[wplug] Cheap linux server - hardware suggestions

[Justin at js-wordsmith.com]

In that case, it might be a good idea to invest more in the processor: an i3 from Intel or an FX-6300 from AMD.

The way AMD presents its processors is a bit misleading. Basically, each of their CPUs is comprised of "modules." Each module consists of two cores that are forced to share resources, which limits their performance. Each AMD core is less powerful than an Intel core, but together, they approach the same level of performance.

To make a rough analogy, an Intel core is like a master chef with his own kitchen and tools. An AMD module is like a pair of average chefs who have to share their kitchen and tools. Yes, there are more chefs, but if they both need the chef's knife, one of them has to wait.

Or how about this: an Intel core is like a football player who can do 10 pullups. Each AMD module is like a pair of scrawny nerds who can do 9 pullups combined. That's why you should compare AMD 8-core to Intel's 4-core, AMD 6-core to Intel 3-core, and AMD 4-core to Intel 2-core.

AMD's new architecture was developed specifically for servers. Servers need to be able to multitask, so that's what AMD processors do well at. You can also overclock any AMD processor, while most Intel CPUs are locked. Unfortunately, AMD's power consumption is quite a bit higher, which wouldn't be good if you're running something 24/7. 

It's really up to you in the end. AMD isn't a problem to anyone but performance nuts like me.

Justin Smith
Electronic Communication Specialist
http://www.js-wordsmith.com




>---- Original Message ----
>From: Roland Hess <me at harkyman.com>
>To: wplug at wplug.org
>Sent: Fri, Jan 11, 2013, 10:31 AM
>Subject: Re: [wplug] Cheap linux server - hardware suggestions
&gt;
>FYI, for Blender rendering you want cores and RAM. Rendered tiles
>parallelize very well across processors. A little slower proc with 2x the
>cores of an alternative (assuming enough RAM to go around) will win in that
>case. Also, if one of your targets is Blender consider that Cycles will be
>wanting to use your GPU, if you're heading in that direction instead of the
>default renderer.
&gt;
>Cheers
&gt;
>=========
>Roland Hess
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