The AMD Opteron 242 was a server/workstation processor with 1 core, launched in December 2004. It is part of the Opteron lineup, using the Troy (E4) architecture with Socket 940. To further increase overall system performance, up to eight Opteron 242 CPUs can work together in a multi-processor (SMP) configuration. Opteron 242 has 1 MB of L2 cache and operates at 1600 MHz. AMD is making the Opteron 242 on a 90 nm production node using 106 million transistors. The multiplier is locked on Opteron 242, which limits its overclocking potential.
With a TDP of 85 W, the Opteron 242 consumes a good deal of power, so decent cooling is needed. For communication with other components in the machine, Opteron 242 uses a PCI-Express Gen 2 connection. This processor lacks integrated graphics, you might need a graphics card.
The SSE4 instruction set is not supported, which can cause problems with modern games, as they require that capability.