Model range of Xeon E3, E5 and E7 processors. Selecting the optimal line. Intel Xeon what kind of processors are these? What kind of xeon processor is it?

The server processor segment, unlike mobile or consumer ones, is conservative and predictable. This is unlikely to upset anyone, because for professionals, reliability, compatibility and performance are important, and not spectacular functionality. Nevertheless, there is undoubtedly movement here too. Therefore, with some frequency (less often than we would like, but still) on the Intel blog we publish reviews of the current situation with Xeon processors - a kind of instant cross-section of the entire line. Well, two interesting news prompted us to do this review right now.

A short preface for those who are interested in the topic, but have not previously followed the development of the Intel Xeon line. Xeon (correctly read “zion”) – server processors using Intel technologies Core and the following strategies for updating Core (the same one that used to be “tick-tock”, and now “tick-tock-tock”), albeit with some delay. That is, Intel Core i3/i7 Kaby Lake appears first, and after a while Intel Xeon E3/E7 Kaby Lake appears. The more complex the processors, the greater the generational difference. Let's say Intel Xeon E3v6 (Kaby Lake) appeared 8 months after Intel Core i3 v7 (Kaby Lake) - right now, and this is the first news. But Intel Xeon E5v6 does not yet exist in nature and it will not appear soon, because the current current generation is the fourth, which is Broadwell. Confused about the numbers? Generations Core and Xeon differ by one, since the first "Zion" was made on cores Sandy Bridge, that is, the second generation Core.

Having become familiar with the arithmetic of the model range Intel processors Xeon, let's move on to their comparative consideration.

Intel Xeon E3

Typical configuration Intel Xeon E5 v6

Xeon E3v6 is the third stage in the Intel processor upgrade cycle, the optimization stage. This means that functionally and hardware-wise it is almost no different from its predecessor; There are some “file modifications” taking place in order to more fully utilize the available resource. Let's look at what has changed during the current iteration of the cycle, which took a total of 2 years.

Intel Xeon E5

Guys, hello to you all. We will talk about processors. I understand them a little, it seems to me. You've probably heard the mention of Xeon somewhere, well, it's like a processor and all that. But what kind of processor is this? Why is it cooler than usual and what’s the big deal? I'll tell you everything. Xeon processors are not designed for ordinary users, or rather not for ordinary computers, but for server computers. That is, they are purely hard workers. They work in all sorts of servers, designed to work constantly around the clock =)

But in fact, ordinary processors are hidden under the name Xeon. Yes, yes, it's just for servers. No, well, they are actually for servers, it’s just that the characteristics show that they are almost the same as similar desktop processors. Xeon, as it should be, supports registered server memory with ECC, which, by the way, is cheaper used than regular memory, because regular desktop processors do not work with it.

Is it possible to put a server process on a regular motherboard? In principle it is possible, but it will not always work. Because not all motherboards support server processors. Although maybe it’s all the same, I don’t know for sure, I won’t lie. They just match the contacts (provided the socket is the same). For example, my Asus Gryphon Z87 motherboard supports it. In general, regarding support, it’s best to look at the official website of the motherboard =)

Windows works fine on both a server processor and a regular one. Although in general they install server Windows on server equipment. It is also impossible to overclock server processors, although people somehow overclocked them on the 775 socket. Also, the server processor may lack a graphics core, although in the era of the 775 socket there was no question of this, there was no video core in good luck then.

Well, what else can I say. There is an opinion that the Xeon processors there are super selected and tested specifically so that they can work for years without interruption.. I don’t know if this is true, I doubt it, to be honest.

Also, guys, it happens that there is a top model of a processor, for example i7, but there is a similar option but a server one, so it will cost less. But, as I already said, it will not be possible to overclock it. And the i7 is possible, of course, if the model with the letter K comes with it.

Who can take Xeon? I think for those who do not plan to overclock the processor. Because it will most likely win in price; also, used server memory is cheaper. But you need to check that the motherboard supports Xeon.

So I’ll also say this. Previously, I knew for sure that Xeon and regular processors often differed in the socket, that is, it was not compatible at all. For example, regular processors have socket 775, and server ones have socket 771, that is, they are not compatible in any way, but these are all old sockets. But there was a joke here, in short it turned out that the processors from the 771st socket are suitable for the 775th and so off we go...

Today, it seems like Xeon and regular desktop PCs have physically the same socket. Well, or in most cases.

And so, roughly speaking, apart from the memory and the fact that in most cases Xeon cannot be overclocked, then in principle there is not much difference. Xeon may cost less and may run cooler, and there are also models without an integrated core.

Look, here's an example for you. There is an i7 4790K processor (1150 socket), and there is a similar model of it, the E3-1286 v3. The difference is that the first has a turbo boost frequency of 4.4 GHz, and the second has 4.1 GHz and no overclocking. They also seem to have a different video core, the i7 4790K has an Intel HD Graphics 4600, and the E3-1286 v3 has an Intel HD Graphics P4700, but I don’t know which is better...

Damn, I forgot to write something else important. All server processors have been called by one name for a cloud of years now: Xeon. There are no Pentiums, Celerons and others here. Everything is very strict.

That's all guys, I hope everything was clear to you here, good luck to everyone!

Owners of personal computers are of little interest, because crystals in this segment have a completely different task related to mathematical calculations and working with databases. The unrealistically inflated cost and its own platform, in addition, completely relieve the potential buyer from thinking about purchasing and installing processors from the corporate segment.

In fact, the computer hardware manufacturer is simply not interested in regular users installed server solutions for themselves, because this would undermine the company’s policy and suspend sales of new equipment. In this article, the reader will get acquainted with one interesting representative of the corporate segment, which can compete with expensive crystals. We will talk about the XEON E5450 processor. Review, characteristics, description and user reviews will help the reader to better know the representative of the corporate segment.

Specifications

The processor is designed for installation in a socket that is reserved by Intel for multiprocessor platforms. For the XEON E5450, the performance characteristics are slightly different from the Pentium 4 crystals and their analogs intended for installation in socket 775. Four cores, implemented separately on one platform (like the Core Quad), operate at a frequency of 3 GHz. Operating frequency bus corresponds to 1333 MHz.

The only indicator that stands out is the size of the processor memory cache, which is 12 megabytes (for the second level). Support for a 64-bit platform, 80 Watt heat dissipation and support for all instructions necessary for server operation complete the general idea of ​​the XEON E5450 crystal.

Processor Features

The reader has already noticed several fundamental differences between the representative of the server platform and processors intended for installation in a personal computer. A crystal with four cores operates at a frequency of 3 GHz, while a home representative, even in the top version, is limited to a threshold of 2.9 GHz. The bus performance indicator is also interesting - 1333 MHz for most users personal computer can only be achieved by overclocking. And then in most cases the frequency threshold is 1066 MHz.

The heat dissipation, which does not exceed 100 Watts, is also pleasing. Naturally, the user may want to overclock the XEON E5450. The enthusiast’s surprise will know no bounds when he passes the psychological barrier without any problems and stops at 4.1 GHz. True, before overclocking, you need to solve the problem with cooling, since the crystal has a temperature limit (70 degrees Celsius), after which automatic protection is triggered and the server processor turns off.

Comparison with analogues

Naturally, all users eagerly want to compare the server crystal with some well-known product. For example, XEON E5450 vs Core Quad Q6800. At the very least, all users of the platform do not consider the Q6800 processor to be a performance standard that fits well into the price-quality criterion. However, IT experts recommend that enthusiasts raise the bar much higher and look for an Intel Core I5 ​​representative for comparison.

Yes, the last generation server processor will easily outperform not only all multi-core AMD representatives, but also its older Core I3 brothers in performance. It is this feature of the crystal that attracts many users who have long wanted to increase the performance of their computer, but do not have the resources to switch to new platform enough funds.

