AMD Opteron 6328 vs Intel Core i3-1005G1 Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Opteron 6328 has 8 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i3-1005G1 has 2 cores and 4 threads. The Opteron offers four times the physical core count.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The AMD Opteron 6328 records an average benchmark score of 1304, and the Intel Core i3-1005G1 scores 1265. The Opteron sits 3.1% higher in the database's aggregate metric.

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core score in Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD Opteron 6328 leads in Cinebench R23 single-core with a score of 636 versus the Intel Core i3-1005G1's 574, a 10.8% advantage.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The AMD Opteron 6328 supports quad-channel DDR3 with a bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s, while the Intel Core i3-1005G1 uses dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. The Opteron provides 16.6% more theoretical bandwidth.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The Intel Core i3-1005G1 includes UHD Graphics, while the AMD Opteron 6328 has no integrated graphics, reflecting its server-focused design.

Q: What are their production statuses?

A: The AMD Opteron 6328 is end-of-life, and the Intel Core i3-1005G1 is active. The Opteron was released in 2012, while the Core i3 launched in 2019.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Opteron 6328 belongs to the Opteron 6000 series, built on the Piledriver architecture with the codename Abu Dhabi. It uses a 32 nm process node manufactured by GlobalFoundries, with a die size of 2x 315 mm² and 2,400 million transistors. The processor is designed for the AMD Socket G34 and targets the server/workstation segment. Its cache layout is notably modular: 384 KB of L1, 2 MB of L2 per module, and 8 MB of L3 per die. The Opteron supports DDR3 memory over a quad-channel bus, includes ECC memory support, and provides PCIe Gen 2 connectivity.

The Intel Core i3-1005G1, in contrast, is a mobile processor based on the Ice Lake architecture, codenamed Ice Lake-U, with the generation labeled Sunny Cove-U. It is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm process, with a die size of 123 mm². The cache structure is per-core: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3. Memory support is DDR4 over a dual-channel bus with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, and ECC memory is not supported. It includes integrated UHD Graphics and connects via PCIe Gen 3. The socket is Intel BGA 1526, and the market segment is mobile.

These architectural choices reflect divergent priorities. The Opteron emphasizes raw multi-threaded throughput with its eight Piledriver cores and large shared L3 per die, suited for sustained server workloads. The Core i3 leverages a newer 10 nm process and Ice Lake's improved instruction set for power efficiency in a 15 W TDP envelope, though with fewer cores and a smaller cache footprint.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Across all six recorded Cinebench comparisons, the AMD Opteron 6328 wins decisively. The largest margin appears in Cinebench R15 single-core, where the Opteron scores 64 versus the Core i3's 57, a 12.3% advantage. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Opteron leads 454 to 410, a 10.7% delta.

The pattern continues in Cinebench R20. Multi-core shows the Opteron at 1894 versus 1709 for the Core i3, a 10.8% gap. Single-core in R20 is 267 versus 241, again 10.8% in favor of the Opteron.

Cinebench R23 repeats the trend. The Opteron achieves 4510 in multi-core, and the Core i3 reaches 4070, a 10.8% difference. In single-core, the Opteron scores 636 against 574, also a 10.8% margin.

Notably, the Core i3 has one additional benchmark in the database: Geekbench multi-core at 1978 and single-core at 1083. The Opteron lacks Geekbench results, so those scores exist only for the Intel part. The overall head-to-head tally shows 6 wins for the AMD Opteron 6328 and 0 wins for the Intel Core i3-1005G1.

The consistency of the 10.8% delta across R20 and R23 suggests that the Opteron's advantage stems from its higher boost clock of 3.80 GHz versus the Core i3's 3.40 GHz, combined with the larger core count. The single-core victories, despite the Opteron's older architecture, indicate that the Piledriver cores are competitive per-thread in these specific Cinebench workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification field. Core and thread counts are the most prominent: the Opteron has 8 cores and 8 threads, while the Core i3 has 2 cores and 4 threads. Base clocks are also distinct, with the Opteron at 3.20 GHz and the Core i3 at 1200.00 MHz (the latter is listed in the database as 1200.00, which appears to be a base clock value in a different unit or a reporting artifact). Boost clocks are closer: 3.80 GHz for the Opteron versus 3.40 GHz for the Core i3.

