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 equipment manufacturer is simply not interested in ordinary users installing server solutions for themselves, because this would undermine the company's policy and stop 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 reserved by Intel for multiprocessor platforms. For the XEON E5450, the performance characteristics are slightly different from the Pentium 4 crystals and their analogues intended for installation in socket 775. Four cores, implemented separately on one platform (like the Core Quad), operate at a frequency of 3 GHz. The bus operating frequency 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 personal computer users is achieved only 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 enough money to switch to a new platform.
Professional use
The Intel XEON E5450 crystal will be useful primarily for 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;
- the dual-core Dual Core representative is 15 times inferior;
- 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. The well-known programs Sony Vegas and Pinnacle Studio are used. 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 a few things that fans of dynamic modern toys should pay attention to. 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 a gaming computer based on a server processor, experts have established the minimum requirements for video adapters: Geforce GTX 580 and Radeon HD 5970. Graphics accelerators with lower performance will slow down 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 of Hynix 1333 MHz RAM, MSI G41M-P26 motherboard, 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 increased almost 3 times (from 20-25 FPS to 60-70 frames per second).
Such indicators prompted enthusiasts to think about comparing a 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 amount of 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 Intel Pentium 4, intended for installation in socket 775. Firstly, we are talking about two contacts that the manufacturer swapped in order to prevent 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 the motherboard that the user has. The fact is that Intel, when releasing chips, created some restrictions that relate not only to base operating frequencies, but also to heat dissipation. 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 have limited the installation of processors with four cores operating at frequencies above 2.66 GHz at the BIOS firmware level. Accordingly, before purchasing, users are advised to read the specifications of the motherboard on the manufacturer’s official website.
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 the Russian market, but foreigners offer their products 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 its own safety, so the user should think about purchasing a decent cooling system.
Experts in the field of IT technology recommend taking a closer look at inexpensive solutions from 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.
Finally
The XEON E5450 server solution is not only an alternative to upgrading your computer by moving to a new platform. Here it’s more about saving the user money, 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 have a lot of work to do before creating the platform of their 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.
Is it worth spending money on buying a new gaming computer if you own a computer that runs on a motherboard with an obsolete 775 socket? Of course, in any case, a new computer is better than an old one. And, nevertheless, it is possible to breathe a second life into an old man - even in 2017. Thanks to the purchase of a server processor, the old computer will be able to handle the latest shooters. The Intel Xenon E5450 can operate very stably at 3600 MHz. Together with good RAM and a normal video card, such a computer can compete with its contemporaries.
All the necessary hardware was purchased from our “narrow-eyed friends” on the Internet site https://ru.aliexpress.com at “ridiculous” prices (). Also used THIS CASHBACK SERVICE , which allowed additional savings of up to 15%.
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CPU
Many will ask why E5450 and not X5450. In terms of characteristics, these processors are identical, only the E5450 has less heat dissipation. In practice, this will mean that the X-Series will generate a lot more heat, which requires a serious cooling system, which costs a lot of money. In addition, lovers of silence will clearly not be happy with the noise of the cooler. Today, the Intel XEON E5450 processor can be ordered in Chinese stores for quite modest money. There are both new and used processors, and it's up to you to decide which is better. All these processors are sold modified by skillful Chinese hands and easily fit on motherboards based on Socket 775. It is noted that all processors, new and old, are tested before shipping.
Selection of components
Motherboard and RAM
If you decide to independently assemble a gaming computer based on the Intel Xenon E5450 processor, then the first thing you should decide on is the motherboard. In this case, to get the most out of it, the motherboard must support DDR3 RAM. A good option is the GigaByte GA-EP45-Extreme. If you search hard, you can find a new motherboard of this model. Although, it is possible that the old one will suit you. Another advantage of the GigaByte GA-EP45-Extreme is that you can install up to 16 GB of RAM on it, which is more than enough for modern games. So, on this motherboard you can install four RAM sticks of 4 gigabytes each.
Video card
Choosing a video card is one of the most important tasks when building a gaming computer. You can save on the processor, on RAM, but not on video! A good, and perhaps even the best option for this configuration is the NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 video card with 2 gigabytes of RAM. NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 supports resolutions up to 2560 by 1600 pixels, has support for multiple monitors and is equipped with an HDMI connector. 
As for the hard drive for a gaming computer, it probably all depends on personal preference. For some users, 250 gigabytes is enough, while for others, even a terabyte may not be enough. However, one point is worth emphasizing. Many users mistakenly believe that SSD drives speed up games. This is not true, except that the loading time of a new level will be reduced, but no more. However, if you have extra money, you can safely buy such a hard drive.
