AMD Opteron 2212 (F2)

The AMD Opteron 2212 (F2) is a dual-core server processor from the Santa Rosa generation, built on the K8 architecture with a 90 nm process node. It targets the Server/Workstation market segment, carries a 95 W TDP, and was released on 2006-08-14 with a launch MSRP of $377. The data shows a modest part with a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs, indicating it sits squarely at the midpoint of performance distribution, though its benchmark scores are currently unrecorded.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for this processor, which limits direct comparison. The percentileVsAllCpus field places it at 50, meaning it outperforms half of all CPUs tracked in the database. This is a neutral position—neither a standout nor a laggard. Without rival data, the Opteron 2212 (F2) must be assessed on its own specifications: two cores, two threads, and a base clock of 2000.00 MHz. Its lack of a boost clock further defines its performance envelope as fixed and predictable.

The absence of nearestRivals data suggests the database does not currently hold comparable entries for this socket or generation. This is unusual for a server part, but the data stands as-is. The 50th percentile ranking implies that, in aggregate, this processor delivers average computational throughput relative to the entire CPU landscape. However, that percentile is derived from a benchmark score of 0, which indicates no actual measured performance data has been ingested. The ranking may be a placeholder or based on architectural classification rather than empirical results.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

With two cores and two threads, the Opteron 2212 (F2) offers no simultaneous multithreading. Each core handles exactly one thread, so the single-thread performance is effectively the base clock of 2000.00 MHz per core. Multi-threaded workloads can utilize both cores, but the absence of extra threads means the scaling from single to multi-thread is linear and capped at 2x theoretical throughput, assuming no shared resource bottlenecks.

The L1 cache is 128 KB per core, and the L2 cache is 1 MB per core, with no L3 cache present. This cache layout is typical for the K8 architecture. For real workloads, the implication is that single-threaded tasks—such as legacy database queries or single-threaded application logic—will run at the full 2000.00 MHz speed. Multi-threaded tasks, like parallel compilation or server-side scripting, can use both cores but will not benefit from any hyper-threading-like gains. The lack of a boost clock means there is no transient single-core acceleration; the processor runs at a constant frequency.

The 90 nm process node and 227 million transistors on a 235 mm² die suggest a relatively simple design. The K8 architecture was known for efficient memory access, and this part supports DDR2 memory with dual-channel configuration. The memory bandwidth of 10.7 GB/s is fixed, which may limit multi-threaded performance in memory-intensive workloads, as both cores share the same memory bus.

Power and Thermals

The TDP is rated at 95 W, which classifies this processor as a moderate-power server part. For a dual-core K8 chip from the 2006 era, this TDP is consistent with the architecture's thermal characteristics. The 90 nm process node was not as power-efficient as later nodes, so a 95 W TDP for two cores at 2000.00 MHz is reasonable.

Cooling requirements for a 95 W TDP typically involve a standard server heatsink with a fan, but the FACT PACK does not specify cooler dimensions or thermal solutions. The data indicates the processor is end-of-life, so thermal management is a known quantity for existing systems. In a server chassis with adequate airflow, a 95 W TDP is manageable without exotic cooling. The lack of a boost clock also means the thermal load is constant, avoiding peak power spikes that might require more robust cooling.

The memory controller is integrated on the K8 architecture, which can add to the thermal load, but the 95 W TDP already accounts for this. For new deployments, this part would not stress modern cooling solutions, but for legacy systems, the 95 W TDP must be matched with a compatible heatsink that meets AMD Socket F mounting requirements.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed of the AMD Opteron 2212 (F2)?

A: The base clock is 2000.00 MHz, with no boost clock available.

Q: How many cores and threads does this processor have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning each core handles one thread.

Q: What memory type does the Opteron 2212 (F2) support?

A: It supports DDR2 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 10.7 GB/s, and ECC memory is enabled.

Q: What is the TDP and what cooling tier does it imply?

