Why are server cpus more expensive?

[expxe]

when u build a server, can you use "normal" cpus instead of the server cpus?

 

[tortnotes]

When you build a home file server, sure.
When you're building a pro-grade server, no. Some server CPUs are built on the same architecture as desktop CPUs, but even if you can convince a server motherboard to accept a desktop processor you might run into problems. Server CPUs are usually the very highest quality chips out of a batch... they handle the stresses and constant operation of a server environment better than desktop CPUs.

 

[expxe]

how much stress can their be? some people leave their machines at home on 24/7 folding, so what is the server doing that is so difficult?

 

[enzo matrix]

Server CPUs are also capable of using multiple CPUs on the same board. Consumer CPUs won't work like that.

 

[bossman032]

server chips combined with proper motherboard provide years of service. If you can put together a solid system, with proper server you cannot go working. also server/high end workstations use same components. hope this helps a little.

 

[uh_no]

to the person who said that people leave their desktops on 24/7

yeah, but are they taxing them at near 100% 24/7?

server cores are optimized for highly parallel operations...lots of IO operations serving many many many users......desktop CPUs are optimized for one user doing more complicated tasks. Server CPU's are almost along the same line as GPU's in that their power is in their parallel nature, yet they still run x86 like your regular CPU. They must be highly stable, sometimes fault tolerant, because a failure in a server is much more terrible than a failure in a desktop

 

[kamel5547]

Essentially there are the following differences (some of these are related to motherboard support which is tied to these processors):
1) Higher chip validation (i.e. testing)
2) Multi-processor support (think an 8-P box for large database quesries)
3) Support for more error resistant hardware (ECC memory, battery backed controllers)
4) Redundant BIOS images in case of corruption/failure
5) Support for larger amounts of memory (many many more RAM slots)

etc.

You don't need these in a non-critical application, the main advantage is for redundancy and calculations needing a lot of number crunching. The main advantage is the multiple processor support.

 

[sminlal]

Server CPUs combine with server motherboards and server chassis to provide more capacity and higher reliability. More capacity through the use of multiple CPU chips in multiple sockets along with more DIMM slots, and more reliability through the use of ECC, hot swap expansion cards, redundant power supplies and fans.

I really don't think that a server CPU chip itself is particularly more robust in terms of 24x7 than a desktop chip is, but the total package including things like ECC memory, redundant hot-swap NICs, power supplies and fans means that a server can survive a things that will stop a desktop system dead in it's tracks.

If you don't need the added capacity or reliability, you don't need to buy a server chip, motherboard or enclosure. You may also have the option of providing capacity and reliability through the use of many complete redundant but cheap systems rather than trying to build a few expensive non-stop computers.