Core 2 Duo and Quad vs. Xeon Processors

[Dougx1317]

I remember reading a few weeks back that Intel puts their new technology in Xeon processors for a cheap price, and then make it public for a big price. I just read today (in this forum) that Xeon processors should perform just as well, even in gaming, as their C2D counterparts. Is there a difference in the C2D and Xeon line of processors? Xeon don't look any cheaper to me. Is there a difference between the E8400 and E3110? They have same price.

 

[gamerk316]

Xeon chips are made for servers, and are incompatable with most motherboards and require specilized RAM. When you throw all those factors together, a C2D wipes a Xeon in gaming.

 

[zenmaster]

The XEON and C2D Chips are nearly identical and will perform about the same. However, the Microcode of a XEON Chips is tweaked for Server tasks, not desktop tasks so it will run a little slower.

And as Gamer pointed out, the Socket is different so it will require a server mobo. This means no overclocking and the purchase of expensive ram that is actually a little slower due to the error checking built in for critical server systems.

In Short, you want a C2D or C2Q for you home system.

 

[eodeo]

In Short, you want a C2D or C2Q for you home system.

I agree with the whole post, but the conclusion is as concise and as accurate as it can be.

 

[bigmjh]

Xeon chips are made for servers, and are incompatable with most motherboards and require specilized RAM. When you throw all those factors together, a C2D wipes a Xeon in gaming.

Elsewhere in these forums (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/254703-28-xeon-x3350-quad-q9550) there is conflicting info - "No, they do not require a different mobo then the Core 2 Quad http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QUaD . As long as the sockets are the same (LGA775), it will work (unless otherwise stated). ... Identical. They're basically the same chip, but apparently the Xeon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeon is actually higher binned and might even overclock better. "

Both chips are LGA socket 775 ... Anyone clarify these conflicting advices???

 

[swifty_morgan]

Xeon processors do come in 775 socket. Like their c2d "twins" some over clock better than others and they run a little cooler. If oc'ing I'd still get an after market cooler because the ones that come with that processor, that I've seen, don't have any copper on them. This one was a pisser.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117127

 

[gamerk316]

My old ASUS P5nd2-SLI mobo was LGA775, and C2D and C2Q won't work on it. Theres more to CPU compatability then socket type. I can tell you that Xeon compatability on desktop motherboards is not a guarentee just because the socket is the same.

All Xeon chips are better suited for running distributed tasks. For example: My workplace just replaced on its older C2D models (2.2 GHz i think, forget the model) and replaced it with a faster clocked and new Xeon. The program they needed to run, which was slow to begin with, ran even slower, and they had to sub back in the C2D.

 

[zenmaster]

Elsewhere in these forums (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/254703-28-xeon-x3350-quad-q9550) there is conflicting info - "No, they do not require a different mobo then the Core 2 Quad http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QUaD . As long as the sockets are the same (LGA775), it will work (unless otherwise stated). ... Identical. They're basically the same chip, but apparently the Xeon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeon is actually higher binned and might even overclock better. "

Both chips are LGA socket 775 ... Anyone clarify these conflicting advices???

Actually there are some 775 Xeons, that I had forgotten about.
However, they are still not recommended for home systems due to a different microcode.
Not a big deal, but still you will get better performance from the C2D for most home tasks.

I would not expect any higher OCing.

 

[toosober]

As most have said, stick with the Core2 line for gaming.
Just because it is socket 775 does not mean your system board will support it.
I would suggest if you are bound and determined to use a xeon to verify compatibility with you motherboard manufacturer.

 

[bigmjh]

I'm not putting together a gaming system - but rather one for Excel, Word, web design, Photoshop, video editing, and very little gaming. It will be connected to a network with home theater (TIVO, PS3, receiver and plasma) and will store videos, jpegs, music, etc.

Looks like I should go back to my original choice of an Intel Core2 Quad Q9550 in order to avoid potential problems with compatibility. Was considering Xeon X3350 because Amazon had it for a good price ($265 + free shipping + no tax).

 

[jedimasterben]

My Xeon runs a bit faster than another computer I built with better specs and a Q6600, both overclocked to 3GHz. The Xeon also runs at a lower voltage than it, too.

In real world applications, the difference is negligible.

But back in the days of the Athlon 64, boy oh boy did my Opteron spank my A64 on the same socket.

 

[bullgarian]

I have 2 xeons 3.0Ghz and i am pretty satisfied. Good enough for everyday work,good enough for graphics, good enough for playing Crysis(not on max).They are certainly not made for servers only.
I will tell you something. Yesterday I went to this guy and sold some ram to him. He had gaming rig something around $2000 invested in it. Just the case was $300 (his words),watercooling........quad core.....bla bla bla
His system crashed 2 times for the 2 hours(we talked about pcs) i was there.
Now what I thing if you want to overclock something- just to play with get something different than Xeon processor and who knows what motherboard. If you want good working stability system get some workstation with the fastest xeon you could afford, add good video card and you`re good to go.
Price difference is existing - friend of mine (just to play crysis - $700 - do it yourself type), me - $475(including video card) and I kicked his ass on bechmarking.
I think 2xXeon processors are very good combination(performance/price) + good video card = 1 good system
My system - Precision 470 2x3.0Ghz Xeon processors
5GB ECC Registered (2x2 + 2x512)
8800GTS 320MB 320bit
No face plate + 4 additional fans
Dell memory Fan bypasser®
x32bit
x64bit