Thermal design power is a major separator. The Opteron is rated at 115 W, while the Core i3 is rated at 15 W, reflecting the server versus mobile design goals. Socket compatibility differs entirely: AMD Socket G34 for the Opteron and Intel BGA 1526 for the Core i3.

Process node and foundry also diverge. The Opteron uses a 32 nm process from GlobalFoundries with a 2x 315 mm² die size, while the Core i3 uses Intel's 10 nm process with a 123 mm² die. Transistor counts are only listed for the Opteron at 2,400 million.

Memory support is different: DDR3 for the Opteron versus DDR4 for the Core i3. Memory bus width is quad-channel for the Opteron and dual-channel for the Core i3. Memory bandwidth is 59.7 GB/s versus 51.2 GB/s. ECC support is present on the Opteron and absent on the Core i3. PCIe generation is Gen 2 for the Opteron and Gen 3 for the Core i3.

Integrated graphics are exclusive to the Core i3, which includes UHD Graphics. The Opteron has none. Market segments are server/workstation for the Opteron and mobile for the Core i3. Production status is end-of-life for the Opteron and active for the Core i3. Release dates are 2012 for the Opteron and 2019 for the Core i3. The Opteron has a launch MSRP of $575; the Core i3 has no listed launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Opteron 6328 wins in every benchmark category where both are measured. Its advantages are most pronounced in multi-threaded workloads, where the 8 cores provide a clear throughput edge over the Core i3's 2 cores. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Opteron's 4510 score is 10.8% higher than the Core i3's 4070. The Opteron also wins single-core tests, with a 10.8% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core (636 versus 574). This suggests that for CPU-bound rendering tasks, the Opteron is the stronger choice, despite its older architecture.

The Intel Core i3-1005G1 wins in scenarios that are not captured by the benchmark suite. Its active production status means it is currently available for new systems, whereas the Opteron is end-of-life. The Core i3's integrated UHD Graphics provide a display output without a discrete GPU, which is essential for mobile and compact designs. Its 15 W TDP is a fraction of the Opteron's 115 W, making it suitable for battery-powered devices and low-heat enclosures. The Core i3 also supports PCIe Gen 3 and DDR4 memory, offering a more modern platform foundation.

For users focusing solely on the measured Cinebench scores, the Opteron is the unequivocal winner. For users prioritizing power efficiency, platform longevity, or integrated graphics, the Core i3 has qualitative advantages that the benchmark data does not quantify.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear computational hierarchy. The AMD Opteron 6328 outperforms the Intel Core i3-1005G1 in all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, with margins ranging from 10.7% to 12.3%. Its 8-core, 8-thread configuration and 3.80 GHz boost clock deliver consistent wins in both single-core and multi-core workloads. The Opteron's quad-channel memory and ECC support further position it for server-class tasks where reliability and bandwidth are critical.

The Intel Core i3-1005G1, however, is not without merit. Its 15 W TDP makes it a viable option for mobile devices, and its integrated UHD Graphics eliminate the need for a separate GPU. The active production status means it can still be purchased for new designs, while the Opteron is relegated to legacy systems. The Core i3's DDR4 and PCIe Gen 3 support offer a more contemporary feature set.

The choice depends on the use case. For a server or workstation workload that demands raw multi-threaded performance, the Opteron is the superior option based on the recorded benchmarks. For a power-sensitive mobile application where integrated graphics and modern connectivity matter more than peak Cinebench scores, the Core i3 is the practical pick. The Opteron wins on computation, the Core i3 wins on efficiency and platform currency.