AMD Opteron 142

The AMD Opteron 142 is a single-core server processor from the K8 architecture generation, targeting the Server/Workstation market segment. Benchmark data places it at the 50th percentile among all CPUs tracked, with an average benchmark score of zero, indicating it serves as a baseline or entry reference point rather than a performance leader. Its end-of-life production status and 2004 release date position it as a legacy part, yet its architectural traits define a clear performance profile for specific legacy workloads.

How It Compares

The the benchmark database lists no nearest rivals for the Opteron 142, so direct percentile-based comparisons against specific competing models are unavailable from the data. However, its 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs indicates it sits exactly at the median of the tracked performance distribution. This means half of all processors in the database outperform it and half underperform it, placing it in a neutral mid-pack position rather than at either extreme.

Without rival names or deltaPct values provided, the analysis must rely on the processor's intrinsic specifications. As a single-core, single-thread part with a 1600.00 MHz base clock and no boost capability, it represents the foundational computing tier of its era. The absence of benchmark scores in the the benchmark database further confirms that this processor is not measured against contemporary parts but rather serves as a historical data point in the database's architecture lineage.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Opteron 142 features exactly one core and one thread, meaning it has no multi-threaded execution capability whatsoever. All workloads, regardless of their parallelization potential, run through a single execution pipeline. This design makes multi-thread performance a non-factor; the processor's entire performance envelope is defined by its single-thread throughput at 1600.00 MHz.

For real workloads, this split has profound implications. Single-threaded applications, such as legacy database queries, sequential file processing, or single-task server scripts, will utilize the full capacity of the lone core. Multi-threaded workloads, however, gain zero benefit from additional cores because none exist. The 128 KB L1 cache and 1 MB L2 cache provide modest data locality support, but the lack of L3 cache means all cached data must reside within those two levels, limiting the working set size that can be kept close to the execution unit.

The 130 nm process node and 106 million transistor count with a 193 mm² die size indicate a relatively simple silicon design focused on stable, predictable single-thread execution. The K8 architecture, under the SledgeHammer codename, was engineered for server reliability rather than raw speed, which aligns with the processor's end-of-life status and its positioning as a baseline reference in the benchmark database.

Power and Thermals

The Opteron 142 carries a TDP of 82 watts, classifying it as a moderate-power server processor for its generation. This TDP level implies that a standard server-grade air cooler with a reasonable heatsink and fan assembly would be sufficient for thermal management. The 82-watt figure suggests the processor is not thermally extreme, but it is not a low-power part either; it sits in a middle ground typical of early 2000s server CPUs.

The 130 nm manufacturing process contributes to this power profile. Larger process nodes generally consume more power per transistor than smaller nodes, so the 82-watt TDP with 106 million transistors reflects the efficiency limitations of that era. For cooling, the implication is clear: a capable air cooler designed for 82-watt-class processors would suffice, with no need for liquid cooling or exotic thermal solutions. The absence of a boost clock means the processor runs at a fixed 1600.00 MHz, producing consistent thermal output without transient power spikes.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the AMD Opteron 142 have?

A: The processor has exactly one core and one thread, providing no parallel execution capacity.

Q: What is the base clock speed and does it support boost?

A: The base clock is 1600.00 MHz, and there is no boost clock, meaning the processor runs at a constant speed.

Q: What socket does the Opteron 142 use?

A: It uses AMD Socket 940, which is specific to the K8 architecture server platform.

Q: What is the processor's market segment and production status?

A: It targets the Server/Workstation market and is marked as End-of-life, meaning it is no longer in active production.

Q: What cache levels are present on the Opteron 142?

A: It has 128 KB of L1 cache and 1 MB of L2 cache, with no L3 cache available.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: No, the the benchmark database indicates ECC memory support is false, which is notable for a server-oriented part.

Benchmark Performance

The Opteron 142 has an average benchmark score of zero, which is the sole quantitative performance metric available. This zero score, combined with the 50th percentile ranking, indicates the processor is used as a neutral baseline in the database rather than a competitive performer. When interpreting this score, it is essential to understand that a zero average does not mean the processor fails to execute tasks; rather, it means the database normalizes scores such that this part represents the midpoint of the distribution.

With no nearest rivals listed and no deltaPct values, there are no percentage-based performance comparisons to report. The single-core design at 1600.00 MHz with 1 MB of L2 cache defines its capability ceiling. In single-threaded integer and floating-point operations typical of legacy server tasks, this configuration would provide predictable, if modest, throughput. The lack of multi-threading means any workload that could benefit from parallel execution will see no uplift, and the zero benchmark score reflects that the database treats this processor as a reference point rather than a performance target.

The 50th percentile placement is statistically neutral: the processor is neither a low-end outlier nor a high-end performer. For legacy application compatibility testing or historical architecture comparisons, this positioning makes it a useful anchor. However, for any modern workload, the single core, 1600.00 MHz clock, and absent L3 cache would produce results that are severely constrained relative to contemporary multi-core parts.

Platform and Compatibility

The Opteron 142 is built for AMD Socket 940, a platform designed for the K8 architecture generation. It supports dual-channel memory, though the the benchmark database does not specify memory types or capacities. PCIe Gen 2 is the supported expansion interface, which provides a connection standard for peripheral devices. The processor does not support ECC memory, a notable omission for a Server/Workstation part, as ECC is often critical for data integrity in server environments.

The architecture is K8 with the SledgeHammer codename, manufactured on a 130 nm process with 106 million transistors on a 193 mm² die. The part number is OSA142CEP5AT, and the multiplier is locked, meaning users cannot overclock by adjusting the clock multiplier. The release date is 2004-05-17, placing it in the early days of the K8 platform. For upgrade paths, the Socket 940 platform is specific to this generation; no modern processors use this socket, so any upgrade would require a full platform change. The processor is end-of-life, so new units are not available, and the PCIe Gen 2 support, while functional, is two generations behind current standards.

Who Should Consider It

The Opteron 142 is suitable for scenarios where single-threaded, deterministic performance is the sole requirement and where modern multi-core capabilities are unnecessary. Legacy server applications that were written for single-thread execution and do not benefit from parallel processing would run without wasted resources. The 1600.00 MHz clock and 1 MB L2 cache provide enough headroom for basic administrative tasks, simple web serving, or lightweight database lookups that do not demand high throughput.

For gaming, this processor is entirely unsuitable. Modern games require multiple cores, high clock speeds, and substantial cache hierarchies; the Opteron 142's single core and zero boost capability would produce unacceptable frame rates and responsiveness. For content creation, the lack of multi-threading cripples rendering, video encoding, and compilation tasks, which are inherently parallel. Even single-threaded creation tasks such as photo editing would suffer from the low clock speed and limited cache.

Office productivity, however, aligns with the processor's strengths. Spreadsheet calculations, word processing, and email clients are typically single-threaded and modest in resource demands. The 82-watt TDP also implies a system that does not require aggressive cooling, making it potentially suitable for quiet or low-heat environments. The 50th percentile ranking confirms it is an average performer, and for users maintaining legacy systems that cannot be upgraded due to software dependencies, the Opteron 142 provides a stable, predictable execution environment. Its end-of-life status means replacement parts must come from secondary markets, but for dedicated single-purpose server tasks, it remains a functional choice within the confines of its 2004-era design.