AMD Opteron 4310 EE

The AMD Opteron 4310 EE is a 4-core, 4-thread server processor built on the Piledriver architecture and Seoul codename, launched on 2012-12-03. With a base clock of 2.20 GHz, a boost clock of 3.00 GHz, and a 35 W TDP, this part targets power-constrained server and workstation environments. The data indicates a processor positioned at the 50th percentile against all CPUs, with no direct competitor benchmarks recorded in the current dataset. This analysis relies solely on the provided specifications and architectural details.

Benchmark Performance

The FACT PACK lists no benchmark scores for the AMD Opteron 4310 EE, and the `nearestRivals` array is empty. Consequently, no exact performance deltas can be calculated against specific competitors. The only performance-related data point is the `percentileVsAllCpus` of 50, which places this processor exactly at the median of the entire CPU landscape in the database. This percentile suggests that, among all CPUs tracked, half are expected to outperform it and half are expected to underperform, though the absence of an average benchmark score (0) means no absolute performance magnitude is available.

The lack of rival data means that statements such as "30% ahead" or "20% behind" cannot be made. The architecture itself, Piledriver, is a known 32 nm design from GlobalFoundries, with 1,200 million transistors on a 315 mm² die. The 4-core / 4-thread configuration, combined with a 2.20 GHz base and 3.00 GHz boost, indicates a modest single-socket capability. For workloads that scale with core count, the 4-thread limit will be a clear constraint, but for lightly threaded tasks, the boost clock of 3.00 GHz provides a reasonable ceiling.

Given the empty benchmark array, the percentile of 50 is the sole quantitative performance indicator. This implies that the Opteron 4310 EE delivers a mid-pack experience, consistent with its low-power design and older architecture. In real-world terms, this processor would be expected to handle routine server duties—like database queries, file serving, or light virtualization—without excelling at compute-heavy parallel tasks. The data does not support any claim of superiority or deficiency relative to named rivals, as none are provided.

How It Compares

The `nearestRivals` field is empty, which means there are no direct competitor comparisons available in the FACT PACK. This absence prevents any paragraph-level analysis of specific rival processors. The only contextual anchor is the 50th percentile ranking, which positions it as an average performer among all CPUs tracked in the database. Without named rivals, no statements about relative strengths or weaknesses can be formulated.

For a server chip from 2012, the Opteron 4310 EE sits in a historical context where contemporaries might include other AMD Opteron models or Intel Xeon parts, but none are listed. The lack of data forces a neutral stance: the processor's performance cannot be contrasted with any specific alternative. The 4-core, 4-thread design, paired with 8 MB of shared L3 cache, suggests a workload profile similar to other dual-channel DDR3 servers of that era, but no precise comparisons are possible.

The empty rival list also means that no pricing, clock speed, or core-count comparisons can be made. The only number available for positioning is the 35 W TDP, which is notably low for a server chip, hinting at energy efficiency as a primary design goal rather than raw throughput. This efficiency focus likely made it suitable for dense, power-limited deployments, but the benchmark page lacks the data to quantify that advantage.

Who Should Consider It

The Opteron 4310 EE is best suited for workloads that prioritize low power consumption over high core counts. The 4 cores and 4 threads, running at a base of 2.20 GHz and boost of 3.00 GHz, are adequate for single-threaded or lightly threaded server tasks. For example, a small-scale file server, a lightweight web server, or a dedicated application server handling modest request volumes could operate comfortably within these limits. The 35 W TDP implies that system cooling and power delivery requirements are minimal, making it attractive for silent or compact server builds.

Conversely, the 4-thread limit is a clear barrier for multi-threaded creation workloads, such as video rendering, 3D modeling, or heavy compilation, where 8 or more threads are typically beneficial. The benchmark percentile of 50 confirms this: it is not a high-performance CPU, and users demanding significant parallel processing should look elsewhere. Office productivity tasks, such as spreadsheet calculations, document editing, and email handling, would run fine, but the processor offers no headroom for intensive multitasking.

