The AMD Opteron 6278 is a server/workstation processor with 16 cores, launched in May 2012. It is part of the Opteron lineup, using the Interlagos architecture with Socket G34. To further increase overall system performance, up to four Opteron 6278 CPUs can link up in a multi-processor (SMP) configuration. Opteron 6278 has 8 MB of L3 cache per die and operates at 2.4 GHz by default, but can boost up to 3.3 GHz, depending on the workload. AMD is building the Opteron 6278 on a 32 nm production process using 2,400 million transistors. The multiplier is locked on Opteron 6278, which limits its overclocking capabilities.
With a TDP of 115 W, the Opteron 6278 consumes a lot of power, so good cooling is definitely needed. AMD's processor supports DDR3 memory. For communication with other components in the computer, Opteron 6278 uses a PCI-Express Gen 2 connection. This processor lacks integrated graphics, you might need a graphics card.
Hardware virtualization is available on the Opteron 6278, which greatly improves virtual machine performance. Programs using Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) will run on this processor, boosting performance for calculation-heavy applications.