Xeon vs. Core2Duo for work computer?

[jjanders]

I've recently been put in charge to put together specs for two new desktops for myself and a co-worker. We do a lot of heavy SAS programming so the two things of most importance are processing power and memory. Vid card, HDD, and the other stuff is pretty much inconsequential.

However, I'm not up to date on the newest processing info, I know Conroe/Core2 came out, and I know the 5100 line of the Xeon is pretty much equivalent to the Core2 (right?), but I'm not sure if one is "better".

Unfortunately I have to order from Dell and I'm looking at getting the Xeon 5140 and 2GB of RAM.

Thoughts?

 

[ShellGuy]

Here ya go. But all depends on the price you are willing to spend, or here



Will G.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: ShellGuy
Here ya go. But all depends on the price you are willing to spend, or here

I would go with an XPS 410 over the XPS 710. But really, the Prec 390 is his best bet. Better and faster warranty support, and the Prec 390 is a very well-built and well-designed system.

I'm not sure what Dell is paying/charging, but the E6600 looks better than the Xeon 5140.

Edit: Good grief, you'd be better off getting the Prec 390 with the E6300 and just replacing it yourself with an E6600. Really easy to do, just need a screw driver.

 

[ShellGuy]

but then the processor isn't supported if it dies, he can get the qx6700 and rock all..



Will G.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: ShellGuy
but then the processor isn't supported if it dies, he can get the qx6700 and rock all..

Processors rarely die. Plus he can get a retail with a 3yr warranty.

 

[ShellGuy]

These are BUSINESS computers he is buying them not building them, so there is no point in doing that, also they will just be written off at the end of the year for taxs anyways.





Will G.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: ShellGuy
These are BUSINESS computers he is buying them not building them, so there is no point in doing that, also they will just be written off at the end of the year for taxs anyways.

Actually, "writing off" does not mean they are free. They are only deductable from "taxable income." They only save a fraction of the cost.

 

[edcarman]

I'm also in the position of deciding between a Core 2 or Xeon sytem for work (FE Modelling). I came across this site that compares the Core 2s and Xeons:
http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=5160vs6800&page=1

It seems that the Xeon's memory bandwidth and latency are limiting factors that make them slower than Core 2s for memory intensive applications (speed, not quantity). Their conclusion seems to be that the Core 2 is better for performance, while you'd get the Xeon for enhanced reliabilty, two CPU sockets and systems requiring more memory than the Core 2 can support.