Case and power supply
Case and power supply. Since we are assembling a gaming computer, the case must allow the installation of additional cooling; of course, the Mini Tower option is not acceptable. You will have to choose between Mid and Big Tower. As for the power supply, when it comes to a gaming computer, the more powerful the better! A good option is Thermaltake Toughpower 850W.
Cooling system
Let's return to the central processor. To get the most out of the Intel Xenon E5450, we need a reliable cooling system. In this case, you can opt for Ice Hammer IH-THOR or Zalman CNPS 9900A.
Price
And now the most exciting question: how much will all this cost? If you search very hard, ordering all the components from Chinese online stores, then you can assemble such a computer for up to 20 thousand rubles. Agree that this is not much for a gaming computer! It’s difficult to say how long such hardware will be relevant; no one knows what revolution may happen tomorrow in the video game industry. However, if we take into account the trend of the last decade, then in the next two years the issue of upgrade will not worry you.
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 a clock frequency of 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, the changes in the latest versions were small - a gradual evolution.
For comparison, you can choose three models from different generations (Broadwell, Skylake Kaby Lake), which, obviously, have not undergone significant changes:
E3-1285v4 | E3-1275v5 | ||
Technical process | 14 nm |
||
Price | 350$ | 339$ |
|
Launch date | Q2"15 | Q4"15 | Q1"17 |
Cores/Threads | 4/8 | 4/8 | 4/8 |
Clock frequency | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
Cache size | 6 Mb | 8 Mb | 8 Mb |
TDP | 95W | 80 W | 73W |
RAM type | DDR3/DDR3L 1333/1600/1866 | DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600 | DDR4-2400, DDR3L-1866 |
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:
- 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.
- 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.
E5-1680v4 | E5-2699v4 | E5-4669v4 |
|
Technical process | 14 nm |
||
Price | 1723$ | 4115$ | 7007$ |
Launch date | Q2"16 | Q1"16 | Q2"16 |
Max. number of processors | |||
Cores/threads | 8/16 | 22/44 | 22/44 |
Clock frequency | 3.4 GHz | 2.2 GHz | 3.0 GHz |
Cache size | 20 Mb | 55 Mb | 55 Mb |
TDP | 140 W | 145 W | 135 W |
RAM type | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 |
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 productive models of Intel server processors. Thus, Xeon E7 includes significantly fewer models than Xeon E5 - only 12 in the latest generation. Most 4th generation Xeon E7 processors are equipped with a large number of cores (10 or more), 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.
E7-4850v4 | E7-8894v4 |
|
Technical process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
Price | 3003$ | 8898$ |
Launch date | Q2"16 | Q1"17 |
Max. number of processors | ||
Cores/threads | 16/32 | 24/48 |
Clock frequency | 2.1 GHz | 2.4Ghz |
Cache size | 40 Mb | 60 Mb |
TDP | 115 W | 165 W |
RAM type | DDR4-1333/1600/1866 DDR3-1066/1333/1600 |
The Xeon E7 line is designed for use in 4 and 8 processor configurations for 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 can see, even with the release of new Scalable processors, the previous generation of Intel 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 a greater number of tasks:
- 1C application server;
- terminal server;
- database server.
Thanks to the wide range of models, 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 a high level of 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 the next generation Xeon Scalable.
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
Intel Xeon E3 are processors for entry-level single-socket servers, the performance of which, however, is sufficient to solve a wide variety of tasks. As already mentioned, in March of this year, Intel introduced the new, sixth generation Xeon E3v6. This does not mean, however, that they are the only ones available for order now. The inertia of the server market is great; if the platform of previous generations is more suitable for your task/budget, you can easily buy both v5 and v4.
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.
| E3-1285V4 | E3-1280V5 | E3-1280V6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical process | 14 nm | ||
| Generation | Broadwell | Skylake | Kaby Lake |
| Price | $556 | $612 | $612 |
| Launch | 2Q15 | 4Q15 | 1Q17 |
| Cores/threads | 4/8 | 4/8 | 4/8 |
| Base frequency | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| TDP | 95 W | 80 W | 72 W |
| Memory, max. | DDR3-1866 | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2400 |
| New features | |||
| Temperature monitoring | + | + | |
| Intel SGX | + | + | |
| Intel MPX | + | + | |
| Secure key | + | + | |
| Intel Optane support | + | ||
Intel Xeon E5
Intel E5 v4 Line Positioning Chart
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 kinds 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 like 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!