AMD Opteron 2356 (B3)
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD Opteron 2356 (B3) Specifications
Opteron 2356 (B3) Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Opteron 2356 (B3) 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 (B3) Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 2356 (B3) 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 (B3) by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Opteron 2356 (B3) Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 2356 (B3) 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 (B3)'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 (B3) 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 (B3) 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 (B3) 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 (B3) Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Opteron 2356 (B3) 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 (B3) 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 (B3) 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 (B3) 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 (B3) Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Opteron 2356 (B3) 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 (B3) by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Opteron 2356 (B3) Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About AMD Opteron 2356 (B3)
The AMD Opteron 2356 (B3) operates as a relic of mid-2000s server and workstation compute power, offering a 2.3 GHz base clock across four cores and threads. While its Barcelona architecture delivered decent single-threaded performance for 2008 workloads, modern applications would quickly outpace its capabilities. The lack of hyper-threading and a modest 2 MB shared L3 cache hinder multitasking efficiency, making it suitable only for legacy tasks like basic rendering or light virtualization. Its 65 nm process and 95W TDP also mean thermal management is a concern, as older cooling solutions may struggle to contain heat. Gamers or users running multithreaded software today would find this CPU inadequate, but it could still serve as a nostalgic build component for retro computing enthusiasts. Despite its age, the Opteron 2356’s 1333 MHz memory support and HyperTransport 3.0 interconnect remain noteworthy for their time.
Workstation users seeking raw performance will find the Opteron 2356 (B3) severely lacking by 2024 standards. Its four cores, while adequate for older CAD or DCC applications, falter under the demands of 4K editing or AI workflows. The processor’s memory bandwidth limitations coupled with a lack of PCIe 3.0 or higher further restrict throughput for data-heavy workloads. However, in environments running legacy software optimized for 32-bit OSes or early 64-bit applications, this chip might still justify its existence. Motherboard compatibility remains a hurdle, as only rare AMD 1335 platform boards support the Fr2 socket. For those preserving historical systems, the Opteron 2356’s launch price of $690 in 2008 feels comically inflated compared to modern budget CPUs, but its cost-effectiveness today is near zero unless paired with free, salvaged components.
- 4 cores and 4 threads at 2.3 GHz base clock
- 2 MB shared L3 cache with 65 nm manufacturing
- AMD Socket Fr2 compatibility (extremely rare today)
- 95W TDP requiring robust cooling for stable operation
For motherboard support, the 2.3 GHz Opteron 2356 demands a niche ecosystem few modern boards exist, and those that do are either vintage or repurposed for retro builds. Enthusiasts might scavenge for Tyan or ASUS server boards from the late 2000s, but these platforms often lack USB 3.0 and NVMe support. Power delivery and BIOS updates are non-trivial challenges, as original manufacturers no longer provide technical assistance. While the Barcelona-era Opteron’s HyperTransport design allowed for decent multi-CPU scalability, most dual-socket boards for this chip are equally scarce and costly. The 65 nm Opteron 2356 isn’t a practical choice for new builds, but it serves as a window into the transition period between older dual-core and modern multi-core architectures. For hardware historians, sourcing this part is a puzzle of patience and persistence, not a viable upgrade path for any contemporary use case.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 2356 (B3)
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-750 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
Popular AMD Opteron 2356 (B3) Comparisons
See how the Opteron 2356 (B3) stacks up against similar processors from the same generation and competing brands.
Compare Opteron 2356 (B3) with Other CPUs
Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.
Browse CPUs