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Home Server Processor: Xeon e3 12xx or AMD FX Vishera

Tags:
  • Gaming
  • Processors
  • CPUs
  • Servers
  • Xeon
  • Virtualization
Last response: in CPUs
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August 26, 2013 3:48:09 PM

Hi CPU and Server gurus,

I come to you today with a question concerning building a home server with virtualization.

I'd like to add a server to host some servers for my home and for my gaming community. These could include: Domain controller, web server, mail server, mumble/murmur server, dedicated gaming servers. All virtualized for modularity.

My initial plan was to buy a cheap multi-cored processor with great reviews and to use that to run several virtual dedicated gaming servers using level-1 virtualization with EXSi or some similar program. Of course, once I started doing my research for a good product, things started to get confusing and complicated.

During my search I came across the AMD FX-8320 which looked well suited for the task with 8 cores and 4.0GHz. It has bad energy efficiency for a server at around 125W TDP. However, I read a lot of forum posts saying that it was good at virtualization but many were recommending the i5 and i7 series instead for some reason.
($160) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


While looking into these suggestions, I ended up considering Xeon chips as options too. The 3.3GHz Xeon e3-1230v2 looked like a well-suited chip but only had 4 cores (8 threads?). It has better energy efficiency at 65W TDP (which is nice for a dedicated server!). It is also actually a server chip. From my understanding these Xeons are the same as the i5/i7's but without integrated graphics and some other unnecessary bells and whistles.

($235) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


My question: FX-83xx or e3-12xx for my task?

Can you help me make a decision on this?

Factors being considered: energy efficiency, maximum number of virtual servers (can 8 cores have more VM's than 4 cores?), hardware cost (preferably close/under $600 for CPU, MB, RAM, Case, and PSU). How much heat will the Xeon put out? I would just like to put the processor in a non-server-rack case. I dont have IT infrastructe like air conditioning to support an enterprise setup. I just would like a hobbyist home performance server for random machines like gaming and basic internet services. Am I overkilling this?


Thank you for your time and responses!

More about : home server processor xeon 12xx amd vishera

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August 28, 2013 6:08:55 PM

If your budget is that tight I would simply consider the AMD off the bat. Also It really depends on what this server is being used for but more cores helps servers when many users are accessing the server more cores are much greater and the CPU usage is much higher in server's than in personal PC or workstations. Depending on use and work type of course! Personally snatch the AMD chip I doubt you'll be disappointed at all. Personally most reviews are very biased and fanboy based reasons come up rather than true (whats the word I'm looking for?) ergonomics..economics idk it doesn't come to mind LOL! Servers more cores! Personal use 4 cores usually more than enough! Hope this helps?!
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August 28, 2013 7:29:00 PM

Thanks this helps.

Haha, thank you so much for mentioning the fanboys. SO TRUE! Whats with the fanboys? Being honest to the best value and quality on the market means you get both sides competing fairly and the consumer is in a great spot for purchasing. Dont be a fanboy.

Anyways, I think I'm leaning on the Intel for this one. The AMD is EXCELLENT but its power draw it pretty high. 4 cores is great? Great! My budget isn't super tight. I think I can make my goal of under $600 with an intel board.

Chip $200
Mobo $100
Memory $200
Case $50
PSU$50-100

Just barely making budget there but those price ranges allow for some good products to be purhcased. Going a little over for pricing isn't a HUGE deal. Getting a great dedicated server for under $800 is nice any way you cut it if you need the server.

Thanks for the advice!
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a b à CPUs
August 29, 2013 7:04:34 AM

unreal893 said:
Thanks this helps.

Haha, thank you so much for mentioning the fanboys. SO TRUE! Whats with the fanboys? Being honest to the best value and quality on the market means you get both sides competing fairly and the consumer is in a great spot for purchasing. Dont be a fanboy.

Anyways, I think I'm leaning on the Intel for this one. The AMD is EXCELLENT but its power draw it pretty high. 4 cores is great? Great! My budget isn't super tight. I think I can make my goal of under $600 with an intel board.

Chip $200
Mobo $100
Memory $200
Case $50
PSU$50-100

Just barely making budget there but those price ranges allow for some good products to be purhcased. Going a little over for pricing isn't a HUGE deal. Getting a great dedicated server for under $800 is nice any way you cut it if you need the server.

Thanks for the advice!


To make things a bit easier I would also try tossing it together on: www.pcpartpicker.com
Also double checking the websites it recommends to buy from for example I selected a mouse pcpartpicker said was 59.99 on amazon but when I clicked to buy it was 39.99! Plus they do well the great majority of the time on the prices found on certain sites and it also helps to make sure things are compatible also! You might be able to avoid going over budget or at least shave off like $50-$100 maybe in a rebate or combo or some type of sale somewhere! Oh and please don't forget to select the answer that best helped you whether it be mine or not. :) 
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