Trying to choose between i7 hex-core and dual Xeon X5670/5675 hex-core systems

ground-control2

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Jan 19, 2016
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Hi,

I'm trying to choose between used single i7 hex core and dual Xeon X5670/X5675 systems.

Current system too slow - core Q6600 2.4ghz + 8gb ram. Normal work doesn't actually max out the CPU but my memory is usually full and some tasks do stretch the CPU to the point of tedium. Cannot put any more memory on this mobo so looking into upgrading the box to a new one, hopefully one which will last a few years.

Main thing I'm doing is web development work in Windows 10 with PHPStorm (Often a couple of projects open), Virtual box (usually running 1 or 2 cores and 2gb ram) and several other programs (at the moment, skype, win-explorer, edge, putty, sqlyog, capture-one, notepad and evernote) including Chrome and FF with several tabs open in each. And iTunes in the background for music. And the usual system tray stuff doing it's thing in the background

Obviously I need a chunk more memory. I'm aiming for at least 24gb-32gb initially.

I'm assuming because I have a bunch of different stuff open that more cores is better, although I understand it doesn't scale in a linear fashion. And I don't really understand how windows handles distribution of tasks around the cpus/cores.

I'm liking the xeon systems I'm seeing even though they are a bit more expensive, the i7s seem to be limited to 32gb and although that will definitely be enough for me right now, there is an allure to the possibility of upgrading to 96gb with a xeon box in future. Also I figure having 12 cores must be a good thing. Some things like reformatting video with handbrake seems to cane all my cpus, so I assume that would absolutely rip on 12 real cores...

The i7 is faster in a single core, by 50%, but I would expect the dual xeons to compensate for that and maybe have a tad more total computing power?

My concern on the xeon side is noise. I assume those systems will require more cooling. But honestly I have no idea if that's true...

Any thoughts would be hugely appreciated!
 
really Xeons are good for like rendering and more cores help in your situation. Not nessicarly much more computing power. Faster cores have better gaming performance, so i7 are generally better for gaming. Xeons are slower but are better at high workloads. You can passively cool Xeons if you have good airflow in your chassis. No fans is silent. At like 3+ ghz the Xeons are decently fast and should give you the boost in your work.
 


Just what I wanted to know, I should benefit from the more cores. And great info on the passive cooling, I had no idea, although thinking about it with hindsight, given these are more normally server processors and heat can be such a problem in server farms it makes perfect sense.. I'll be saving up for the dual Xeon system!

Thanks so much