AMD Opteron 850
AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores
AMD Opteron 850 Specifications
Opteron 850 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The AMD Opteron 850 features 1 physical cores and 1 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 850 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Opteron 850 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 850 by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
AMD's Opteron 850 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Opteron 850 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 850's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
K8 Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The AMD Opteron 850 is built on AMD's 130 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 850 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
K8 Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Opteron 850 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 850 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The AMD Opteron 850 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 89W, 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 940 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Opteron 850 uses the AMD Socket 940 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 940 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Opteron 850 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 850 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 850 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The AMD Opteron 850 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 850 by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.
Opteron 850 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About AMD Opteron 850
The AMD Opteron 850, released during an era of server transformation, is a single-core processor that marked AMD’s early foray into enterprise-class computing. With its 130 nm "SledgeHammer (CG)" architecture and Socket 940 compatibility, this chip targeted data centers and workstations needing reliable performance without the complexity of modern multi-core systems. Its 2.40 GHz base clock and 89W TDP reflect the balance AMD sought between raw speed and thermal constraints, though the absence of multi-threading highlights its role as a transitional design. Unlike later Opteron models, the 850’s single-core approach prioritized stability over parallel workloads, making it a niche player in environments where single-threaded tasks dominated.
- Multi-threading capabilities are absent, as the 850 relies solely on its single core and thread for execution.
- Clock speeds peak at a steady 2.40 GHz, with no boost frequencies to offset the lack of parallel processing.
- Energy efficiency is moderate for its era, with an 89W TDP aligning it with mid-range server chips of the time.
- Cache hierarchy includes L1 instruction and data caches, along with a larger L2 cache (likely 1MB), though exact specs are scarce.
- Target use cases revolve around legacy enterprise software, single-threaded databases, and early virtualization environments.
- Architectural limitations restrict its relevance compared to multi-core Opteron successors, cementing its role as a foundational piece.
Investigating the Opteron 850’s design reveals a processor optimized for a specific window in computing history. Its 130 nm process technology, while dated by today’s standards, allowed for decent performance-per-watt ratios in controlled server environments. The absence of multi-threading or boost clocks isn’t a flaw but a deliberate choice, as the 850’s predecessor and contemporaries often struggled with thermal throttling under heavy loads. This chip’s legacy lies in its ability to handle steady, predictable workloads think legacy financial systems or early web hosting where consistency trumped raw throughput. For modern benchmarks, the AMD Opteron 850 remains a historical curiosity, a reminder of how server hardware evolved to embrace parallelism.
When placed in context, the Opteron 850’s limitations become its defining features. Its single-core, single-thread design made it ill-suited for multi-threaded applications but ideal for environments where software wasn’t yet optimized for parallel execution. The 89W TDP, while high by modern standards, was competitive for its time, allowing dense rack deployments without excessive cooling demands. For collectors or enthusiasts studying early 2000s server tech, the AMD 850 Opteron offers a glimpse into a transitional period one where the industry was still debating the merits of core counts versus clock speeds. Today, it serves as a benchmark against which newer processors measure their progress, proving that even obsolete hardware has stories to tell.
The Intel Equivalent of Opteron 850
Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i5-750 offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.
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