How To Select The Best Processor For Your Server?

What is a processor?

The central processing unit is known as the brain of the server. Whether you are customizing a new server or upgrading the old one, you should be aware of the amount of power and performance the server is able to deliver. If the processor is built with increased core counts and clock speed, it makes a huge difference in the overall performance and responsiveness as compared with the processor that has a lower clock speed and core count.

The processor is placed on the chipset of a server. If your processor is like a car engine, then the chipset is the car’s chassis. The chipset is the framework where the engines rest. Through chipset, you can connect to the outer world. The chipset like a car helps you to start, stop and corner your vehicle. The processor communicates with the internal components like adapter boards, memory modules, and other devices through the chipset.

As chipset controls the entire interface of a server, you should first check the type of chipset you are getting with the server and the different processors that are compatible with the chipset. The type of processor and chipset together helps to decide the speed of your server, the operation speed of each bus, the amount of memory you can use and which applications can run fluently.

What processor factors you should look for while buying a server?

The main processor factors you should consider the most while buying a server are:

Clock Speed: Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the number, the faster the clock speed. To run applications, the processor of your server should be able to complete the calculations continuously. The higher the clock speed, the faster the processor will calculate and that too very smoothly. The clock speed along with the bit width conveys us that in a single second how much data can flow. If a processor has a speed of 2.92 GHz and the bit width of 32 bits, then it means that it can process almost 3 billion units of 32 bits of data per second. This means even if you are running heavy applications with such a faster clock speed you will get good responsiveness. If your application is using a single core, at that time Clock speed is the king.

Cores

If you had computers in the early 2000s, then you might remember that when one program froze the entire system used to freeze as well. This was not only the problem with the operating systems but the processor as well. With a processor having one core means, you can run only one application at a time. Obviously, with multiple cores, you can process multiple applications at a time, as it divides the work into multiple units. If by chance, one of the core freezes because of a running application, you still can continue your work with other cores while you figure out the issue. Or to free up the core, you can close the running application.

Threads

It is the number of processors a chip can handle at once. Threads are similar to the number of cores. Sometimes going through the spec-sheet, we come across words like “Processor has multithreading capability,” it means it allows a single core to create dual threads.

Cache

A cache is used by the processor to speed up the access to instructions and data between the processor and the RAM. There are three types of cache you will come across while looking at the specification sheet:

• L1 – Is the fastest, but cramped
• L2 – Is roomier, but slower
• L3 – Is Spacious, but comparatively slower than above two

You shouldn’t pay much attention to the cache part, as we cannot say how it equates to the real-world performance. The most important aspect is the clock speed and core you should concentrate on while buying a server.

Why multiple core processors became popular?

The manufacturers due to certain technological limitations were finding it difficult to increase the clock speed on a single processor. So, they opted to add more identical processing units to a single processor.

A core is a single processing unit, while multiple core processor means multiple processing units. So, if you view one of the datasheets, it shows that the server offers dual core 2.5GHZ processor, then it means that the processor has two processing unit with a clock speed of 2.5GHz.

More cores, lesser clock speed or less core, higher clock speed, which is better?

If possible, always opt for higher cores and higher clock speed, but this is not feasible for everyone as it goes above the budget. So, let’s see which specification suits better for your application.

More Cores and lesser clock speed

Advantages

• Processors with higher cores deliver higher performance and are cost-effective.
• Applications supporting multi-threading would benefit from a higher number of cores.
• Multi-threading support for applications will continue to enhance over time.
• Easily run more applications without experiencing the performance drop.
• Great for virtualization and running multiple virtual machines.

Disadvantages:

• Offers lower single threaded performance

Fewer cores and higher clock speed

Advantages

• Offers better single threaded performance
• Lower cost

Disadvantages

• Due to the lower number of cores, it becomes difficult to split between applications
• Not so strong as multi-threading performance.

Different Types of processors available

A few years back, selecting a processor was a very easy task, as Intel and AMD manufactured only two series of processors. One was the budget line, and the other was the mainstream line. Every brand used only one processor socket, and the socket was compatible with these two series processors. In terms of processor speed, a limited range was available. With time, Intel and AMD processors started manufacturing a range of different processor models suitable for an array of applications.

Processor outputs are defined depending upon the different business application requirements that are:

• Entry Level – Suitable for startups and SMB’s who have the requirement to run the smaller application and need less storage space.
• Mid-Level – Suitable for enterprises with the requirement to run the medium level business application with moderate storage space.
• Enterprise Level – Suitable for large enterprises for running mission-critical and demanding applications.

Both the companies (AMD and Intel) now offer several lines of processors that differ in:

• Clock speed
• L2 Cache
• Socket type
• Host Bus speed
• With various other characteristics and special features supported

Advanced Micro devices (AMD) processor types include:

• Sempron
• Athlon
• Phenom

Intel processor types include:

• Celeron
• Pentium
• Core

Bottom Line

Whether you are upgrading or buying a new server, the type of processor you choose maters a lot. So finally, you should first come to a conclusion about what you are going to do with your server before buying a processor for it and the look after your budget. There are many online retail stores like Cyberwala, Server Basket and many more, who can provide you with the complete list of the compatible processors of different brands for your application. You can also visit the brands like Dell, HP, IBM, and others to know the detailed description of which processor of the respective brand would be able to fulfill your business needs.