Server vs Desktop CPU's

Kuldeep · #1 10-15-07, 12:23 AM

Whats better for gaming??

I think that a server CPU is better due to it being able to process tons of information, but then again, I might be missing out on something.

What do you guys think?

ElrichMeister · #2 10-15-07, 02:23 AM

i think server processors are built more for stability than performance, and they require expensive memory for error correction, but i could be wrong.

Assimilator87 · #3 10-15-07, 02:12 PM

Server processors have higher quality dies than desktop processors. For example, the Xeon G0 has a thermal specification of 85C whereas the Core 2 G0 has a T.S. of 71C. The architecture will be the same across all platforms so stock performance will be the same, but overclockability and possibly the life of the chip will generally be better. Single processor server processors don't need ECC memory, but dual processors and up will need it. AMD already has a desktop dual processor platform and Intel will be out with one pretty soon so you won't even need server processors to actually build a top notch workstation or server.

stlouis1 · #4 10-15-07, 06:13 PM

basically as above, server chips are higher quality dies, they'll generally last longer. but servers hardly ever get upgraded, they're built, installed, and expected to last 10 years most of the time. though alot will overclock better than the desktop counterpart

desktop chips are swapped like underwear. if you're not doing serious overclocking, desktop chips are fine, they're cheaper too. why spend more for something you may not keep that long

and as far as gaming goes, any cpu with more than 1 core is fine for gaming, something that can multithread the way applications are now. speed isnt really the main factor now, just the number of cores, the more cores the better really. most systems i build now, i just recommend a dual core, even the cheapest dual core will be better than the fastest single core (generally)

Kuldeep · #5 10-15-07, 07:28 PM

Oook cool.

I thought since the server CPU can take and process loads of information, it should be able to breeze through gaming or media rich data.

So basically performance is the same, and its just made to last longer.

yahooadam · #6 10-15-07, 08:09 PM

Servers usually just have alot of memory and processors, and this allows them to process lots of data

Of course, no consumer programs can use like 30GB ram, so its a waste of time for normal people

The chips themselves are the same pretty much, but the server chips are the better silicon
The chipsets for servers usually have more error checking, and run slower to make sure there aren't errors

Zefram · #7 10-16-07, 05:04 AM

Previously desktop motherboard-orientated server CPU is a hit because they dont require server motherboard (CPU like Opteron socket 939 could work on most socket 939 mobo), they had higher overclockability and some even had unlocked multiplier.
When the trend catch on, CPU manufacturer such as Intel take their server chips and make it into a GAMER-ORIENTATED CPU such as Intel P4 Extreme Edition with 2MB L3 cache. Well, it was slow and expensive as hell.

Nowadays the tables had turned, since normal Core 2 Duo had great overclockability people dont really look into server CPU. But this trend could revive as manufacturer always look for ways to squeeze more money out of their tiny silicone

Skorp · #8 10-16-07, 07:26 AM

Modern server CPUs are identical to modern desktop CPUs, but for different reasons. Intel takes their mobile designed Core 2 Duo and makes a high-wattage desktop version, then ports that to the servers by adding the ability to use two or more of them.

AMD designs their CPUs for the server first. The Opteron has been made from the ground up to scale as best as it can with more sockets. Then they make a single-socket version for the desktop, and a low-wattage version for a laptop. Nowadays they're designing a whole new CPU for laptops, though.

yahooadam · #9 10-16-07, 12:30 PM

As far as im aware, the laptop cpu parts are the same as the desktop ones, but seriously underclocked, so they output alot less wattage

They may also have some added power management stuff, but now that desktops get that too ....

Skorp · #10 10-16-07, 01:39 PM

Core 2 Duo is a laptop designed chip. They used the Pentium M as a base, which is a laptop part, and used the Core Duo as a proof of concept, which is also a laptop part. Essentially, a laptop part is indeed an underclocked / higher bin desktop part, but Intel designed the laptop chip first.

Mobile Pentium 4 chips, aside from being an oxymoron, are derived from desktop chips. The same goes for AMD Turion CPUs. The upcoming K8L (and I mean the low power chip, not the Phenom!) is a designed-for-laptop CPU.