AMD Opteron 4256 EE
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
ECC MemoryAt a Glance
AMDAMD Opteron 4256 EE Specifications
Opteron 4256 EE Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Opteron 4256 EE features 8 physical cores and 8 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 4256 EE Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 4256 EE 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 4256 EE by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Opteron 4256 EE Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 4256 EE 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 4256 EE'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 4256 EE 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 4256 EE incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Bulldozer Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Opteron 4256 EE 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 4256 EE Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Opteron 4256 EE has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35W, 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 4256 EE 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 4256 EE 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 4256 EE 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 4256 EE Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Opteron 4256 EE 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 4256 EE by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Opteron 4256 EE Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About AMD Opteron 4256 EE
The AMD Opteron 4256 EE is an 8-core, 8-thread server processor built on the Bulldozer architecture at GlobalFoundries' 32 nm process node. Released on 2011-11-13, it targets the server/workstation segment with a 35W TDP, making it one of the most power-conscious entries in the Opteron Valencia lineup. The processor carries a launch MSRP of $377.
Benchmark Performance
The benchmark database contains no scored entries for the Opteron 4256 EE; the benchmarks array is empty and the average benchmark score is recorded as zero. This absence of data is itself informative — it suggests the processor was not widely benchmarked in public databases, likely because of its niche server positioning and end-of-life status. However, the percentile field places it at the 50th percentile against all CPUs in the database, indicating that it sits exactly at the midpoint of the performance distribution.
A 50th percentile placement is remarkable for a low-power server chip from 2011. It implies that the 8-core configuration, combined with the 2.80 GHz boost clock, compensates for the modest 1.60 GHz base clock. The processor is not a performance outlier in either direction — it is squarely average.
The 8 cores and 8 threads operate without simultaneous multithreading. Each physical core handles exactly one thread. This design choice simplifies scheduling for server workloads that favor physical cores over logical threads, and it avoids the performance contention that can occur when two threads share a single core's execution resources.
The cache hierarchy is substantial: 384 KB of L1 cache, 8 MB of L2 cache, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. For an 8-core processor, this provides a generous amount of on-die storage for frequently accessed data. The shared L3 is particularly important in the Bulldozer architecture, where pairs of cores share certain execution resources and rely on the L3 for coherent communication.
Power and Thermals
The 35W TDP is the defining characteristic of this processor. For an 8-core server chip built on a 32 nm process, a 35W envelope is exceptionally low. The "EE" suffix in the product name signals this efficiency-focused positioning, and the data corroborates it: 1,200 million transistors packed into a 315 mm² die, yet drawing only 35W at the thermal design point.
The cooling implication is clear: a modest air cooler or a passive heatsink in a well-ventilated chassis is sufficient. The low TDP class means that even in dense server enclosures with restricted airflow, the 4256 EE should remain within its thermal budget. This makes it attractive for environments where power density and cooling capacity are constrained.
The trade-off is clock speed. A 1.60 GHz base clock is conservative, and even the 2.80 GHz boost is moderate compared to higher-TDP parts. The 4256 EE is engineered for efficiency first, performance second. The 35W TDP also has implications for system-level power: a server populated with these processors will draw less power at idle and under load, reducing both electricity costs and cooling requirements.
Platform and Compatibility
The Opteron 4256 EE uses the AMD Socket C32 platform. The processor is built on the Bulldozer architecture with the Valencia codename, and it belongs to the Opteron (Valencia) generation. The 32 nm process node and GlobalFoundries foundry are consistent with the generation's manufacturing approach.
Memory support is DDR3 with a dual-channel bus, providing a theoretical memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. ECC memory is supported, which is essential for server reliability — it allows the system to detect and correct single-bit memory errors without crashing. The combination of ECC support and dual-channel DDR3 makes this processor suitable for memory-sensitive workloads like databases and virtualization.
PCIe connectivity is Gen 2. This is an older PCIe generation, which limits the bandwidth available to expansion cards compared to modern Gen 4 or Gen 5 platforms. However, for the server workloads of its era, Gen 2 was standard.
The processor has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU or a server management controller with onboard video is required for display output. The market segment is explicitly Server/Workstation, confirming that this is not a consumer desktop part.
