AMD Opteron 4238 socket: Socket C32
The AMD Opteron 4238 uses the Socket C32 socket. It is a 6 core Valencia part at 95 W and 3.3 GHz to 3.7 GHz for two socket servers.
- Socket
- Socket C32
- Launched
- November 2011
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 6
- Default TDP
- 95 W
- Codename
- Valencia
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- AMD Opteron
- Clocks
- 3.3 / 3.7 GHz
AMD Opteron 4238 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 6 |
| Core architecture | Bulldozer cores on 32 nm SOI (3 modules) |
| Clocks | 3.3 GHz base, up to 3.7 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB L3 (plus 6 MB L2) |
| Default TDP | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm SOI |
| Memory support | DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, two channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | None from the CPU. The chipset provides PCIe |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket C32 (LGA, 1207 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Opteron 4238 needs a motherboard with a Socket C32 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| SR5600 series | SR5690, SR5670, SR5650 | Needs a BIOS update Valencia parts boot on C32 boards that list them, after a BIOS update. Check ECC RDIMM support per board. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket C32.
Socket C32 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,207 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | June 2010 |
| Memory | DDR3 ECC, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Opteron 4238 is
AMD Opteron 4238 is a 6 core Valencia server part that AMD released in November 2011 for two socket servers. It uses the Bulldozer core design on a 32 nm process, running at 3.3 GHz base with Turbo Core to 3.7 GHz. The chip holds three Bulldozer modules with six threads, 6 MB of L2 with 2 MB per module, and 8 MB of shared L3. Power is 95 W.
The cores have no Hyper-Threading, so threads equal cores at 6. Very high base clocks with six threads suit per thread licensed software and latency sensitive tiers. The package integrates two HyperTransport 3.1 links at 3.2 GHz with HT Assist and a dual channel ECC memory controller on die.
At 95 W the Opteron 4238 belongs to the standard power group. The clocks suit scale out racks with directed airflow. Boards are vendor qualified designs with ECC RDIMM slots. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket before ordering parts.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Opteron 4238 fits Socket C32 in LGA form with 1,207 contacts. Valencia parts boot on C32 boards that list them, after a BIOS update. Check ECC RDIMM support per board. Boards are single and dual socket server designs from system vendors, qualified per model.
Power delivery at 95 W suits 1U and 2U chassis with directed airflow and vendor heatsinks. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes server sockets use board specific heatsinks.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, two channels, ECC. ECC RDIMMs are the server choice for long running guests. Balance DIMMs across channels and sockets for NUMA fairness.
PCI Express comes from the chipset, not from the Opteron die. HyperTransport links tie the sockets together and feed the chipset.
Cooling uses dense server heatsinks with directed airflow. The 95 W envelope sizes the heatsink and fan wall.
Upgrade paths
Within Socket C32 the Opteron 4238 sits at the top of the six core Valencia group. A same socket move to eight core Valencia parts adds threads where the board BIOS lists the target.
A real upgrade means a new platform. AMD moved servers to EPYC on SP3 and beyond with DDR4 memory and many more cores. That move needs a new board, new memory and often a new chassis. Keep the node for secondary duty or retire it whole.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Opteron 4238 use?
It uses Socket C32. Boards are vendor qualified server designs that must list the exact model.
Does the Opteron 4238 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Threads equal cores at 6, with turbo to 3.7 GHz.
What memory does the Opteron 4238 use?
DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, two channels, ECC.
Is the Opteron 4238 for dual socket boards?
Yes. Valencia C32 parts support up to two sockets.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .