Dedicated server processors

When it comes to choosing a dedicated server, the choice between the offers can be daunting, especially when you look at the processors! There are so many that it is almost impossible to compare.

There are two manufacturers with different technologies
They each have several product lines
They have the same processor with different number of cores
They have the same processors with different additional functions
Within each product line, there are different generations of chips
In every generation there are different clock speeds
It was relatively easy: 486 was better than 386 which was better than 286. but there are no numbers, no more. Only the names and cryptic multiple variations. If you're not a geek CPU, you're doomed .



My advice for most dedicated servers would be: go for one that has the most RAM. So just try to compare processors. RAM is much more important than you think for servers, especially if you use applications database driven.

Now, what I lack is often a rough indication of the CPU is newer / better than others. I tried to put this together below ...

As I understand it, this is how I order Intel, the best at the lowest:

Itanium
Xeon
Core2 Extreme
Core 2 Quad
Core2 Duo
Pentium Extreme
Pentium Dual-Core
Pentium D
Pentium 4 HT Extreme
Pentium 4 HT
Celeron Dual-Core
Celeron D
Celeron
Here's how I think you could classify roughly AMD (best at the lowest):

Opteron Quad Core
Opteron Dual Core
Phenom
Athlon X2 Dual Core
Athlon 64
Sempron
Keep in mind that there are many variations and lower ranked processor operating at a clock frequency exceeding (indicated in GHz) can be faster than a more powerful processor running aa lower rate ranked. However, the double nuclei almost always simple hearts beat for servers, even at levels luch lower frequencies.

Intel vs AMD now comparing chips is extremely difficult. It almost feels like comapring oranges and apples. Again, my advice would be: compare the number of cores. If you have more cores than the other, it is probably better.

Beyond that, you need to go into detail about Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 caches before Side Bus speeds and other specifications cheesy ... Check intel.com and amd.com for more juicy details!