AMD Opteron 6238 socket: Socket G34
The AMD Opteron 6238 uses the Socket G34 socket. It is a 12 core Interlagos part at 115 W and 2.6 GHz to 3.2 GHz for two and four socket servers.
- Socket
- Socket G34
- Launched
- November 2011
- Cores and threads
- 12 and 12
- Default TDP
- 115 W
- Codename
- Interlagos
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- AMD Opteron
- Clocks
- 2.6 / 3.2 GHz
AMD Opteron 6238 specifications
| Cores | 12 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Bulldozer cores on 32 nm SOI (6 modules, 2 dies) |
| Clocks | 2.6 GHz base, up to 3.2 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 16 MB L3 (2 × 8 MB, plus 12 MB L2) |
| Default TDP | 115 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm SOI |
| Memory support | DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, four channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | None from the CPU. The chipset provides PCIe |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket G34 (LGA, 1944 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Opteron 6238 needs a motherboard with a Socket G34 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| SR5600 series | SR5690, SR5670, SR5650 | Needs 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
| Type | LGA, 1,974 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | March 2010 |
| Memory | DDR3-1600 ECC, four channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
What the Opteron 6238 is
AMD Opteron 6238 is a 12 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 2.6 GHz base with Turbo Core to 3.2 GHz through a 2.9 GHz all core step. The multi chip module carries two dies with six modules, 12 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 12. High base clocks with twelve threads suit virtualization hosts with mixed guests. The package integrates HyperTransport links between dies and sockets plus a quad channel ECC memory controller.
At 115 W the Opteron 6238 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 6238 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 6238 can move to sixteen core Interlagos or Abu Dhabi parts where the board BIOS lists the target. Memory and storage carry over. A faster twelve core comparison is unavailable in this range, since the 6238 tops the twelve core Interlagos clocks.
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 6238 use?
It uses Socket G34. Boards are vendor qualified server designs that must list the exact model.
Does the Opteron 6238 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Threads equal cores at 12, with turbo to 3.2 GHz.
What memory does the Opteron 6238 use?
DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, four channels (two per die), ECC.
Is the Opteron 6238 for quad socket boards?
Yes. Interlagos G34 parts support up to four sockets.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .