Processer question

[marklcfc]

My current server uses an AMD Phenom II 3.20ghz X4 840 Processor. I have been told that this is a desktop processor.

I am considering moving onto a server that uses an Intel i7 2.67ghz. Is this a server processor? My site gets 500+ online members daily, I notice a decrease in ghz but I have been told that it will handle my site better as it is a better processor. I know literally nothing about this so can anyone confirm that it is a better option?

[Rhett]

An intel i7 is also a desktop processor, when you get up to the XEON then they are actual server processors.

[Gary.]

It will be a better option yes, But even though it's 2.67ghz It will be at least 7 x quicker than the current one.

[Elly]

Desktop just means it can't use ECC ram. With modern day processors higher clock speed doesn't mean better performance. The i7 is a good choice

[Rhett]

Desktop just means it can't use ECC ram. With modern day processors higher clock speed doesn't mean better performance. The i7 is a good choice

I'm sure the i7 will be fine for his smaller site above, however there are major differences in a server processor vs a desktop besides the ram... much higher io to start with but I won't get into all the details. The i7 is a great chip, but also comes in many forms and price as well. It all comes down to what you are doing with it and picking the right solution, in which there ins't enough info in this topic to do so.

[Dmacleo]

people see i7 and xeon having same architecture and think that means same chip.
i7 is great, but the xeon workstation/server chips have capabilities it doesn't although these are items desktop users would seldom use.
xeons got tons of cache too.