AMD Opteron 3250 HE socket: AM3+
The AMD Opteron 3250 HE uses the AM3+ socket. It is a 4 core high efficiency Zurich server part at 45 W.
- Socket
- AM3+
- Launched
- March 2012
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 45 W
- Codename
- Zurich
- Segment
- Server
- Family
- AMD Opteron
- Clocks
- 2.5 / 3.5 GHz
AMD Opteron 3250 HE specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Bulldozer cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.5 GHz base, up to 2.8 GHz (all cores) and 3.5 GHz (half cores) |
| Cache | 4 MB L2 and 4 MB L3 |
| Default TDP | 45 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm SOI |
| Memory support | DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels, ECC |
| PCI Express | None from the CPU. The chipset provides PCIe |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | AM3+ (PGA, 942 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Opteron 3250 HE needs a motherboard with a AM3+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 9 series | 990FX, 990X, 970 | Needs a BIOS update Server Opteron 3200 parts boot on 9 series boards that list them, after a BIOS update. Check ECC UDIMM support per board. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for AM3+.
AM3+ at a glance
| Type | PGA, 942 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | October 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the Opteron 3250 HE is
AMD Opteron 3250 HE is a 4 core Zurich server part that AMD released in March 2012 for single and dual socket servers. It uses the Bulldozer core design on a 32 nm process, running at 2.5 GHz base with turbo to 3.5 GHz. The cache is 4 MB L2 and 4 MB L3. Power is 45 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. The on die ECC memory controller suits virtualized hosting with small guests. The package integrates HyperTransport 3.1 links for socket topologies on die.
At 45 W the Opteron 3250 HE belongs to the low power efficiency 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.
The 3250 HE launched at 99 USD next to the 3280 at 229 USD, which puts single socket efficiency builds near desktop pricing.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Opteron 3250 HE fits AM3+ in PGA form with 942 contacts. Server and workstation boards with 9 series chipsets accept it where the maker CPU support list names the exact model, after a BIOS update. The generation needs a BIOS of the right age on boards bought for earlier parts.
Power delivery at 45 W suits 1U and 2U chassis with directed airflow and vendor heatsinks. Memory support decides more builds than power: the board must accept ECC RDIMMs. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes server sockets use board specific heatsinks. Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works covers the platform rules.
The ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z lists the 3250 HE from BIOS 2201 with a 99 USD launch price under part number OS3250HOW4MGU. Its B2 stepping shares the Bulldozer die with the desktop FX-4100 series silicon.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is ddr3 up to 1866 mt/s, two channels, ecc. ECC RDIMMs are the server choice, since they catch single bit errors in 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, while PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the board. Storage standards beyond SATA follow the board as well.
Cooling uses 1U and 2U server heatsinks with directed airflow. The 45 W envelope sizes the heatsink and fan wall.
HyperTransport runs at 2.6 GHz on a 16-bit link, tying the socket to the 9 series chipset. The northbridge clock follows the 2.5 GHz base with turbo steps above it.
Upgrade paths
Within AM3+ the Opteron 3250 HE sits in the quad core group, with six to sixteen core parts above it. A same socket move adds cores or clocks 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.
Single socket use only: Zurich parts validate one processor per board, so density comes from more nodes rather than more sockets.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Opteron 3250 HE use?
It uses AM3+. Check the board maker CPU support list for the minimum BIOS.
Does the Opteron 3250 HE have Hyper-Threading or turbo?
No Hyper-Threading. Threads equal cores at 4, with turbo to 3.5 GHz. Zurich validates one processor per board with no dual socket topology.
What memory does the Opteron 3250 HE use?
DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels, ECC.
Does the Opteron 3250 HE have integrated graphics?
No. Console output depends on the board management controller.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .