Top 5 Server Processors in 2022
When choosing a server for your business or home, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a critical component. It’s the core hardware that handles all processing and tasks. Without a CPU, your operating system wouldn’t even boot, as RAM only stores data, not executes it. Unfortunately, cloud providers and some hosting companies obscure the specific processors used, sometimes using vague names like “Star Server” or “Giga Server.” This can lead to purchasing a server with an outdated processor. To help you avoid this, we’ve compiled a guide to CPUs that offer good value for your money.
Intel Xeon Family
Intel CPUs are a strong choice, especially for companies familiar with their processors. Intel has long dominated the server market. Here are a few noteworthy Xeon CPUs:
Intel Xeon 2680v4
Launched in Q1 2016, this processor, based on the 14nm Broadwell architecture, still performs well for many workloads. It features 14 cores, 28 threads, a base clock of 2.4 GHz, and a turbo boost of 3.3 GHz. It was considered a powerful processor in its time. Like most Xeons, it has a TDP of 120W. If you don’t need top-tier per-core performance, it’s a solid option for your server.
Intel Xeon Silver 4210
Released in 2019, this is a high-end server processor with 10 cores and 20 threads. It has a base clock of 2.2 GHz and a turbo boost of 3.2 GHz. While seemingly similar to the 2680v4, the per-core performance is significantly better, and it boasts a lower TDP of 85W, potentially saving on electricity costs.
AMD EPYC Family
AMD disrupted the server market with the release of their EPYC processors in 2017. These CPUs not only offer excellent per-core performance but also feature an improved manufacturing process. The large 64MB L3 cache is a significant advantage.
AMD EPYC 7313
Released in Q3 2021, this processor from the Zen 3 (Milan) generation currently ranks 68th on cpubenchmark and features a massive 128 MB of L3 cache. With a base clock of 3.0 GHz and a TurboSpeed of 3.7 GHz, it offers exceptional per-core productivity. Packing 16 cores and 32 threads, this is a powerhouse for demanding tasks. However, consider renting a server with this processor only for heavily used applications to avoid excessive idling.
AMD EPYC 7502p
The 7502p, from the older Zen 2 Rome generation, remains a strong competitor, currently holding the 45th position on cpubenchmark. This 32-core monster with 64 threads and 128MB L3 cache is very versatile. It is a popular option among hosting providers. While servers with this processor may cost $300+ per month, its performance justifies the price.
AMD EPYC 7272
Released in 2020, this processor ranks within the top 200 on cpubenchmark (185th place), making it capable of handling almost any task. It features 12 cores, 24 threads, and 64MB L3 cache. This is a great all-rounder, especially for servers in the $200-$250 range.
Conclusion
Choosing a server CPU doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider the demands of your project; if high clock speeds aren’t essential, a server with more cores could suffice. For the best price-to-performance ratio, AMD EPYC processors are hard to beat, although the latest Intel processors offer competitive performance.
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