Choices for server build?

[MrCrispy]

I'm building a media server using components I already have in my current pc's. I have 2 choices -

1. AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e with a 780G mobo
2. Q6600 with a P35 mobo

The OS will be Server 2008 R2 or WHS 2011. It will run various services such as downloading, XBMC server, Sickbeard etc.

I cannot decide between the two. Obviously #1 is much lower power but is it enough cpu for these duties? The Q6600 seems like overkill but it would allow me to run VM's and maybe even HyperV even though I'm not sure its needed.

 

[nickb64]

I'd go with the Q6600 if it was me

 

[Absolution75]

The q6600 is way overkill. If it's for home, stick to the athlon.

 

[myinfinity]

I'd take Q6600 since it would really help me when I upgraded the system in the future.

 

[mfenn]

Athlon, easy. The tasks you mentioned are going to be limited by your disks and network before they're limited by your CPU.

 

[MrCrispy]

Conflicting opinions as I feared. Is it easy to undervolt the Q6600 (mobo is Abit IP35 Pro). I would hate for it to sit unused since it cost a lot more than the Athlon, and I haven't really had any luck selling it, so I'm leaning towards it.

 

[mfenn]

Conflicting opinions as I feared. Is it easy to undervolt the Q6600 (mobo is Abit IP35 Pro). I would hate for it to sit unused since it cost a lot more than the Athlon, and I haven't really had any luck selling it, so I'm leaning towards it.

My post count is 10 times everyone elses combined, so it is obvious that I am correct. :awe: Just kidding!

But seriously, if you can undervolt the Q6600 to get the power draw down, that is fine too.