AMD

AMD Opteron 240

AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores

1
Cores
1
Threads
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GHz Boost
82W
TDP

AMD Opteron 240 Specifications

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Opteron 240 Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The AMD Opteron 240 features 1 physical cores and 1 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.

Cores
1
Threads
1
SMP CPUs
1
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Opteron 240 Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 240 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 240 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
1400 GHz
Boost Clock
N/A
Multiplier
7x
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AMD's Opteron 240 Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 240 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 240's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
128 KB
L2 Cache
1 MB
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K8 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The AMD Opteron 240 is built on AMD's 130 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 240 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
K8
Codename
SledgeHammer
Process Node
130 nm
Transistors
106 million
Die Size
193 mmยฒ
Generation
Opteron (SledgeHammer (C0))
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K8 Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Opteron 240 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.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
AMD64
AMD-V
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Opteron 240 Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The AMD Opteron 240 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 82W, 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.

TDP
82W
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AMD Socket 940 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Opteron 240 uses the AMD Socket 940 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.

Socket
AMD Socket 940
PCIe
Gen 2
Package
ยตPGA
DDR5

AMD Socket 940 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the Opteron 240 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 240 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.

Memory Bus
Dual-channel
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Opteron 240 Product Information

Release and pricing details

The AMD Opteron 240 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 240 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.

Manufacturer
AMD
Release Date
Aug 2003
Market
Server/Workstation
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
OSA240CEP5AL

Opteron 240 Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this CPU.

About AMD Opteron 240

The AMD Opteron 240, released in August 2003, represents an early milestone in AMD's server-grade processor lineup with its single-core, single-thread architecture clocked at 1.4 GHz on a 130 nm process. In real-world performance expectations, this processor was designed for entry-level workstation and server tasks of its era, handling basic multitasking and light computational workloads adequately but struggling with modern applications due to its age. Users could anticipate reliable operation in environments like small business servers or database hosting, though it lacks the multi-threading capabilities of contemporary CPUs. Power consumption at 82W TDP made it suitable for rack-mounted systems without excessive cooling demands. Overall, the Opteron 240 processor delivered consistent performance for 32/64-bit computing transitions in the early 2000s.

Productivity benchmarks for the AMD Opteron 240 are scarce today, as no contemporary data is available in modern databases, reflecting its obsolescence in current testing suites. Historically, it performed respectably in SPECint and SPECfp tests against rivals like Intel Xeon processors, excelling in integer-heavy tasks such as file serving. For office productivity like document processing or email servers, it offered sufficient throughput for teams of under 50 users. Video transcoding or 3D rendering would have been slow by today's standards, limited by the single core. In essence, this Sledgehammer-based Opteron shone in straightforward enterprise workloads but faltered under parallel processing demands.

The value proposition of the AMD Opteron 240 lies primarily in retro computing, emulation projects, or as a collector's item rather than practical modern use. At launch, its competitive pricing on Socket 940 systems provided strong cost-per-performance for budget-conscious IT departments. Today, acquiring one might cost under $20 on secondary markets, appealing for headless servers running legacy FreeBSD or Linux distros. However, electricity costs and lack of software support diminish long-term value. It remains a testament to AMD's early dominance in 64-bit server tech, offering nostalgia without high investment.

Compatibility considerations for the Opteron 240 processor center on its Socket 940 interface, requiring motherboards from the same Opteron generation like those from Tyan or Supermicro. It supports registered DDR memory up to 8 GB, ideal for period-accurate builds but incompatible with newer DDR standards. Operating systems such as Windows Server 2003 or Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 integrate seamlessly, while virtualization demands careful hypervisor selection like early Xen. Key factors include:

  1. BIOS firmware updates for stability on dual-CPU boards.
  2. Power supply ratings above 300W for multi-socket configs.
  3. Chipset limitations to AMD-8131 or similar northbridges.
  4. Cooling solutions with 940-pin retention mechanisms.
  5. Avoiding mix-ups with later Socket 939 consumer parts.

The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 240

Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-750 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.

Intel Core i5-750

Intel โ€ข 4 Cores

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