AMD Opteron X2 880

The AMD Opteron X2 880 is a dual-core server/workstation processor from the K8 architecture, codenamed Egypt. It operates at a base clock of 2.40 GHz, has 2 threads, and a 95W TDP. Released on September 25, 2005, it is now end-of-life. The database lists a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs, but the average benchmark score is 0, indicating that no benchmark runs have been recorded for this part. The processor uses AMD Socket 940, has a dual-channel memory bus, and supports PCIe Gen 2. It has a 128 KB L1 cache and a 1 MB L2 cache, with no L3 cache. The part number is OSA880FAA6CC.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score for the Opteron X2 880 is 0, and the percentile vs all CPUs is 50. A 50th percentile means the processor sits exactly at the median of the database's ranking. However, a zero score means that no benchmark data has been collected for this part. This is therefore a default or derived value rather than a measured result. Without recorded scores, performance must be inferred from the architecture: 2 cores, 2 threads, a base clock of 2.40 GHz, and a 1 MB L2 cache. The 128 KB L1 cache and dual-channel memory bus are the supporting data points. The 90nm process and 233 million transistors define the physical design. The absence of a boost clock means the 2.40 GHz is the maximum frequency. The 50th percentile is a neutral position, but the zero score means it is not a measured performance. For a processor released in September 2005, the lack of benchmark data is not unusual, but it limits the analysis to the architecture. The dual-core design, with 2 threads, suggests a performance level that is modest by modern standards. The 1 MB L2 cache is a significant amount for the era, and the dual-channel memory bus provides the necessary bandwidth for the two cores. The 90nm process is a key large node for the era. In the absence of benchmark data, the 50th percentile is the only quantitative reference point, and it places the chip in the middle of the database. This is a mid-tier server chip, but the zero score means the database has not measured it. The production status is end-of-life, which further limits the likelihood of future benchmark entries.

Power and Thermals

The TDP is 95W. For a dual-core processor, this is a moderate thermal load. The 90nm process node and 233 million transistors are the physical factors behind this 95W TDP. A 95W TDP implies a cooling solution that can handle a standard mid-range air cooler. No boost clock is present, so the power draw is steady at the base clock of 2.40 GHz. In a server/workstation context, this is a manageable thermal envelope. The end-of-life status means modern cooling systems are not a concern, but the 95W figure is the key spec for any legacy build. The PCIe Gen 2 interface is present, but it does not affect the thermal profile. The dual-channel memory bus also has a minimal impact on thermals. The 90nm process is a relatively large node, which contributes to the 95W TDP. For a 2-core processor, this is a higher TDP than typical modern dual-core parts, but it is consistent with the K8 architecture's era. The 95W TDP is a fixed figure, so the cooling requirement is constant. The 233 million transistors are spread across the two cores, and the 1 MB L2 cache adds to the thermal load. The lack of a boost clock means there are no thermal spikes from frequency ramping. The 95W TDP is a modest cooling requirement that a standard air cooler can handle. In a server chassis, this is a straightforward cooling solution.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

With 2 cores and 2 threads, the Opteron X2 880 has no simultaneous multithreading. Each core executes exactly one thread. The base clock is 2.40 GHz, and there is no boost clock, so the processor runs at a fixed speed. For single-threaded workloads, the full 2.40 GHz is available on one core. For multi-threaded workloads, both cores can be used, but only two threads total. Multi-thread scaling is limited to a maximum of 2x, and only if the workload is properly parallelized. The 1 MB L2 cache is shared between the two cores, which can be a bottleneck for multi-threaded tasks. The dual-channel memory bus helps feed both cores, but the lack of L3 cache means the L2 is the primary cache. For real workloads, this means the chip is best suited to lightly threaded tasks, such as single-threaded server jobs or legacy applications. The absence of a boost clock is a key design, as the processor cannot dynamically increase its frequency. This is a limitation for single-threaded workloads that benefit from higher clocks. The 2.40 GHz base clock is the only frequency available, so the single-thread performance is predictable. For multi-threaded tasks, the 2-thread limit is a hard ceiling. The 1 MB L2 cache is a reasonable size for the era, but the shared nature can be a bottleneck. The 128 KB L1 cache is split between the two cores. The dual-channel memory bus provides the bandwidth for the two cores. The lack of L3 cache means the L2 is the last level of cache. In a real-world scenario, the processor behaves like a single-threaded chip for lightly threaded workloads, and a modest multi-threaded chip for parallel tasks.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for the Opteron X2 880. As a result, a direct comparison against named products is not possible from the available data. The 50th percentile against all CPUs is the only quantitative reference point, and it places the chip at the median. However, the zero benchmark score means this percentile is not backed by a measured result. The processor's position is defined by its architecture: a 2.40 GHz K8 chip with a 95W TDP and Socket 940. The release date of September 25, 2005 places it in the mid-2000s server era. The end-of-life status means it is not a current product. The 90nm process and 233 million transistors are the physical attributes. The 1 MB L2 cache and dual-channel memory are the memory features. The PCIe Gen 2 interface is a generation that is now outdated. Without rival names or scores, the comparison is limited to the architecture. The 50th percentile is a mid position, but the zero score means it is not a measured performance. In the context of the database, the Opteron X2 880 is a mid-tier chip with no data. The absence of nearest rivals means the database has no comparable product for this part, which is common for an end-of-life server processor.

Who Should Consider It

The Opteron X2 880 is a legacy server/workstation processor. With 2 cores and 2 threads, it is suitable for workloads that are lightly threaded. The 2.40 GHz base clock provides adequate single-thread performance for older applications. The 95W TDP makes it a moderate cooling requirement. For gaming, the 2-core/2-thread configuration is insufficient for modern titles, which require at least 4 cores. For heavy creation, the 2-thread limit restricts multi-thread rendering. For the legacy office, the processor can handle basic tasks, but the end-of-life status means it is not a new build recommendation. The 50th percentile ranking suggests a mid-tier position in the database, but the zero score means there is no measured performance. The 1 MB L2 cache is adequate for the era. The dual-channel memory bus is a plus for the dual-core design. The lack of ECC memory is a limitation for server workloads that require ECC. The PCIe Gen 2 interface is outdated. The end-of-life date means no new software support is expected. For a builder looking for a period-correct server chip, the Opteron X2 880 is a viable option. For modern workloads, the processor is not suitable. The 2.40 GHz clock is sufficient for single-threaded legacy applications, but the 2-thread limit is a bottleneck for parallel work.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the AMD Opteron X2 880 have?

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

Q: What is the base clock speed?

A: The base clock is 2.40 GHz, and there is no boost clock.

Q: What is the TDP?

A: The TDP is 95W.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: It uses AMD Socket 940.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What process node is it built on?

A: It is built on a 90nm process with 233 million transistors.