Older high RAM server hardware versus modern low ram

[memmakersorg]

I have been contemplating picking for an older HP dl585 G2 machine with 64 GB HD -- they run for about 1k and have either 8 cores or 16 cores depending on the config.

Typical specs would be:
4x 2.6 GHz AMD dual core
64GB RAM 32x 2GB pc2-5300P EEC

Against say a more modern
i7 quad core 32GB DDR3-1333 (4x8GB)

I typically use VMWare to partition such boxes and run MySQL / Hadoop / LAMP applications.
My applications require lots and lots of RAM

Thanks.

 

[phyco126]

Newer RAM simply runs faster than older RAM (and often at a lower electricity cost). If you need lots of RAM, then get the 64 GB RAM. DDR2 RAM is still fast enough for most peoples needs. Heck, I have DDR2 and it runs really fast. Only differences I notice between mine and DDR3 is usually only in benchmarks. Some applications open a hair faster (depending on RAM speed).

Keep in mind that the i7 is really fast, and might be faster than the first sever. Add in DDR3, you'll have plenty of speed. Question is whether or not you can get away with just 32 GB or RAM?