Core i3 4150 vs Xeon E3 for entry level server used mostly for SQL query and VPN

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vistanew

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Nov 19, 2016
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I'm trying to set up my first server for a small business where we want to have our first server running a software that is based on SQL. There will be about 8 users accessing the SQL Database on the server. I would like to have a VPN connection also so when we are not at the office, we can access the server. I'm looking at an entry level Thinkserver TS140 with Core i3 processor. Would this processor be able to perform or should I get something like Xeon E3 or better?

I appreciate your suggestions. As you can tell, I'm new to this topic. Thank you everyone and have a great weekend!
 
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If the i3 is powerful enough, then go for it. You're the only one who knows how SQL Server is used, how much memory is optimal for your environment, your budget, etc.
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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May 29, 2013
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My mistake. An i3 is going to be a dual core CPU. An E3 Xeon will be a quad core and may have hyperthreading, depending on model number. ALL of the CPU choices are limited to 32GB RAM. SQL servers like RAM. As much as you can afford. You can mitigate the RAM limitations by having SSD storage for your database.
 
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GhislainG

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Jul 16, 2008
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CPU requirements depend on how busy the SQL server will be. An application that performs rather simple queries once in a while is not resources intensive and an i3-4150 may be fine. If Intel Active Management Technology is a requirement (it usually isn't in an environment with a single server), then a Xeon is a must. It obviously isn't a bad thing, but people often over estimate the hardware requirements in a business environment.
 
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GhislainG

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Jul 16, 2008
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If the i3 is powerful enough, then go for it. You're the only one who knows how SQL Server is used, how much memory is optimal for your environment, your budget, etc.
 
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DustinB621

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Feb 13, 2015
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Based on my experience with SQL or any query language (MySQL, MariaDB, Access, Microsoft) the E3 family of Xeons do handle request well. Considering 4 physical cores plus hyperthreading. Buying the fastest clocked Xeon available is your best bet especially over an i3.
 
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GhislainG

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Jul 16, 2008
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It all depends on what the database is used for; SSDs and/or 15K RPM hard disks in RAID can also improve SQL performance. Queries have to be complex or retrieve a relatively large number of rows for only 8 users to stress an i3. In most environments users do something else once a query is complete and it may take a bit of time before they perform another query.
 
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