A: The TDP is 95 W, which implies a standard server air cooler is sufficient, as no exotic cooling is required.

Q: Does the processor have integrated graphics?

A: No, the FACT PACK lists no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU or server management controller is needed for display output.

Q: What is the production status and release date?

A: The production status is end-of-life, and the release date was 2006-08-14.

Benchmark Performance

The FACT PACK contains no benchmark scores for the Opteron 2212 (F2). The avgBenchmarkScore is 0, and the benchmarks array is empty. This means there is no empirical performance data to compare against rivals. The percentileVsAllCpus is 50, but without actual scores, this percentile cannot be corroborated by measured results. The absence of nearestRivals further prevents any percentage deltas from being calculated.

In the absence of scores, the only performance indicators are the clock speed and cache sizes. A 2000.00 MHz dual-core processor with 1 MB L2 per core is a baseline configuration for server workloads that prioritize stability over speed. The 50th percentile ranking suggests that, if the ranking is based on architectural similarity, this processor is average. However, the data is incomplete, and any claims of performance relative to rivals would be speculative. The launch MSRP of $377 positions it as a mid-range server part, but pricing should not be conflated with performance.

The lack of benchmark data is a significant gap. For a database that aims to provide comparative analysis, the Opteron 2212 (F2) currently lacks the measurable output to draw conclusions. The 50th percentile is the only quantitative marker, and it is unverified by any score.

Platform and Compatibility

The Opteron 2212 (F2) uses the AMD Socket F, which is a server-specific socket. The architecture is K8, with the codename Santa Rosa. The process node is 90 nm, and the die size is 235 mm², containing 227 million transistors. The part number is OSA2212GAA6CQ, and the multiplier is not unlocked, so overclocking is not supported.

Memory support includes DDR2 with dual-channel capability, and ECC memory is supported, which is critical for server reliability. The memory bandwidth is 10.7 GB/s, which is modest by modern standards but was adequate for the era. PCIe support is Gen 1, which limits expansion card bandwidth compared to later generations. The socket is specific to the Opteron server line, so upgrade paths are limited to other Socket F processors, though the FACT PACK does not list any compatible alternatives.

The processor is end-of-life, meaning new units are not manufactured. For existing systems, the upgrade path would require a motherboard that supports Socket F and the K8 architecture. The integrated memory controller (implied by K8) and ECC support make this part suitable for reliability-focused servers, but the PCIe Gen 1 interface may be a bottleneck for modern storage or network cards.

Who Should Consider It

For gaming, the Opteron 2212 (F2) is not a suitable choice. The dual-core, dual-thread configuration at 2000.00 MHz is far below modern gaming requirements, and the lack of a boost clock means no dynamic performance headroom. The 50th percentile ranking, if taken at face value, places it at the midpoint of all CPUs, but gaming workloads demand high single-thread performance, and this processor's fixed 2000.00 MHz speed is insufficient for contemporary titles.

For creation workloads, such as video editing or 3D rendering, the dual-core design is limiting. Multi-threaded creation applications would only utilize two threads, and the 10.7 GB/s memory bandwidth may throttle data-intensive tasks. The 95 W TDP suggests it was designed for power-conscious servers, not high-throughput workstations. However, for light creation tasks that are single-threaded, the 2000.00 MHz clock could handle basic image editing or audio processing, but the lack of L3 cache may increase latency.

For office and general server workloads, this processor is a reasonable fit for legacy applications. The ECC memory support ensures data integrity, and the dual-channel DDR2 provides adequate bandwidth for file serving, print services, or lightweight database operations. The 50th percentile ranking indicates it is neither a bottleneck nor a performance leader in a generic server environment. The end-of-life status means it is only relevant for maintaining existing systems, not for new builds. The 95 W TDP is modest, allowing for dense server deployments in chassis with limited cooling. Overall, the data suggests this is a workhorse for predictable, low-intensity server tasks rather than a high-performance computing solution.