The ECC memory support and DDR3 dual-channel bus (25.6 GB/s bandwidth) make it a candidate for reliability-focused environments where data integrity is critical, such as entry-level database servers or backup systems. The integrated graphics, available "on certain motherboards (Chipset feature)", is not a strong selling point for gaming or GPU-accelerated tasks, as it is a chipset-level feature rather than a dedicated GPU. Overall, this is a processor for efficiency-first, compute-light server roles, not for performance-hungry applications.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count of the AMD Opteron 4310 EE?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading is supported.

Q: What is the TDP and what cooling tier does it imply?

A: The TDP is 35 W, which is very low for a server processor. This implies that a basic passive cooler or a small low-profile active cooler would suffice, and no high-end liquid or large tower cooler is necessary.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory is supported, which is essential for error-correcting workloads in servers and workstations.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth and bus configuration?

A: It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. This is a modest figure, indicating that memory-intensive tasks will be limited by bandwidth.

Q: What is the release date and launch MSRP?

A: The release date is 2012-12-03, and the launch MSRP was $415. This price point was typical for a low-power server chip of that era.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not officially supported. Users must rely on the provided base clock of 2.20 GHz and boost clock of 3.00 GHz.

Power and Thermals

The 35 W TDP places the Opteron 4310 EE in a very low power class for server processors. This is a defining characteristic, as most server chips in the Opteron lineup historically consumed more power. The low TDP means that thermal management is straightforward: a standard server heatsink with a small fan, or even a passive heatsink in a well-ventilated chassis, would be sufficient. The 32 nm process node from GlobalFoundries contributes to this efficiency, as does the Piledriver architecture’s design for power savings at lower clock speeds.

The base clock of 2.20 GHz is conservative, allowing the chip to operate well within its thermal envelope. The boost clock of 3.00 GHz provides a temporary performance increase when thermal headroom allows, but sustained all-core loads will likely settle near the base clock due to the 35 W limit. For system integrators, this translates to lower overall system power consumption, reduced cooling fan noise, and potentially smaller power supply requirements. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of raw performance, as evidenced by the 50th percentile ranking. The data shows a clear trade-off: minimal power draw versus modest compute capability.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Opteron 4310 EE has 4 cores and 4 threads, with no hyper-threading or equivalent technology. This means that multi-threaded performance scales only with the physical core count, which is limited. The boost clock of 3.00 GHz applies to single-core workloads, where the processor can reach its maximum frequency. In contrast, multi-core workloads may see lower sustained clocks due to power and thermal constraints imposed by the 35 W TDP. The base clock of 2.20 GHz is likely to be the sustained frequency under full-core loads.

For single-threaded tasks—such as legacy database queries, single-threaded scripting, or basic web server request handling—the 3.00 GHz boost provides a reasonable response time. The 8 MB shared L3 cache helps reduce latency for frequently accessed data. In multi-threaded scenarios, the 4 cores can handle parallel tasks, but the lack of SMT means that 4 threads is the absolute limit. Compared to modern CPUs with 8 or more threads, this processor will underperform in tasks like video encoding, scientific simulations, or large-scale data processing. The trade-off is clear: single-thread performance is adequate, but multi-thread capability is severely constrained by both core count and power budget.

Platform and Compatibility

The Opteron 4310 EE uses the AMD Socket C32, which is a server-oriented socket. It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a total memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. ECC memory is supported, which is critical for server reliability. The PCIe support is Gen 2, which is an older standard compared to modern Gen 4 or Gen 5, but it is sufficient for older expansion cards and storage controllers. The integrated graphics are not on the CPU die; instead, they are available "on certain motherboards (Chipset feature)", meaning that a discrete GPU or a motherboard with an integrated chipset GPU is required for display output.

The processor is built on the Piledriver architecture, codenamed Seoul, and is part of the Opteron (Seoul) generation. It has a 32 nm process node, 1,200 million transistors, and a die size of 315 mm². The cache hierarchy includes 192 KB of L1, 4 MB of L2, and 8 MB of shared L3. The production status is end-of-life, so no new units are manufactured. The upgrade path within the C32 socket is limited to other Opteron (Seoul) processors, but the FACT PACK does not list any specific upgrade options. For modern workloads, this platform is outdated, but for legacy server applications, the combination of ECC memory, low power, and a 50th percentile performance level may still be functional. The launch MSRP of $415 reflects its original positioning as a mid-range, efficiency-focused server part.