AMD Opteron 6204 socket: Socket G34

The AMD Opteron 6204 uses the Socket G34 socket. It is a 4 core Interlagos part at 115 W and a fixed 3.3 GHz for two and four socket servers.

Launched
November 2011
Cores and threads
4 and 4
Default TDP
115 W
Codename
Interlagos
Segment
Server
Clocks
3.3 GHz

AMD Opteron 6204 specifications

Cores4
Threads4
Core architectureBulldozer cores on 32 nm SOI (2 modules, 2 dies)
Clocks3.3 GHz (no turbo)
Cache16 MB L3 (2 × 8 MB, plus 4 MB L2)
Default TDP115 W
Manufacturing process32 nm SOI
Memory supportDDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, four channels, ECC
PCI ExpressNone from the CPU. The chipset provides PCIe
Integrated graphicsNone
ECC memoryYes
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket G34 (LGA, 1944 contacts)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

AMD Opteron 6204 needs a motherboard with a Socket G34 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
SR5600 seriesSR5690, SR5670, SR5650Needs a BIOS update
Bulldozer MCM parts boot on G34 boards that list them, after a BIOS update.

Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket G34.

Socket G34 at a glance

TypeLGA, 1,974 contacts
Package sizen/a
IntroducedMarch 2010
MemoryDDR3-1600 ECC, four channels
Cooler mounting holesBoard specific (server heatsink)

Read the full Socket G34 socket guide

What the Opteron 6204 is

AMD Opteron 6204 is a 4 core Interlagos server part that AMD released in November 2011 for two and four socket servers. It uses the Bulldozer core design on a 32 nm process, running at a fixed 3.3 GHz with no Turbo Core support. The multi chip module carries two dies with two modules, 4 MB of L2 with 2 MB per module, and 16 MB of L3 with 8 MB per die. Power is 115 W. There are no integrated graphics, so console output depends on the board controller.

The cores have no Hyper-Threading, so threads equal cores at 4. High fixed clocks with few threads suit per thread licensed software that charges by core. The package integrates HyperTransport links between dies and sockets plus a quad channel ECC memory controller.

At 115 W the Opteron 6204 belongs to the standard power group. Fixed clocks keep behavior predictable for licensed estates. 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 6204 fits Socket G34 in LGA form with 1,944 lands. Interlagos parts boot on G34 boards that list them, after a BIOS update on boards bought for Magny-Cours. Boards are two and four socket server designs from system vendors, qualified per model.

Power delivery at 115 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, four channels (two per die), 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 dies. HyperTransport links tie dies and sockets together and feed the chipset.

Cooling uses dense server heatsinks with directed airflow. The 115 W envelope sizes the heatsink and fan wall.

Upgrade paths

Within Socket G34 the Opteron 6204 sits at the bottom of the core count range. A same socket move to higher core Interlagos 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 6204 use?

It uses Socket G34. Boards are vendor qualified server designs that must list the exact model.

Does the Opteron 6204 have turbo boost?

No. It runs at a fixed 3.3 GHz with no Turbo Core support.

What memory does the Opteron 6204 use?

DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, four channels (two per die), ECC.

Is the Opteron 6204 a single die part?

No. Like all Interlagos parts it is a multi chip module with two dies.

Sources and verification

  1. List of AMD Opteron processors (Wikipedia, 6204 row)
  2. AMD Server Playbook (Interlagos 6204 line)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .