Xeon Efficiency?

[litehouse43]

Hey Team,
I know I've seen a lot of you guys mention you run xeon boxes. Was curious about their efficiency compared to client based architectures. I assume your running client side OS's on them? My understanding was always that server hardware is less efficiency for crunching since it's protected with multiple layers of calculation redundancy to allow for less down time from error introduction. Is this still the case running client software? Is it worth designing my new box around xeon? Trying to get the best bang for my buck.

Thanks!
~Jack

[conf]

The small 4c/8T Xeons are cheaper than the corresponding 3770k or 4770k but they are not so good for overclocking. You can use them on most of the 1155 or 1150 boards. Its a cheap and stable option. If you want more cores you should search for a Socket 2011 Mobo or even one with 2 CPUs, but they are very expensive and need more power 130-150W+. The 6 cores start about 670$, better to look for used ones at Ebay. . Maybe youll find an old system with xeon 5650 - 5680 there, sometimes there are full towers with 2 Cpus and Ram and power supply. Recently saw a 5670 system with 2x12 cores for 1350$. Edit: 4/8 core runs on any OS, with more cores you need win7-8 Pro or better, no idea what Linux is able to do.

[FourOh]

I built a new Xeon rig a few weeks ago based on the Dell T5500 workstation. I bought the T5500, upgraded to two hex-core X5650s, and purchased 24Gb of ram on ebay, total $670. I didn't buy anything on auction, I looked for the vendors who have a "Make an Offer" button on their listings and haggled. I would recommend the seller of the T5500, mine had a boot issue and they are replacing it at no cost.

For me, it comes down to this: I'm not an overclocker and I value stability, so I'm willing to take a performance hit and make up for it with lots of threads. Depending on the project, my 24 threads of X5650 equal about 13-16 threads of an i7-3770.

You can see the details of my build here, and I'll be updating with performance numbers and power use soon:
http://www.setiusa.us/showthread.php...cement-Project

[conf]

As I said before, everything is 33% more expensive in Europe. I think the electricity bill will be about 300% of yours for the same amount.

[Slicker]

As I said before, everything is 33% more expensive in Europe. I think the electricity bill will be about 300% of yours for the same amount.

You just have to get further in debt. Once China owns all your debt, they start cutting you deals and you can get stuff cheaper.

[DrPop]

You just have to get further in debt. Once China owns all your debt, they start cutting you deals and you can get stuff cheaper.

[conf]

Already in dept since I bought this one, should be delivered this days.
Intel Xeon E5 2687W ES 3.0-3.3Ghz 20MB 8 Core HT LGA2011

[DrPop]

Hi Conf, that sounds like a pretty sweet rig! So it will have 16 threads total then?

[conf]

Yes 16 Threads but 3 will be reserved for the Gpus.