AMD Opteron X2 170

The AMD Opteron X2 170 is a dual-core server/workstation processor built on the K8 architecture (codenamed Denmark) for the AMD Socket 939 platform. It runs at a fixed 2000 MHz base clock with no boost, pairs 128 KB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and carries a 110 W TDP. Released in August 2005 and now end-of-life, it holds a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database, placing it exactly at the midpoint of the performance distribution. Its launch MSRP was $475.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

With 2 cores and 2 threads, the Opteron X2 170 is a pure dual-core part with no simultaneous multithreading. This means the operating system sees exactly two logical processors, and any workload that can spawn more than two threads will leave additional threads queued. The 2000 MHz base clock is the only clock speed available — there is no boost to fall back on — so single-thread performance is entirely determined by that frequency and the K8 architecture's instruction-per-clock efficiency. For everyday tasks like spreadsheet work, document editing, or light web browsing, the 2 GHz clock is adequate but unremarkable. The 1 MB L2 cache per core helps keep frequently accessed data close to the execution units, which mitigates some of the clock speed penalty in cache-friendly loops.

Multi-threaded behavior is strictly limited to two threads. Rendering, video encoding, or software compilation that scales across cores will only use two threads, and the lack of SMT means no extra thread throughput to hide memory latency. The 50th percentile ranking reflects this modest capability — it is neither a standout single-thread performer nor a multi-thread workhorse. In real workloads, the split is straightforward: lightly threaded tasks run at a steady 2000 MHz, while heavily threaded tasks hit a hard ceiling at two threads. The 128 KB L1 cache is small by modern standards, but the 1 MB L2 per core is generous for its era, giving each core a decent private cache for single-threaded code.

Power and Thermals

The 110 W TDP places this processor in a power class that demands serious cooling. Built on a 90 nm process node with 233 million transistors on a 199 mm² die, the chip generates significant heat for a dual-core part. A capable air cooler — one with a large heatsink and a high-static-pressure fan — is the implied cooling tier. The fixed 2000 MHz clock means power draw is consistent under sustained load; there is no turbo state to spike thermals. The 90 nm process is relatively coarse, so the 110 W TDP is not surprising given the transistor count and die size. For a Socket 939 system, the cooler must be matched to the socket, and the 110 W rating suggests that the stock cooler from that era, if present, may run loud under load. Since the chip is end-of-life, thermal solutions are legacy parts, but any modern cooler with Socket 939 compatibility would handle the 110 W without issue.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for this processor is sparse. The database lists an average benchmark score of 0 and an empty benchmarks array, meaning no direct performance scores are recorded. However, the percentileVsAllCpus field provides a crucial anchor: the 50th percentile. This indicates that, among all CPUs tracked in the database, this chip performs exactly at the median — half of all CPUs are faster, and half are slower. Because the nearestRivals array is empty, there are no rival names, scores, or deltaPct values to compare against. The absence of rival data means the 50th percentile is the only quantitative performance reference available. In practical terms, a 2000 MHz dual-core with 1 MB L2 per core would handle single-threaded tasks at a level consistent with early 2000s mid-range desktop hardware, while multi-threaded tasks would be capped at two threads. The 50th percentile is a fair summary: it is not a performance outlier in either direction.

Platform and Compatibility

The Opteron X2 170 uses the AMD Socket 939 interface, which was a mainstream desktop and workstation socket in the mid-2000s. Memory support is DDR1, operating on a dual-channel memory bus with a peak bandwidth of 6400 MB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which is notable for a server/workstation part — this chip is aimed at systems where non-ECC DDR1 is acceptable. The integrated graphics are not on the CPU; they are a chipset feature available on certain motherboards, so the processor itself has no iGPU. No PCIe specification is listed, meaning the platform's expansion capability depends entirely on the motherboard's chipset. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking via multiplier adjustment is not possible. The part number is OSA170DAA6CD, and the production status is end-of-life, which means new units are not available. The upgrade path is limited to other Socket 939 processors, but none are specified in the database. DDR1 memory is obsolete, and the 6400 MB/s bandwidth is low by modern standards, but for a 2005-era server/workstation, it was adequate.

How It Compares

The nearestRivals array is empty, so no direct rival comparisons with names, scores, or deltaPct values are available. In the absence of rival data, the processor's position is defined by its own specifications and the global percentile. The 50th percentile places it at the exact median of all CPUs in the database. This means it is neither a top-tier performer nor a bottom-tier part. Its 2000 MHz dual-core configuration with 1 MB L2 per core and 110 W TDP places it in the mid-range of its era, but without rival names, no percentage deltas can be cited. The data shows a processor that is firmly average in the broader CPU landscape. For a server/workstation part, the lack of ECC support and the two-thread limit are notable weaknesses, but the 50th percentile suggests it was a reasonable mainstream option in 2005. Since no rivals are listed, the only quantitative comparison is the percentile itself.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is best suited for legacy Socket 939 systems that need a dual-core upgrade over a single-core predecessor. Office workloads — word processing, spreadsheets, email — are primarily single-threaded and will run acceptably at 2000 MHz. The 1 MB L2 cache per core helps with repeated operations in such tasks. For gaming, the 2-core/2-thread design and lack of boost will limit modern titles, but games from the 2005 era, when this chip launched, would run adequately. Creation work that relies on multi-threading, such as video rendering or 3D modeling, will be constrained to two threads, making it a poor choice for serious content creation. The 50th percentile confirms it is not a performance leader. The 110 W TDP and DDR1 memory requirement mean it is not a modern daily driver; it is a part for retro builds, testing legacy software, or keeping an old server alive. Given its end-of-life status and locked multiplier, only enthusiasts with existing Socket 939 motherboards and DDR1 memory should consider it. For anyone building a new system, the data does not support this chip as a viable option — it is a historical artifact with a median performance standing.