The production status is end-of-life, and the release date is 2011-11-13. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not an option — consistent with its server positioning where stability is prioritized over enthusiast tweaking. The part number is OS4256HJU8KGU.
How It Compares
The nearestRivals field in the database is empty, so there are no direct rival comparisons with specific scores or percentage deltas available. The absence of rival data means the 50th percentile ranking is the only comparative reference point. It indicates that the 4256 EE performs better than half of all CPUs in the database and worse than the other half.
The 35W TDP, combined with the 8-core configuration, positions this processor in a specific niche: energy-efficient server computing. The 1,200 million transistors and 315 mm² die size, built on GlobalFoundries' 32 nm process, are the physical foundations of that positioning.
Without rival scores to compare against, the data tells a story of a processor that prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance. The 50th percentile placement indicates it is not a flagship part, but it is far from a weak one.
Who Should Consider It
Given its 35W TDP, 8 cores, and ECC memory support, the Opteron 4256 EE is suited for workloads that value efficiency and reliability over peak performance. Server environments running many small virtual machines, lightweight containerized services, or network-attached storage appliances would benefit from the low power draw and ECC protection.
For database workloads that are memory-bound, the 25.6 GB/s dual-channel DDR3 bandwidth and ECC support provide a stable foundation. The 8 MB shared L3 cache helps with moderate working sets, reducing the frequency of main memory accesses.
For high-performance computing or heavy multi-threaded rendering, the 4256 EE would not be the first choice — the 1.60 GHz base clock and lack of SMT limit its throughput compared to higher-clocked or hyper-threaded parts. However, for 24/7 operation where every watt counts, the 4256 EE's efficiency profile is compelling.
The end-of-life status means this is not a new purchase recommendation, but for existing C32 platforms or as a replacement part in legacy servers, it remains a viable option. Its 50th percentile standing ensures it will not be a bottleneck for typical server workloads.
FAQ
Q: How many cores and threads does the AMD Opteron 4256 EE have?
A: It has 8 cores and 8 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading.
Q: What is the TDP of the Opteron 4256 EE?
A: The thermal design power is 35W.
Q: What memory type does it support?
A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, and it supports ECC memory.
Q: What socket does the Opteron 4256 EE use?
A: It uses the AMD Socket C32.
Q: Does it have integrated graphics?
A: No, the integrated graphics field is null — it requires a discrete GPU or a server management controller for display output.
Q: When was it released and what is its production status?
A: It was released on 2011-11-13 and is now end-of-life.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The Opteron 4256 EE presents an interesting split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. With 8 physical cores and no SMT, multi-threaded workloads that can utilize all 8 cores will see the full benefit of the processor's design. The 8 MB L2 and 8 MB shared L3 cache provide ample data locality for parallel workloads.
Single-thread performance, however, is constrained by the 1.60 GHz base clock. The boost clock of 2.80 GHz helps when fewer cores are active, but the per-core throughput is limited by the low base frequency. The 50th percentile ranking reflects this balance: the processor is neither a single-thread champion nor a multi-thread slouch.
For workloads that are primarily single-threaded — such as legacy server applications that were not written for parallelism — the 4256 EE will feel limited at 1.60 GHz base. But for workloads that scale across cores, the 8-core configuration at 2.80 GHz boost can deliver respectable throughput within the 35W power envelope.
The absence of SMT means that the operating system sees 8 logical processors, matching the 8 physical cores. This simplifies load balancing and avoids the contention issues that can arise with simultaneous multithreading in virtualized environments. For server workloads that are sensitive to latency, the lack of SMT can be an advantage. The wide gap between base and boost clocks also suggests the processor is designed to spend most of its time at lower frequencies, ramping up only when all cores are needed — a behavior that aligns well with bursty server workloads rather than sustained heavy computation.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 4256 EE
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-2430M offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
Popular AMD Opteron 4256 EE Comparisons
See how the Opteron 4256 EE stacks up against similar processors from the same generation and competing brands.
Compare Opteron 4256 EE with Other CPUs
Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.
Browse CPUs