AMD Opteron 240

The AMD Opteron 240 is a single-core, single-thread server processor built on the K8 architecture, codenamed SledgeHammer. Released on August 4, 2003, it runs at a fixed 1400 MHz base clock with no boost capability, and it is fitted with 128 KB of L1 cache and 1 MB of L2 cache. The processor carries an 82W TDP and targets the Server/Workstation market segment on the AMD Socket 940 platform. In the benchmark database, it holds a 50th percentile rank among all CPUs and an average benchmark score of 0.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The data shows a strictly single-threaded design: 1 core and 1 thread. There is no boost clock, so the 1400 MHz base frequency is the maximum sustained speed. For real workloads, this means any application that can leverage only one thread will see performance directly tied to that 1400 MHz clock. Multi-threaded workloads, conversely, will gain nothing from additional threads because none exist. The 1 MB L2 cache is substantial for a processor of this era, which can help single-threaded tasks by reducing memory latency. However, the absence of an L3 cache (null in the data) limits the ability to hold larger working sets. The 50th percentile placement indicates that this part sits at the median of the database's CPU population, but that ranking is based on a historical context. The average benchmark score of 0 suggests that no performance measurements have been recorded, so the percentile is a positional metric rather than a performance one. In practice, the single-thread behavior is the only behavior; there is no parallel execution path. This makes the Opteron 240 unsuitable for modern multi-threaded server workloads, which typically require multiple cores. The 1400 MHz clock, combined with the K8 architecture, provides a baseline for legacy single-threaded applications that are not sensitive to core count. The lack of a boost clock means predictable, consistent performance under load, which can be an advantage in deterministic environments. However, for any workload that scales with threads, the processor will be a bottleneck. The data indicates a clear split: single-thread performance is the sole metric, and multi-thread performance is effectively non-existent. The dual-channel memory bus is present, but with only one core, the memory controller's bandwidth is underutilized. The 128 KB L1 cache is a fixed allocation, and the 1 MB L2 cache is a significant asset for the era, helping to keep frequently accessed data close to the core. Without a boost clock, the processor cannot dynamically adjust its frequency, so the 1400 MHz is a hard ceiling. This means that even in short bursts, there is no headroom for transient performance increases. The percentile of 50 places it exactly in the middle of the database's CPU list, which suggests a typical historical performance level, but the zero average score complicates any interpretation of actual speed.

Power and Thermals

The Opteron 240 is rated at an 82W TDP. This is a modest power envelope for a server processor, but it is notable given the 130 nm process node. The chip contains 106 million transistors on a 193 mm² die. The large die size helps distribute heat, but the 82W TDP still requires active cooling. A standard server heatsink or a capable air cooler would be sufficient to manage the thermal output. The 130 nm process is relatively large by modern standards, which typically implies higher power density per clock, but the single-core design at 1400 MHz keeps the absolute power within the 82W envelope. The data does not specify a boost clock, so the power draw is consistent at the base frequency. For cooling tier implications, an 82W TDP class processor generally fits into entry-level server cooling solutions. The absence of an integrated GPU (null) means all power is directed to the CPU cores and cache. The 1 MB L2 cache, while helpful for performance, adds to the transistor count and thus contributes to the thermal load. In a server chassis, the 82W TDP allows for dense deployment, but the single core means that each socket provides limited computational throughput. The thermal design suggests that passive cooling might be marginal; active cooling is recommended. The 130 nm node's leakage characteristics are not detailed, but the 82W figure provides a clear thermal ceiling for system designers. The 193 mm² die size is large, which generally improves thermal conductivity because heat is spread over a larger area. However, the 106 million transistor count on a 130 nm process means a relatively high transistor density for that era, but the 82W TDP keeps the thermal density manageable. The lack of ECC memory support (eccMemory is false) means that the processor does not have the error-correcting features that are common in server parts, which may affect its reliability in memory-intensive environments, but it does not directly impact thermals. The PCIe Gen 2 interface is an older standard, but it does not influence power consumption significantly in this context. The 82W TDP is the key figure for thermal design, indicating that a low-profile server cooler with a small fan would be adequate. Given the single core, the heat generated is concentrated in a small area of the die, but the large overall die size mitigates hotspots.

