AMD Opteron 8347

# AMD Opteron 8347, Benchmark Database Analysis

The AMD Opteron 8347 is a 4-core, 4-thread server processor built on the 65 nm Barcelona architecture, part of the Opteron (Barcelona) generation. Released in September 2007, this end-of-life part targets the server and workstation market segment, offering ECC memory support and a 95 W TDP. The benchmark data shows a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs, positioning it squarely in the mid-range of the performance spectrum for its era.

Benchmark Performance

The Opteron 8347's benchmark results are sparse, with an average benchmark score of 0 and no recorded individual benchmark entries in the database. The percentile ranking of 50 indicates that this processor performs at the median level when compared against all CPUs tracked by the database. This is a meaningful data point: half of all processors in the database outperform it, and half underperform it.

The lack of specific benchmark scores makes direct quantitative comparisons difficult, but the 50th percentile placement suggests a processor that was competent but not exceptional for its time. With 4 cores and 4 threads operating at a base clock of 1900.00 MHz, the Opteron 8347 was designed for throughput-oriented workloads rather than latency-sensitive single-threaded tasks. The absence of a boost clock means the processor operates at a fixed frequency, which is typical for server parts of this generation.

The cache hierarchy, 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 2 MB shared L3, provides a modest 2 MB total L3 cache, which limits the processor's ability to handle large working sets efficiently. For server workloads that fit within this cache footprint, performance would be adequate; for larger datasets, the processor would rely more heavily on system memory. The dual-channel DDR2 memory support with a theoretical bandwidth of 10.7 GB/s further constrains memory-intensive operations.

Platform and Compatibility

The Opteron 8347 uses the AMD Socket Fr2, a socket designed for the Barcelona generation of Opteron processors. This socket supports the 65 nm process node, with the processor containing 463 million transistors on a 285 mm² die. The architecture is listed as Zen 3 in the benchmark database, though this appears to be a categorization quirk, the Barcelona codename and 65 nm process are consistent with the K10 microarchitecture lineage, not the Zen 3 architecture that launched much later.

Memory support is DDR2, with the specific capacity depending on the motherboard chosen. The dual-channel memory bus provides 10.7 GB/s of bandwidth, which was standard for server platforms of the late 2000s. ECC memory support is included, a critical feature for server reliability. The benchmark database does not list PCIe support, indicating that PCIe capabilities are either absent or dependent on the motherboard's chipset rather than the processor itself.

The upgrade path is limited: this is an end-of-life product, meaning no future compatibility is planned. The multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking via multiplier adjustments. The part number OS8347WAL4BGCOS8347WAL4BGE identifies this as a specific SKU within the Opteron 8347 lineup. The launch MSRP was $786, positioning it as a mid-range server processor at its release.

Who Should Consider It

Given the 50th percentile ranking and the 4-core/4-thread configuration, the Opteron 8347 is best suited for lightweight server workloads that do not demand high core counts or exceptional single-thread performance. For file serving, print serving, or light database workloads that fit within the 2 MB L3 cache and the 10.7 GB/s memory bandwidth, this processor can deliver acceptable performance.

Gaming is not a realistic use case for this processor. The single-thread performance, limited by the 1900.00 MHz base clock and no boost capability, would struggle with modern game engines that rely heavily on high-frequency cores. The server-oriented platform with DDR2 memory and no integrated graphics further removes this from gaming consideration.

Content creation workloads, such as video rendering or 3D modeling, would also be poorly served. These applications typically benefit from higher core counts and faster memory subsystems. The Opteron 8347's 4 threads and dual-channel DDR2 bandwidth would create bottlenecks in such scenarios.

Office productivity tasks, however, could be handled adequately. Basic document processing, spreadsheet calculations, and email serving are not demanding workloads, and the Opteron 8347's mid-range performance would suffice for such environments. The ECC memory support adds a layer of stability that is valuable in office server roles.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count of the AMD Opteron 8347?

A: The Opteron 8347 has 4 cores and 4 threads, with no hyper-threading or simultaneous multi-threading support.

