AMD Opteron 1356 (B3)

The AMD Opteron 1356 (B3) is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor built on the K10 architecture (codename Budapest). Launched on June 2, 2008, with a launch MSRP of $377, it runs at a fixed 2.30 GHz base clock and draws 95 W TDP. The chip holds the 50th percentile in the benchmark database, meaning it sits exactly at the median of all recorded CPUs, though no specific benchmark scores are listed for this part.

Benchmark Performance

The absence of individual benchmark scores means performance must be inferred from the specifications and the percentile ranking. The 50th percentile indicates that, in aggregate, this processor outperforms half of all CPUs in the database and is outperformed by the other half. That places it squarely in the middle of the performance distribution, neither a standout nor a laggard for its generation.

The Opteron 1356 operates at a modest 2.30 GHz with no boost capability, capping single-threaded throughput. In workloads that rely on one or two threads, the clock speed is the limiting factor, and the lack of a turbo mode means it cannot adapt to lighter loads. Multi-threaded performance benefits from the four physical cores, but without simultaneous multithreading (SMT), each core handles exactly one thread. The cache hierarchy provides a 64 KB L1 cache per core, a 512 KB L2 per core, and a 2 MB shared L3 cache. This arrangement offers decent data locality for working sets that fit within the L3, but larger datasets will spill to main memory.

Memory bandwidth is a potential bottleneck. The dual-channel DDR2 interface delivers a theoretical maximum of 12.8 GB/s, which is low by modern standards. Applications that stream large amounts of data—such as video editing or database queries—will see reduced performance compared to systems with DDR3 or DDR4. The 65 nm process, with 463 million transistors on a 285 mm² die, further constrains power efficiency and thermal headroom. The TDP of 95 W is moderate, but the architecture’s age means it cannot compete with newer designs on performance-per-watt.

Given the 50th percentile ranking, the Opteron 1356 should be considered a mid-range part of its time. It likely delivers acceptable performance for everyday tasks, but it will struggle with modern, heavily threaded software that expects higher core counts or faster memory.

How It Compares

The nearestRivals field in the database is empty, so no direct comparisons to specific competing processors are available. The only comparative metric is the 50th percentile ranking, which places this chip exactly at the median of all CPUs. Without rival scores, percentage deltas cannot be computed, and positional analysis is limited to this single percentile figure.

This lack of rival data means the Opteron 1356 cannot be positioned against contemporary parts from Intel or other AMD families. Its position at the 50th percentile suggests it is neither a performance leader nor a bottom-tier option, but the absence of specific rival benchmarks prevents any further differentiation. Users seeking a comparative assessment will need to rely on the architectural details provided here, such as the 2.30 GHz clock, the 4-core/4-thread layout, and the DDR2 memory interface.

Who Should Consider It

The Opteron 1356 is best suited for basic office productivity, web browsing, and light multi-threaded tasks that can utilize up to four threads. Its four cores and four threads can handle typical spreadsheet, word processing, and email workloads without issue. The 2 MB shared L3 cache helps with small working sets, improving responsiveness in applications that repeatedly access the same data.

For gaming, the processor is a marginal choice. The modest 2.30 GHz clock and lack of integrated graphics (requiring a discrete GPU) mean it can only run older or less demanding titles. Modern games that rely on high single-thread performance or more than four threads will likely underperform. Content creation tasks such as video encoding or 3D rendering that are not heavily parallel may also be limited by the clock speed, though the four cores can assist in multi-threaded rendering passes.

The platform’s DDR2 memory support restricts bandwidth-sensitive applications. Photo editing with large raw files or compiling large codebases may experience slowdowns due to the 12.8 GB/s memory ceiling. The absence of ECC memory support is notable for a processor branded as Opteron, but it aligns with the desktop market segment. As an end-of-life product, this CPU is not recommended for new builds. It could serve in a legacy system where the AM2+ socket is already present, or as a low-cost secondary machine for light duties.

Platform and Compatibility

The Opteron 1356 uses the AMD Socket AM2+ interface, which supports DDR2 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The memory bus operates at a theoretical peak of 12.8 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, despite the Opteron branding, which is a significant departure from typical server-oriented Opteron parts. The processor is built on a 65 nm process with 463 million transistors on a 285 mm² die.

Connectivity is provided via PCIe Gen 2, and integrated graphics are available only through certain motherboards’ chipset features—not on the CPU die itself. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible through clock multiplier adjustments. The part number is OS1356WBJ4BGH.

Given its end-of-life production status, no upgrade path exists within the AM2+ socket. Users are limited to the Opteron 1356 itself; there are no higher-tier CPUs in the same socket that could be swapped in without a motherboard change. The architecture, K10 (codename Budapest), is a derivative of the Phenom family but tailored for the Opteron line, with a focus on server-like reliability rather than extreme performance. The lack of ECC and the desktop market segment further differentiate it from traditional Opteron parts.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the AMD Opteron 1356 (B3) have?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading (SMT).

Q: What is the base clock speed?

A: The base clock is 2.30 GHz; there is no boost clock, so the processor runs at a fixed frequency.

Q: What memory type does it support?

A: It supports DDR2 memory in a dual-channel configuration with a memory bandwidth of 12.8 GB/s.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the TDP?

A: The thermal design power is 95 W.

Q: When was it released?

A: It was released on June 2, 2008.