AMD Opteron X2 260 HE

The AMD Opteron X2 260 HE is a dual-core server processor built on the K8 architecture, released on July 31, 2005. It runs at a fixed 1.6 GHz base clock with no boost capability, draws 55 W of power, and targets the server/workstation market segment. In the benchmark database, it holds the 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs, though its average benchmark score is 0, reflecting the absence of recorded performance measurements.

How It Compares

No direct rival comparison data is available in the database, so this section evaluates the Opteron X2 260 HE against the broader CPU landscape using the provided percentile and architectural details. The 50th percentile placement means the chip sits exactly at the median of all processors tracked by the database—neither a standout nor a laggard. This ranking is likely derived from its specification sheet rather than from measured benchmarks, given the zero average score. The dual-core design with two threads and a 1.6 GHz clock places it in the lower performance tier of server CPUs even for its release period, as most contemporary server parts offered higher clock speeds or more cores. The absence of a boost clock further constrains its performance envelope, making it a strictly fixed-frequency part. Its 55 W TDP, however, is notably low for a server processor, indicating a focus on power efficiency over raw throughput. The 90 nm process node and 233 million transistors align with mid-2000s manufacturing technology, and the lack of integrated graphics means a discrete adapter is mandatory for any display output. Overall, the Opteron X2 260 HE is an average performer in the database, with its primary strengths being low power draw and dual-core parallelism rather than absolute speed.

Who Should Consider It

The Opteron X2 260 HE is best suited for legacy server and workstation environments where low power consumption and basic dual-core processing are sufficient. Its 55 W TDP allows it to operate in thermally constrained chassis or passively cooled enclosures, making it a candidate for industrial or embedded systems that prioritize reliability over performance. However, its 1.6 GHz clock and lack of boost capability render it inadequate for modern gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering workloads, which demand significantly higher single-thread and multi-thread performance. The dual-channel memory bus and PCIe Gen 2 interface, while functional, are outdated and may bottleneck contemporary expansion cards or memory modules. Additionally, the CPU does not support ECC memory, so it is unsuitable for mission-critical applications that require error-correcting code for data integrity. Users with existing Socket 940 motherboards who need to maintain or upgrade an aging server could consider this chip as a drop-in replacement, provided they do not require ECC support or high clock speeds. Its end-of-life production status means availability is limited to used or surplus markets, but the low TDP simplifies cooling requirements, potentially extending the life of older systems.

Benchmark Performance

No benchmark scores are recorded for this CPU, so performance analysis relies entirely on its architectural specifications. The dual-core, dual-thread configuration allows two concurrent execution threads, which is beneficial for multitasking or lightly threaded server workloads such as web serving or file sharing. The 1.6 GHz base clock determines the raw instruction throughput, and without a boost clock, performance is consistent under sustained load. The 128 KB L1 cache and 1 MB L2 cache provide fast access to frequently used data, though the L2 size is modest by modern standards. The dual-channel memory bus doubles memory bandwidth compared to single-channel designs, which helps feed the cores with data, but the lack of specified memory support details leaves the exact bandwidth figure unknown. The PCIe Gen 2 interface offers a reasonable I/O pathway for its era, enabling compatibility with contemporary expansion cards. The 90 nm process and 233 million transistors indicate a mature manufacturing technology, and the 55 W TDP suggests efficient power management. The 50th percentile ranking implies that the Opteron X2 260 HE outperforms half of the CPUs in the database, but the average benchmark score of 0 is a direct consequence of having no recorded measurements; thus, this percentile should be interpreted as a specification-based estimate rather than a measured performance result. In practical terms, the chip would deliver acceptable performance for basic server tasks of its time, but it would struggle with compute-intensive applications that rely on high clock speeds or multiple cores.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the AMD Opteron X2 260 HE?

A: The thermal design power (TDP) is 55 watts, making it a low-power processor for its server class.

Q: What socket does this CPU use?

A: It uses AMD Socket 940, a platform designed for single- and dual-processor server systems.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported, as indicated by the `eccMemory` field being false.

Q: When was the Opteron X2 260 HE released?

A: It was released on July 31, 2005, and is now end-of-life.

Q: What is the process node and transistor count?

A: It is fabricated on a 90 nm process and contains 233 million transistors.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading support.

Power and Thermals

The 55 W TDP places the Opteron X2 260 HE in a low-power category for server processors, a notable advantage in dense or thermally constrained environments. This modest thermal envelope allows for a simple cooling solution—typically a standard heatsink with a small fan—sufficient to dissipate the heat generated under full load. The 90 nm manufacturing process and 233 million transistors contribute to this efficiency, as does the fixed 1.6 GHz clock that avoids the power spikes associated with boost behavior. Because the CPU is end-of-life, replacement cooling parts may be scarce, but the low TDP means that any compatible Socket 940 cooler—whether active or passive—will likely suffice. The absence of integrated graphics reduces overall system power draw, as a separate GPU is required for display output. For system builders or maintainers, the 55 W rating implies that power supply and thermal design requirements are minimal, making the chip an attractive option for legacy upgrades or low-power server deployments where reliability and efficiency outweigh raw performance.