AMD Opteron 6281
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD Opteron 6281 Specifications
Opteron 6281 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Opteron 6281 features 16 physical cores and 16 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 6281 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 6281 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 6281 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Opteron 6281 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 6281 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 6281'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 6281 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 6281 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Bulldozer Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Opteron 6281 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 6281 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Opteron 6281 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130W, 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 G34 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Opteron 6281 uses the AMD Socket G34 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 G34 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Opteron 6281 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 6281 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 6281 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Opteron 6281 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 6281 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Opteron 6281 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how AMD Opteron 6281 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how AMD Opteron 6281 handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on AMD Opteron 6281.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of AMD Opteron 6281.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of AMD Opteron 6281 after thermal limits kick in.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how AMD Opteron 6281 maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
About AMD Opteron 6281
The AMD Opteron 6281 processor, a 16-core behemoth from the Interlagos generation, was engineered to deliver formidable multi-threading performance for its era. With a base clock of 2.50 GHz that can surge up to 3.20 GHz under optimal conditions, this CPU was designed to handle heavily parallelized workloads with ease. Its 16 physical cores operating across 16 threads provided a significant advantage in server and workstation environments where concurrent task processing is paramount. The architecture of this Opteron chip leverages a 32 nm process, balancing core count with clock speeds to maximize throughput. While modern architectures have evolved, this processor's core density was a key selling point for scalable applications.
Power consumption is a critical consideration, and the Opteron 6281 operates with a 130W TDP, which was quite standard for a server-class CPU of its core count at the time of its release. The cache hierarchy, featuring dedicated L1 and L2 caches per core and a shared 8 MB L3 cache per die, was crucial for feeding data to all those cores efficiently and minimizing latency. One might wonder how the boost frequency of 3.20 GHz manages to elevate performance in bursty, single-threaded tasks within a primarily multi-threaded design. The Interlagos processor's balance of power draw and computational muscle made it a candidate for dense server configurations, though its efficiency must be viewed through a 2012 lens. The thermal design power inevitably influenced the total cost of ownership for deployments utilizing this AMD server CPU.
Ideal workloads for the AMD Opteron 6281 are those that can fully saturate its 16 threads, such as scientific simulations, virtualized environments, and data-crunching applications. The benchmark results, like a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 6,187 points, clearly demonstrate its competency in rendering and computational tasks that scale with core count. However, its single-threaded performance, as seen in lower single-core benchmark scores, suggests it was less suited for latency-sensitive applications. This makes one question what the optimal server role would be for this particular processor, highlighting its niche in batch processing and parallel compute jobs. Ultimately, the Opteron 6281 found its strength in scenarios where raw parallel processing power outweighed the need for peak single-threaded speed.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 6281
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-3450 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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