AMD Opteron 4238
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
ECC MemoryAt a Glance
AMDAMD Opteron 4238 Specifications
Opteron 4238 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Opteron 4238 features 6 physical cores and 6 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 4238 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 4238 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 4238 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Opteron 4238 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 4238 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 4238's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Bulldozer Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD Opteron 4238 is built on AMD's 32 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 4238 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Bulldozer Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Opteron 4238 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 4238 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Opteron 4238 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 C32 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Opteron 4238 uses the AMD Socket C32 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 C32 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Opteron 4238 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 4238 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 4238 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Opteron 4238 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 4238 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Opteron 4238 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About AMD Opteron 4238
AMD Opteron 4238 is a six-core server processor built on the Bulldozer architecture, released in November 2011 under the Opteron 4000 series. It targets the server and workstation market segment, operating at a 3.30 GHz base clock with a 3.70 GHz boost clock, and is now end-of-life. The processor sits at the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the benchmark database, indicating a mid-pack standing in overall performance distribution.
Platform and Compatibility
The AMD Opteron 4238 uses the AMD Socket C32 platform, a socket designed for dual-socket server configurations. This socket supports the Opteron 4000 series family, which includes Valencia-codename parts built on the 32 nm process node from GlobalFoundries. The processor integrates 1,200 million transistors on a 315 mm² die, reflecting the density of the Bulldozer architecture.
Memory support is limited to DDR3, operating through a dual-channel memory bus. The memory bandwidth is rated at 25.6 GB/s, which is a fixed figure for this platform. ECC memory is supported, making the processor suitable for error-sensitive server workloads. No integrated graphics are present, as expected for a server-focused part.
PCIe support is Gen 2, which is an older standard compared to later generations. The upgrade path on Socket C32 is confined to other Opteron 4000 series processors, all sharing the same memory and PCIe capabilities. Since the production status is end-of-life, new upgrades are limited to the existing installed base. The processor is not multiplier-unlocked, so overclocking is not a supported feature on this platform.
The part number is OS4238WLU6KGU, and the launch MSRP was $255. The platform does not include any modern connectivity features like PCIe Gen 4 or Gen 5, nor does it support DDR4 or DDR5 memory, which are standard on newer server platforms. For legacy server deployments, the C32 socket offers a stable but dated foundation.
Power and Thermals
The AMD Opteron 4238 has a TDP of 95 watts, placing it in a mid-range power class for server processors. This TDP figure implies that a capable air cooler or a basic server heatsink is sufficient for thermal management. The 95 W TDP is notably lower than many high-core-count server parts, which often exceed 150 W, making the 4238 a relatively power-efficient option for six-core workloads.
Cooling requirements are modest given the 95 W envelope. Standard 1U or 2U server chassis can accommodate this processor with passive heatsinks or low-profile active coolers. The 32 nm process node helps keep power density manageable, but the Bulldozer architecture is known for higher power consumption per core compared to some competing designs. Still, the 95 W TDP allows for dense server configurations without exotic cooling solutions.
The thermal characteristics are consistent with the server market segment, where reliability and predictable power draw are prioritized over peak performance. The end-of-life status means that thermal solutions are widely available and well-documented. No liquid cooling is necessary, and the processor does not support extreme overclocking due to the locked multiplier, further simplifying thermal design.
Benchmark Performance
The benchmark data for the AMD Opteron 4238 shows an average benchmark score of 0, with no specific benchmark results listed. The percentile versus all CPUs is 50, which places it exactly at the median of the performance distribution. This indicates that the processor performs at a typical level for the database, neither excelling nor lagging significantly.
The nearest rivals list is empty, so direct comparisons cannot be made using the provided data. However, the 50th percentile suggests that the 4238 is positioned in the middle of the pack, likely outperforming older dual-core and quad-core server parts while falling behind newer eight-core and higher processors. The six-core, six-thread configuration means no hyper-threading, so multi-threaded performance scales directly with core count.
The base clock of 3.30 GHz and boost clock of 3.70 GHz are moderate for the era. The L1 cache is 288 KB, L2 cache is 6 MB, and L3 cache is 8 MB shared, providing a reasonable cache hierarchy for server workloads. The memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s is a limiting factor for memory-intensive tasks, but it is adequate for typical server applications like database queries or web serving.
Since no rival scores are provided, the performance analysis must rely on the percentile field. A 50th percentile ranking means the 4238 is exactly average in the database, which includes a wide range of CPUs from various generations and market segments. In practical terms, this processor would handle six-thread workloads competently but would struggle with highly parallel tasks that benefit from more cores or threads.
FAQ
Q: What socket does the AMD Opteron 4238 use?
A: The processor uses the AMD Socket C32 platform, which is designed for the Opteron 4000 series servers.
Q: Does the Opteron 4238 support ECC memory?
A: Yes, ECC memory is supported, which is critical for error-correcting in server environments.
Q: What is the TDP of the Opteron 4238?
A: The TDP is 95 watts, indicating a mid-range power draw that requires only a basic server cooler.
Q: How many cores and threads does the Opteron 4238 have?
A: It has 6 cores and 6 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading is enabled.
Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the Opteron 4238?
A: The memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s, achieved through a dual-channel DDR3 memory bus.
Q: Is the Opteron 4238 still in production?
A: No, the production status is end-of-life, so it is no longer manufactured.
How It Compares
The nearest rivals list is empty for the AMD Opteron 4238, so no direct competitor comparisons are available from the data. The processor's 50th percentile standing suggests it is a median performer, but without rival names or scores, a precise positioning cannot be established. In the broader context of server processors, the 4238's six cores and 95 W TDP would place it below higher-core-count parts like eight-core or twelve-core Opterons, but above older dual-core and quad-core models.
Given the empty nearestRivals array, the analysis must rely on the percentile field alone. A 50th percentile rank means that half of the CPUs in the database perform better and half perform worse. This is a neutral position, indicating that the 4238 is not a standout performer but also not a weak one. For legacy server applications that do not require extreme multi-threading, the 4238 offers a balanced combination of clock speed, core count, and power efficiency.
The lack of specific benchmark scores further complicates comparison, as the average benchmark score is 0, which may reflect missing data rather than actual performance. The percentile of 50 is the only quantitative performance metric available, and it anchors the 4238 as a mid-tier processor in the database's historical context.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 4238
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