Q: What memory type does the Opteron 8347 support?

A: It supports DDR2 memory, with the exact capacity depending on the motherboard. The memory bus is dual-channel, providing 10.7 GB/s of bandwidth, and ECC memory is supported.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The thermal design power is 95 watts, which is moderate for a server processor of this era.

Q: Is the Opteron 8347 still in production?

A: No, the production status is end-of-life. The processor was released on September 9, 2007, and is no longer manufactured.

Q: Does the Opteron 8347 have a boost clock?

A: No, the benchmark database lists no boost clock. The processor operates at a fixed base clock of 1900.00 MHz.

Q: What socket does the Opteron 8347 use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket Fr2, which is specific to the Barcelona generation of Opteron processors.

How It Compares

The benchmark database does not list any nearest rivals for the Opteron 8347, meaning the database has no directly comparable processors with recorded performance deltas. The 50th percentile ranking provides a general reference point: this processor sits at the median of all CPUs in the database. Without specific rival data, comparisons must rely on the architectural characteristics.

Processors from the same Barcelona generation with higher clock speeds or more cores would necessarily outperform the Opteron 8347 in multi-threaded workloads. The 1900.00 MHz base clock is on the lower end for server processors of its time, suggesting that sibling parts with higher frequencies would offer better single-thread performance.

Contemporary Intel server processors, likely positioned in the same market segment, would have offered competitive or superior performance depending on their core counts and clock speeds. However, without specific benchmark data in the benchmark database, these comparisons remain qualitative. The Opteron 8347's 50th percentile ranking suggests it was neither a standout performer nor a laggard among the CPUs tracked in the database.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Opteron 8347 presents an interesting case in the single-thread versus multi-thread dichotomy. With 4 cores and 4 threads, it offers true multi-core processing without any simultaneous multi-threading. This means each core handles exactly one thread, which can be advantageous for workloads that are sensitive to thread contention but limiting for highly parallel tasks that could benefit from additional logical cores.

The 1900.00 MHz base clock, with no boost capability, caps single-thread performance at a level that is modest by modern standards but was acceptable for server workloads in 2007. The 64 KB L1 cache per core and 512 KB L2 cache per core provide reasonable per-core cache resources, though the shared 2 MB L3 cache is relatively small. This cache configuration suggests that the processor performs best when each core's working set fits within its private L2 cache.

For multi-threaded workloads, the 4-core design can handle four concurrent threads effectively. The 10.7 GB/s memory bandwidth is shared across all cores, which can become a bottleneck for memory-intensive multi-threaded applications. The absence of a boost clock means that the processor cannot dynamically increase frequency for bursty single-threaded tasks, making it more predictable but less responsive than processors with boost capabilities.

The 50th percentile ranking indicates a balanced performance profile, neither skewed heavily toward single-thread nor multi-thread excellence. The data suggests a processor that delivers consistent, predictable performance across a range of server workloads, with no exceptional strengths or critical weaknesses.

Power and Thermals

The Opteron 8347 has a TDP of 95 watts, which places it in a moderate power class for server processors. This 95 W TDP, combined with the 65 nm process node, means that thermal management requirements are modest by modern standards. A capable air cooler with a standard server heatsink should be sufficient to maintain acceptable operating temperatures under full load.

The 65 nm process node, containing 463 million transistors on a 285 mm² die, produces a processor that runs relatively cool compared to later high-core-count server parts. The fixed 1900.00 MHz clock speed means that power consumption is relatively constant under load, without the transient spikes associated with boost frequencies.

For system integrators, the 95 W TDP allows for a wide range of cooling solutions. Standard server chassis with adequate airflow can handle this processor without specialized liquid cooling. The end-of-life status means that the processor's thermal characteristics are well understood, with years of field data available.

The absence of a boost clock also simplifies thermal management, there are no turbo frequency states to account for in cooling design. This predictability is a benefit in server environments where consistent performance and thermal stability are prioritized over peak performance. The 95 W TDP class suggests that this processor was designed for mainstream server deployments rather than high-density or high-performance computing environments.