AMD Opteron 246
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
At a Glance
AMDAMD 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 from the K8 architecture, codenamed Troy, built on a 90 nm process with 106 million transistors. It operates at a fixed 2000 MHz clock, features 128 KB of L1 cache and 1 MB of L2 cache, and is rated for an 85 W TDP. Released on November 30, 2004, it targets the server/workstation market segment and is now end-of-life. In the benchmark database, it holds a 50th percentile rank and an average benchmark score of 0.
How It Compares
The nearestRivals list for this processor is empty, meaning the database contains no direct comparison points. Consequently, the only quantitative comparative metric is the percentileVsAllCpus value of 50, which places the Opteron 246 exactly at the median of all CPUs in the database. This is a neutral standing: it is neither a top performer nor a bottom-tier part. In the context of its release date of 2004, a single-core CPU at 2000 MHz would have been a mainstream server part, but compared to modern CPUs, it would be vastly outclassed. However, without specific rival data, we cannot state any percentage deltas. The 50th percentile suggests that half of the CPUs in the database perform better and half perform worse, but the absence of benchmark scores (average score of 0) makes it unclear whether this percentile is derived from actual tests or from a default assignment. The production status of end-of-life further indicates that it is not a current contender. In summary, the Opteron 246 occupies a median position, with no specific rivals to compare against.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The Opteron 246 has 1 core and 1 thread, so there is no distinction between single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. Any workload that can be parallelized will not benefit from additional threads, as none exist. The benchmark score of 0 suggests that no multi-threaded scaling is possible, and the processor's performance is entirely dependent on the 2000 MHz clock and the cache hierarchy. The 128 KB L1 cache and 1 MB L2 cache are the only levels of cache; there is no L3 cache. This means that memory latency is a critical factor, and the dual-channel memory bus may help mitigate some of that latency, but without memory support details, we cannot quantify the bandwidth. In real-world terms, single-threaded tasks such as legacy database queries, simple web serving, or office applications will rely on the raw clock speed. Multi-threaded tasks, such as modern video rendering, scientific simulations, or server virtualization, will see no benefit from threading. The lack of a boost clock means the CPU cannot temporarily increase its frequency for bursty workloads, so performance is constant. This deterministic behavior can be an advantage for predictable latency in real-time systems, but it also means there is no headroom for peak performance. Overall, the single-thread versus multi-thread behavior is trivial: there is only one thread, so all workloads are single-threaded.
Who Should Consider It
Given its market segment of Server/Workstation, the Opteron 246 was designed for professional workloads. However, its end-of-life status and lack of ECC memory support (eccMemory: false) make it unsuitable for modern server environments that require error-correcting memory for data integrity. The absence of ECC is a notable gap for a server CPU, as ECC is a standard feature in that segment. For legacy systems that still use AMD Socket 940 motherboards, this CPU could serve as a drop-in replacement or for testing purposes. The part number OSA246FIK5BC can be used for identification. For gaming, the single core and lack of modern instruction sets would severely limit performance, and the need for a discrete GPU (since there is no integrated graphics) adds cost. For content creation, the lack of multi-threading means that tasks like rendering, video encoding, and image processing would be extremely slow. Office applications that are single-threaded and not CPU-intensive might run adequately, given the 2000 MHz clock and 1 MB L2 cache. However, the dual-channel memory bus is a positive feature for memory bandwidth, which could benefit memory-bound single-threaded tasks. The PCIe Gen 2 interface is present, but its utility is unclear without further details. Overall, this processor is only suitable for specific, legacy, single-threaded workloads where the fixed clock and cache are sufficient.
FAQ
Q: What is the base clock speed of the AMD Opteron 246?
A: The base clock speed is 2000 MHz.
Q: How many cores and threads does it have?
A: It has 1 core and 1 thread.
Q: What is the L2 cache size?
A: The L2 cache is 1 MB.
Q: What process node is it built on?
A: It is built on a 90 nm process.
Q: Does it support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What is the market segment of this processor?
A: It is designed for the server/workstation market segment.
Benchmark Performance
The average benchmark score for the Opteron 246 is 0, and its percentile rank is 50. A score of 0 typically indicates that no benchmark results have been recorded for this part, or that it is used as a baseline. The 50th percentile means that it sits exactly at the median of all CPUs in the database. Without specific rival comparisons, we cannot quantify deltas to other processors. However, the single-core, single-thread design implies that any multi-threaded benchmark would yield no scaling, and the performance would be directly proportional to the 2000 MHz clock and the cache hierarchy. The 1 MB L2 cache is relatively large for a single-core CPU of its generation, which may help mitigate memory latency. The 128 KB L1 cache is present, and there is no L3 cache, so the total cache footprint is limited. The dual-channel memory bus could provide adequate bandwidth for its era, but the lack of memory support details limits further analysis. The PCIe Gen 2 interface is present, though it is unclear if that applies to the CPU or the platform. The transistor count of 106 million on a 90 nm process indicates a moderate complexity for its time. The base clock of 2000 MHz is the only frequency, as there is no boost clock. The multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking. The production status is end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured. The release date of November 30, 2004, places it in the early 2000s. Overall, the benchmark data is sparse, but the percentile rank offers a baseline for comparison.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 246
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