Professional use

The Intel XEON E5450 crystal will be useful primarily to experts in the field of video processing and creating 3D models. Processing power is enough to complete the most complex tasks. If we compare with other processors on the socket 775 platform, the performance gain can be assessed as follows:

• the Pentium 4 platform with one core is 20 times slower;
• dual core representative Dual Core inferior by 15 times;
• a Core 2 Duo crystal with a core frequency of more than 2.6 GHz is 10 times slower than the XEON E5450;
• a Core Quad representative with 4 cores is 5 times inferior to a server representative.

Performance measurements were carried out by experts using applications for processing and encoding video in FullHD format. Well-known Sony programs Vegas and Pinnacle Studio. There is no doubt that there will not be much difference in performance when processing 3D objects.

Potential in gaming applications

Many enthusiasts believe that gaming will not be a stumbling block for the XEON E5450 processor. After all, the server crystal has proven itself worthy in working with resource-intensive applications. This is true, but there are several points that dynamic fans should pay attention to. modern games ears. Firstly, in order to quickly exchange information between the application and the processor, it is necessary to ensure that the RAM operates at the same frequency as the crystal (1333 MHz). The weak point in the system can also be the video adapter, the potential of which is simply not enough for the full operation of the entire system.

For gaming computer based on a server processor, experts installed minimum requirements to video adapters: GeForce GTX 580 and Radeon HD 5970. Graphics accelerators with lower performance will slow down the operation of the entire system. Don't forget about the hard drive. It's time to build SSDs based on solid-state hard drives.

Real numbers

Naturally, all users, especially fans of resource-intensive modern games, want to see the performance of the XEON E5450 crystal in action. For comparison, enthusiasts created two identical platforms: 4 GB Hynix 1333 MHz RAM, mother MSI board G41M-P26, Kingston HyperX 120Gb SSD and Gainward GTX 580 video adapter. The platforms differed only in processors. The server crystal was assigned to a Core Quad Q6800. In gaming applications GTA5, FarCry4, Witcher 3, Mortal Kombat X, Fallout 4, system performance has increased almost 3 times (from 20-25 FPS to 60-70 frames per second).

Such indicators prompted enthusiasts to think about comparison server solution for the socket 771 platform with a more powerful new generation processor - 2500K. The results turned out to be stunning - the XEON E5450 was only 5-7% behind the representative of the line! The weak point in the system, as practice has shown, is the volume RAM- 4 GB is clearly not enough for resource-intensive games.

Physical differences between platforms

The XEON E5450 processor, designed for installation in socket 771, has some differences from the representative Intel Pentium 4, intended for installation in socket 775. Firstly, we are talking about two contacts that the manufacturer swapped in order to prevent the interchangeability of processors. The problem can be resolved in several ways: the legs on the motherboard are soldered or a special adapter is used to change the socket.

The second nuisance is the lack of additional slots on the server processor for installation in socket 775. The problem is also solved in two ways: sawing through the slots on the processor or breaking off the limiters on the motherboard. The second method is safer.

Platform compatibility at the software level

Before you start searching for the XEON E5450 processor on the domestic market, you need to understand whether it is compatible with motherboard available to the user. The fact is that Intel, when releasing chips, created some restrictions that apply not only base frequencies work, but also heat generation. All motherboards based on P and G series chips, as well as nForce 7 series platforms, support the server processor at the hardware level.

Not all motherboards can “know” what kind of Intel XEON E5450 processor it is, even if this crystal is supported by the chip at the hardware level. The problem is that some have their own limitation that they have used to maintain the temperature in the system. Thus, manufacturers Foxconn, MSI and Gigabyte limited at the level BIOS firmware installation of processors with four cores operating at frequencies above 2.66 GHz. Accordingly, users are advised to review the specifications before purchasing motherboard on the official website of the manufacturer.

