AMD Opteron 2356
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD Opteron 2356 Specifications
Opteron 2356 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Opteron 2356 features 4 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
Opteron 2356 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 2356 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Opteron 2356 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Opteron 2356 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 2356 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Opteron 2356's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Zen 3 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD Opteron 2356 is built on AMD's 65 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in Opteron 2356 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Zen 3 Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Opteron 2356 by AMD supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Opteron 2356 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Opteron 2356 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
AMD Socket Fr2 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Opteron 2356 uses the AMD Socket Fr2 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
AMD Socket Fr2 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Opteron 2356 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Opteron 2356 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Opteron 2356 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Opteron 2356 is manufactured by AMD and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Opteron 2356 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Opteron 2356 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how AMD Opteron 2356 performs in parallel rendering workloads.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on AMD Opteron 2356. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of AMD Opteron 2356. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of AMD Opteron 2356 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how AMD Opteron 2356 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.
About AMD Opteron 2356
The AMD Opteron 2356 is built on a 65 nm Barcelona core architecture that emphasizes balanced compute and memory bandwidth. Its four physical cores and equal thread count deliver a straightforward, symmetric multiprocessing environment ideal for server workloads. A 2 MB shared L3 cache sits directly behind the cores, reducing latency for data‑intensive tasks. Operating at a 2.30 GHz base clock with a 95 W TDP, the processor fits comfortably within the power envelope of AMD Socket FR2 platforms. The design also incorporates AMD’s HyperTransport 3.0 interconnect, ensuring low‑latency communication across the system fabric.
In real‑world testing the AMD Opteron 2356 posted 1,554 points in Cinebench R23 multi‑core, a solid figure that reflects its ability to sustain parallel workloads. Single‑core performance reached 219 points in the same suite, confirming that the 2.30 GHz clock is efficiently translated into per‑core throughput. Older benchmarks still show relevance, with 652 points in Cinebench R20 multi‑core and 91 points in its single‑core mode. Even the legacy Cinebench R15 multi‑core score of 156 points demonstrates that the chip can handle legacy software without a dramatic drop. These results place the AMD Opteron 2356 squarely in the mid‑range server segment, where raw clock speed and cache size matter more than raw core count.
Compared to contemporary Intel Xeon L5520 models, the AMD Opteron 2356 offers a comparable performance envelope at a lower launch price of $690, making it an attractive option for cost‑sensitive data centers. Its 4‑core, 4‑thread layout means it excels in workloads that favor strong single‑thread performance over massive parallelism, such as database front‑ends and virtualization hosts. Pairing the chip with DDR2‑800 memory and a high‑bandwidth network adapter maximizes the benefit of its HyperTransport link. For storage‑heavy applications, coupling the AMD Opteron 2356 with enterprise‑grade SATA or SAS controllers leverages its balanced I/O capabilities. When paired with a robust motherboard that supports ample PCIe lanes, the processor delivers a dependable, data‑driven platform that can hold its own in mixed‑load server environments.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 2356
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-750 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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