We understand how frustrating it can be to compare server hosts or build your own server with a lack of good information on server CPUs. Up until now, questions like \u00e2\u20ac\u0153what are the differences between Intel’s processor generations?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the difference between server grade and consumer grade processors?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d have gone unanswered.<\/p>\n
We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re here to set the record straight. After extensive research, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve prepared all the information you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll need to know to make an educated decision when purchasing components for your own server or choosing the right server host.<\/p>\n
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Server grade CPUs undergo more rigorous testing, resulting in a more dependable and reliable component. They also feature server<\/a>-grade features like error code correction (ECC) and higher frequencies (which processes more data). Consumer grade server<\/a> CPUs are cheaper, but lack server-grade features and may suffer from decreased dependability and lower resistance to high temperatures.<\/p>\n So in the end, is it okay to use a consumer grade processor on a server? Sure, but you will miss out on important server features like self-correction. Plus, if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re looking at a server host who\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s using a consumer grade CPU, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a sign that they could be cutting corners where they shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.<\/p>\n Intel has released 7 generations of processors, and between their codenames to the lack of concrete data on their differences, it can be tough to know which generation a processor belongs to, let alone which generation is best.<\/p>\n Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s start with the basics:<\/p>\n Identifying which generation an Intel processor belongs to is surprisingly easy. Intel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s processors each have a 4 digit code (followed or preceded by letters) that provides information on the processor. The first digit in this code is the processor’s generation. So, a gen 6 processor may look something like this Core i7 6700HQ. If it were a gen 7 processor it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d be a Core i7 7700HQ.<\/p>\n As you can see, the difference between each generation is usually around 10%, so if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re deciding between two hosts in which one offers a Broadwell but the other a Haswell, the difference won’t be very noticeable. However, if you are looking at a server that still utilizes a Sandy Bridge processor and one which is built with a Skylake processor, you could be looking at a major increase in performance!<\/p>\n Those who are building their own servers will likely want to purchase the latest generation CPUs as the price for older generations doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t decrease that much and the savings in power consumption will outweigh the initial price difference.<\/p>\n To sum up the differences between Intel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s CPU generations with just 4 points it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s this:<\/p>\n The last major question many have when looking at processor specs for servers is whether they should go with an AMD or an Intel processor. Let us be the first ones to tell you that much of this will come down to personal preference. While recent years have had Intel pull ahead in terms of performance, AMD is often being priced much cheaper than it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s competitor.<\/p>\n There are a few stats about the two that may help influence your decision making:<\/p>\n That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s about it for the major differences, and in many cases, the performance and price are still similar, so like we said before, it either comes down to personal preference or whatever\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the better deal at the moment.<\/p>\n Remember, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll want to ensure your processors are server grade and not consumer grade. You want to ensure that your getting one of the latest generations of processors (a one generation difference won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be noticeable, but 2 or 3 definitely will!) and don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worry too much about the server CPU\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s manufacturer.<\/p>\nIntel CPU Generations Compared and Explained<\/h2>\n
Identifying Intel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Processor Generations<\/h3>\n
Intel CPU Generations Compared<\/h3>\n
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AMD vs Intel CPUs for Servers<\/h2>\n
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Putting it all together<\/h2>\n