AMD Desktop CPU vs Server CPU

[jpacelli]

I've built myself a new PC last year, and I just got my son a new Dell PC since he's starting HS next year. His old PC was my other old PC, and AMD 2000 Barton, 1 Gb ram, etc. PC for 4 years ago. I was thinking of turning it into a Server and dual booting with Longhorn and Linux.

But I was thinking of probably just building a new server pc, something around $500.

What's the difference between a Server CPU and a Desktop CPU?
Can't I just use an X2 or FX chip instead of an Opteron?

Joe

 

[Aluvus]

The Opterons test out better, and some models can be used in various multiprocessor configurations. Amount of L2 cache may vary depending on the models you're looking at.

 

[Conky]

Not sure why you would want to get fancy with upgrading a backup/fileserver rig. The only difference between most server cpu's and desktop cpu's are the prices assuming they all fit the same socket. Your choices will come down to what will work with your motherboard.

A Barton 2000 will make a fine server. Tomorrow I am putting together a server using a Barton 2500 and an ASUS A7N8X Deluxe which should serve up the files quite nicely while allowing me to play some COD while I am playing around in the basement(increasingly important as the summer heats up, heh).

If you want a new rig for yourself on the cheap... look into the ASRock Quad-VSTA board and an E4400. You can overclock one of these, use that old DDR RAM, that old GF4 AGP, and have a surprisingly agile system while you slowly migrate to newer parts.