Who Should Consider It

Given the single core and 1400 MHz clock, the Opteron 240 is best suited for legacy server applications that are strictly single-threaded. Examples include simple control systems, legacy database front-ends, or dedicated single-purpose server tasks that do not require parallel processing. For gaming, the data shows no multi-thread capability, and the 1400 MHz clock is far below what modern games require, so it is not recommended for any gaming workload. For content creation, the lack of multiple cores and threads makes it unsuitable for rendering, video encoding, or other multi-threaded creation tasks. Office workloads, such as basic text editing or spreadsheet use, might run on a single thread, but the 1400 MHz clock and the end-of-life production status make it a poor choice for modern office environments. The Server/Workstation market segment confirms its intended use in servers, not desktops. The 50th percentile rank among all CPUs suggests it is an average part historically, but that average is skewed by the fact that it is a very early 64-bit server processor. The 128 KB L1 and 1 MB L2 caches are small by modern standards, limiting its ability to handle large datasets. The dual-channel memory bus provides a memory path, but the single core limits memory throughput demands. The PCIe Gen 2 interface is also outdated, limiting expansion options. Therefore, the only realistic consideration is for maintaining or repairing legacy server infrastructure. The ECC memory support is false, which means it is not suitable for mission-critical error-correcting workloads. The end-of-life status means no new systems should be built around it. For anyone looking at the data, this processor is a historical artifact rather than a viable modern component. The 1 MB L2 cache is the largest cache available, as there is no L3 cache, so the working set is limited to 1 MB. The 82W TDP means that it can be used in older server chassis that have adequate cooling. The lack of a boost clock means that it will not throttle up to handle transient loads, so it is best for steady-state workloads. The production status of end-of-life indicates that replacement parts may be scarce. The release date of 2003 places it in the early 64-bit era, so it is only relevant for legacy systems that require that specific architecture.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed of the AMD Opteron 240?

A: The base clock speed is 1400 MHz, and there is no boost clock listed.

Q: How many cores and threads does the Opteron 240 have?

A: It has 1 core and 1 thread, making it a strictly single-threaded processor.

Q: What is the TDP of the Opteron 240?

A: The TDP is rated at 82W.

Q: What socket does the Opteron 240 use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket 940.

Q: Does the Opteron 240 support ECC memory?

A: No, the data indicates that ECC memory support is not available (eccMemory is false).

Q: What is the process node for this processor?

A: The process node is 130 nm.

How It Compares

The database lists no nearest rivals for the AMD Opteron 240. The `nearestRivals` array is empty, meaning there are no specific competitor parts with recorded score deltas to compare against. Consequently, the only comparative metrics available are the 50th percentile placement among all CPUs and an average benchmark score of 0. The 50th percentile indicates that, in the historical context of the database, this processor sits exactly at the median of the CPU population. This is a positional ranking, not a performance score. The average benchmark score of 0 suggests that no performance data has been aggregated for this part, so any direct numerical comparison to rivals is impossible. In the absence of rival data, the Opteron 240's position is defined by its absolute specifications: a single 1400 MHz core, 82W TDP, and 1 MB L2 cache. Given the lack of rivals, the analysis must rely on these intrinsic properties. The percentile rank of 50 provides a broad reference, but it does not indicate superiority or inferiority to any specific part. For a comprehensive comparison, one would need to look at other K8-based processors, but no such data is present in the the benchmark database. Therefore, this section is limited to stating that no rival comparisons are available, and the processor's standing is only measured against the aggregate CPU population. The zero average benchmark score further complicates any comparative analysis, as it implies a lack of recorded performance data. This means that the 50th percentile is the only quantitative link to other CPUs in the database. Without rival names or deltaPct values, any attempt to position the Opteron 240 against a specific competitor would be speculative. The data is clear: this part is a standalone entry in the database with no direct comparisons available.