AMD Opteron 846 HE

AMD Opteron 846 HE is a single-core server processor built on the K8 architecture, codenamed SledgeHammer, and released in May 2004 for the AMD Socket 940 platform. This 130nm part, featuring 106 million transistors on a 193 mm² die, operates at a base clock of 2000 MHz with a 55W TDP and sits at the 50th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Who Should Consider It

The Opteron 846 HE is a single-threaded processor, offering exactly one core and one thread. Benchmark results indicate this part is suited for legacy server workloads that are inherently sequential and cannot leverage multi-threading. The data shows a processor designed for a specific era of enterprise computing, where the primary goal was reliable, low-power operation in a dual-socket capable platform rather than raw throughput. Workloads from that period, such as basic database transactions, simple file serving, or dedicated application roles, align with this processor's capabilities. It is not suitable for modern parallel processing, content creation, or gaming, as those tasks require multiple cores and higher clock speeds, neither of which are present here. The processor's market segment is explicitly Server/Workstation, confirming its intended use in professional IT infrastructure rather than consumer desktops. Its end-of-life production status further indicates it is a candidate for legacy system maintenance or historical reference, not new deployments. The presence of a 1 MB L2 cache suggests some capacity for working sets of that era, but the absence of L3 cache and the single-core design cap its performance ceiling in any contemporary workload. The 55W TDP classifies it as a low-power part for its generation, making it a consideration for systems where thermal output and electricity consumption were primary constraints. For anyone building a period-correct server or needing to replace a failed unit in existing Socket 940 infrastructure, this processor fits that narrow profile.

Power and Thermals

The thermal design point for this processor is 55 watts, a figure that places it in the low-power segment for server processors of its generation. This TDP class implies a cooling solution that is modest in capacity; a standard passive heatsink with adequate chassis airflow or a low-profile active cooler would be sufficient to maintain operational temperatures. The data does not provide specific temperature thresholds, but the 55W envelope indicates that thermal management is not a demanding challenge. The "HE" designation in the product name, while not explicitly defined in the data, aligns with the low TDP, suggesting a focus on energy efficiency. This efficiency comes at the cost of raw performance, as the base clock is set to 2000 MHz. For system integrators, this part allows for denser server configurations where heat dissipation per socket is a limiting factor. The power characteristics are straightforward: a single, modest thermal load that is easily handled by standard server cooling practices of the early 2000s. There is no boost clock listed, meaning the processor runs at a constant 2000 MHz under load, providing predictable and steady thermal output. This predictability is an advantage in environments where cooling infrastructure is fixed and cannot handle variable spikes in heat generation. The 130nm process node, while large by modern standards, is the underlying factor that allows this TDP to be achieved at the listed clock speed.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for the Opteron 846 HE is sparse, with an average benchmark score of zero and no entries in the benchmarks array. The processor's percentile rank is 50, which places it exactly at the midpoint of all CPUs in the database. This percentile is a statistical indicator of overall performance standing, suggesting that it outperforms half of the recorded processors and lags behind the other half. However, this is a broad positioning metric. In the absence of specific benchmark scores and nearest rival data, a detailed performance analysis against direct competitors is not possible from the provided facts. What can be stated is that the processor is a single-core, single-thread part with a 2000 MHz clock and a 1 MB L2 cache. The performance characteristics are defined by these parameters. In single-threaded tasks, the clock speed and cache size are the primary determinants of speed. The lack of a boost clock means no dynamic overclocking headroom. The K8 architecture, while advanced for its time, is a legacy design. The data shows no multi-core scaling benefits, as only one core is present. For any modern benchmark suite, this processor would score near the bottom due to its lack of cores and threads. The percentile rank of 50 is likely skewed by the inclusion of many other legacy and low-power parts in the database. In a practical sense, the benchmark performance is indicative of a processor that can handle basic, single-threaded server tasks from its release era but will struggle with anything modern or multi-threaded. The absence of rival data means no relative performance deltas can be calculated.

Platform and Compatibility

The Opteron 846 HE is designed for the AMD Socket 940 platform. This socket is a specific interface for server motherboards of the early 2000s, and compatibility is limited to boards that support this physical and electrical design. The processor is based on the K8 architecture, codenamed SledgeHammer, which dictates the instruction set and memory controller behavior. Memory support is specified as dual-channel, meaning the integrated memory controller can access two memory modules simultaneously for increased bandwidth. The data does not specify the memory type or speed, but the dual-channel bus is a key feature for server performance. ECC memory is not supported, which is a notable limitation for server workloads that typically require error correction to ensure data integrity. The PCIe interface is listed as Gen 2, which is a relatively modern standard for the time, allowing for high-bandwidth expansion cards. The processor is not multiplier unlocked, so its clock speed is fixed and cannot be overclocked by adjusting the multiplier. The part number is OSK846CMP5AV. The production status is end-of-life, meaning AMD no longer manufactures this chip. The upgrade path is effectively non-existent in a modern context; Socket 940 is obsolete, and the processor cannot be installed in any current platform. The memory bus is dual-channel, but without ECC support, the platform is more suited to entry-level servers or workstations where the cost of ECC memory was prohibitive. The PCIe Gen 2 support is a bright spot, as it allows for the use of faster network cards or storage controllers that were contemporary with this platform. The architecture and socket are the defining factors for compatibility; any motherboard must have the Socket 940 interface and support the K8 SledgeHammer generation of processors.

FAQ

Q: What is the release date of the AMD Opteron 846 HE?

A: The processor was released on May 17, 2004.

Q: How many cores and threads does the Opteron 846 HE have?

A: It has one core and one thread.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP) of this processor?

A: The TDP is 55 watts.

Q: Does the Opteron 846 HE support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the size of the L2 cache on the Opteron 846 HE?

A: The L2 cache is 1 MB.

Q: What socket type does the Opteron 846 HE use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket 940.