Search for a ready-made solution

Having received introductory data regarding the performance of the Intel XEON E5450 server processor, the user will certainly begin to study offers on the domestic market, and after some time he will be disappointed by the lack of new crystals in retail sales. Yes, the platform is obsolete and has long been discontinued, so the secondary market will help you find the right solution. The cost of such a processor ranges from 2-4 thousand rubles.

A new crystal can be purchased at foreign online auctions. The cost of such processors is not much different from offers on Russian market, however, foreigners offer their goods with minor modifications. The server processor is already bored out for socket 775 and has a corresponding adapter.

Cooling system

There is no need to think that the XEON E5450 crystal, which is undemanding in terms of power supply, does not need a decent cooler. The fact is that an economical processor is not only sensitive to overheating, but is also capable of shutting down the entire computer if the operating temperature is exceeded. After all, this is a server processor, and it is responsible for the safety of data and own safety, so the user should consider purchasing a decent cooling system.

IT experts recommend taking a closer look at inexpensive solutions Intel. All versions of BOX 4 come with a decent cooler, which is designed to cool crystals with a heat output of up to 125 Watts. This solution will be quite sufficient even for overclocking the crystal to 4 GHz.

In conclusion

The XEON E5450 server solution is not only an alternative to upgrading your computer by moving to a new platform. It's more about saving cash user, because he is offered an unusual solution, which, along with increasing computer performance, allows him to save a large amount of money. Yes, the transition is not easy and requires physical intervention in the operation of the processor. But it’s worth it to enjoy the comfortable operation of the system in the next few years, without thinking about possible modernization, which requires significant financial costs.

True, many potential buyers still have to go through great job, before creating the platform of your dreams. A regular trip to the store is not enough here. First you need to make sure that your motherboard's processor is supported. After that, solving the installation problem, and improving the remaining components of the computer plays an important role here.

The server processor segment, unlike mobile or consumer ones, is conservative and predictable. This is unlikely to upset anyone, because for professionals, reliability, compatibility and performance are important, and not spectacular functionality. Nevertheless, there is undoubtedly movement here too. Therefore, with some frequency (less often than we would like, but still) on the Intel blog we publish reviews of the current situation with Xeon processors - a kind of instant cross-section of the entire line. Well, two interesting news prompted us to do this review right now.

A short preface for those who are interested in the topic, but have not previously followed the development of the Intel Xeon line. Xeon (correctly read “Zion”) - server processors using Intel Core technologies and following the Core update strategy (the same one that used to be “tick-tock”, and now “tick-tock”), albeit with some delay . That is, Intel Core i3/i7 Kaby Lake appears first, and after a while Intel Xeon E3/E7 Kaby Lake appears. The more complex the processors, the greater the generational difference. Let's say Intel Xeon E3v6 (Kaby Lake) appeared 8 months after Intel Core i3 v7 (Kaby Lake) - right now, and this is the first news. But Intel Xeon E5v6 does not yet exist in nature and it will not appear soon, because the current current generation is the fourth, which is Broadwell. Confused about the numbers? The Core and Xeon generations differ by one, since the first “Zion” was made on Sandy Bridge cores, that is, the second generation Core.

Having familiarized ourselves with the arithmetic of the model range of Intel Xeon processors, let’s move on to their comparative consideration.

Intel Xeon E3

Typical configuration Intel Xeon E5 v6

Xeon E3v6 is the third stage in the Intel processor upgrade cycle, the optimization stage. This means that functionally and hardware-wise it is almost no different from its predecessor; There are some “file modifications” taking place in order to more fully utilize the available resource. Let's look at what has changed during the current iteration of the cycle, which took a total of 2 years.

Intel Xeon E5

22 Feb 2018

New models of Intel Xeon server processors often receive minor improvements, and line updates occur with a delay (compared to Intel Core). However, thanks to the presence of three lines (E3/E5/E7), you can easily choose the appropriate option. Let's figure out what their features are and what differences they have. In addition, after the release of the new Xeon Scalable, the cost of these processors has decreased slightly.

