and R23 tests.

Users with clock-sensitive workloads should choose the 6220. Users who require the same architecture and features but have less demanding performance needs may find the 6212 sufficient, though the data shows it will take approximately 20% longer to complete the same Cinebench workloads.