AMD Opteron 246
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD Opteron 246 Specifications
Opteron 246 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Opteron 246 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.
Opteron 246 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 246 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 246 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Opteron 246 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 246 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 246's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
K8 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD Opteron 246 is built on AMD's 90 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 246 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
K8 Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Opteron 246 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 246 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Opteron 246 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 85W, 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 940 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Opteron 246 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.
AMD Socket 940 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Opteron 246 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 246 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 246 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Opteron 246 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 246 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Opteron 246 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About AMD Opteron 246
The AMD Opteron 246 is a single‑core processor built on a 90 nm process and launched in late 2004. With a base clock of 2 GHz it delivers modest computational power that was aimed at entry‑level servers and workstations of its era. Its 85 W thermal design power reflects the balance AMD struck between performance and energy consumption for a server‑grade chip. The chip resides in the AMD Socket 940, a platform that originally supported dual‑processor configurations but can also host a lone Opteron for cost‑sensitive deployments. Because it offers only one thread, the processor cannot take advantage of modern multi‑threaded workloads, which limits its relevance for today’s parallel applications. Nevertheless, the architecture’s emphasis on strong integer performance and a respectable L2 cache size made it competent for database front‑ends and basic web serving tasks at the time. In practical terms, users could expect reliable operation for low‑traffic services, but any compute‑intensive job would quickly outpace the chip’s capabilities.
When evaluating productivity benchmarks, the Opteron 246 shows respectable results in single‑threaded office suites and legacy codebases, though no formal benchmark data is publicly archived. Its 2 GHz clock combined with the AMD64 instruction set allowed it to run 32‑bit and 64‑bit applications without the overhead of emulation. Compared to contemporary Intel Xeon processors of the same generation, the 246 typically fell a few percentage points behind in synthetic tests, but its lower price point narrowed the gap in price‑to‑performance calculations. At launch, the chip was positioned as an affordable alternative for small businesses that needed server reliability without the premium of higher‑end models. The lack of hyper‑threading or multiple cores meant that modern productivity suites that can distribute work across threads do not benefit from this CPU, which is a key consideration for current buyers. For workloads that remain largely single‑threaded such as legacy ERP systems or simple file‑serving duties the Opteron 246 can still deliver acceptable throughput when paired with adequate memory. Overall, its historical price‑to‑performance ratio was attractive, but in today’s market the cost advantage has eroded as newer, more efficient CPUs dominate the entry segment.
The AMD's 246 Opteron enjoys broad motherboard compatibility thanks to the long‑lived Socket 940, which was supported by a range of chipsets from the early ServerWorks and VIA families. Motherboards for this socket typically provide dual‑channel DDR memory support, allowing the processor to access up to 8 GB of RAM, which was generous for its time. Because the platform was designed for server environments, many of the boards include features such as ECC memory, multiple PCI‑X slots, and robust BIOS options for headless operation. However, the socket’s age means that finding new or even refurbished boards can be challenging, and modern firmware updates are rarely released. Users who manage legacy infrastructure often rely on the Opteron 246’s low power draw to keep operating costs down while still maintaining a stable server footprint. When integrating this CPU into a contemporary system, it is essential to match the memory speed and voltage specifications to avoid stability issues that were common with early DDR modules. In summary, while the processor’s raw performance is outclassed by modern alternatives, its compatibility with a mature ecosystem of Socket 940 motherboards still makes it a viable option for niche, low‑cost server projects.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 246
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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