Intel Xeon E3

This line is inexpensive processors designed for use in entry-level servers. Thus, all processors in the line are equipped with 4 cores with clock frequency up to 4.2 Ghz. This is enough for comfortable operation of a web server or application server (with a small number of users).

It is worth noting that they are updated more often than the older Xeon E5 and Xeon E7 lines, however, changes in latest versions were small - gradual evolution.

For comparison, you can choose three models from different generations (Broadwell, Skylake Kaby Lake), which, obviously, have not undergone significant changes:

As you can see, no revolution has occurred - the clock frequency has increased slightly, heat dissipation has decreased and the cache memory size has changed. Thus, the productivity increase was about 5-10%, and the cost remained at the same level. Support for DDR4 RAM can be considered a significant change, but for many users the capabilities of the previous generation are sufficient.

Intel Xeon E5

The widest range of Intel Xeon server processors. For example, the latest generation of Broadwell includes 38 processors, among which it is easy to choose the appropriate model.

So, here are two processor options:

1. A small number of cores (4-8) with a high clock frequency (from 3 Ghz). These are mainly E5-processors 1 XXX, but there are several models from the E5- series 2 XXX. They are suitable for servers that are demanding on the speed of performing one task, for example a 1C server.
2. A large number of cores (from 10 to 22), with a slightly reduced clock frequency (2.1-2.4 Ghz). This processor is great for tasks that work efficiently with a large number of cores. For example, a database server or a terminal server.

It is worth noting that on the base you can assemble a configuration with 1, 2 or 4 processors. The latest generation of Xeon E5 was built on Broadwell, which means there are no improvements that appeared in Slylake and Kaby Lake. However, this allows Intel to test innovations more thoroughly, releasing the most stable products possible.

As you can see, Xeon E5 processors are distinguished by their variability, and when it is possible to scale a server, they are almost as good as new ones .

Intel Xeon E7

This line includes the most powerful models of Intel server processors. Thus, Xeon E7 includes significantly fewer models than Xeon E5 - only 12 in the latest generation. Majority Xeon processors The 4th generation E7s are equipped with a large number of cores (from 10), but there is also a model with 4 cores - E7-8893v4. This processor operates at a clock frequency of 3.2 Ghz and contains 60 MB of cache memory. It is worth noting that due to high performance, processors of this line are distinguished by high heat dissipation. Thus, the calculated TDP of all possible models is from 105 W. This should definitely be taken into account when designing a server and choosing a cooling system.

In fact, when choosing a processor, you are limited to the following options: either just powerful or very powerful. Let's compare two such processors.

The Xeon E7 line is designed for use in 4 and 8 processor configurations, providing maximum performance. However, to create a new productive server, it is more rational to use Xeon Scalable models, for example . At the same price as the Xeon E7, you get about a 20% performance gain.

In addition, the new processors provide several advantages:

• the ability to scale the server in the future;
• support for high-frequency DDR4 RAM;
• the presence of some integrated solutions (Intel VMD, Intel Vitrual Raid on CPU, RDMA).

Final choice

As we see, even with the release of new Scalable processors, the previous Intel generation Xeon has not lost its relevance. Thus, processors from the Xeon E3 line are excellent for creating an inexpensive server. For example, it can be used as a web server or 1C application server.

Xeon E5 processors are suitable for more tasks:

• 1C application server;
• terminal server;
• database server.

Thanks to the wide model range, you can easily change the processor to a more powerful one, because all models within the same generation use a single socket.Using Xeon E7 allows you to get maximum performance at a significant cost. However, in the future there may be problems with increasing productivity, because new models will not be released. Therefore, it is more rational to use the new Xeon Scalable Gold. For example, processor provides high level performance (14 cores with a clock frequency of 2.6 Ghz), and if necessary, it can be easily replaced with another Gold/Platinum model or next generation Xeon Scalable.