E6420 in Server - Upgrade?

[EvilAlchemist]

I was thinking about upgrading my server CPU, but not sure if it is really needed.

Current Specs:

E6420 @ 2.16 GHz
Abit IP35 Pro
HIS 4850 ICEQ --> (For Folding@Home - Not gaming)
4GB DDR2
Dell Perc 5/i - 8 x WD 6400AAKS (Raid 5)
Vista x64

This server runs all my torrents, 2 x Folding@home programs, and my storage needs.

I was thinkning about a quad but concerned about heat. The server is in a rack mount 4U case so i can't use large heat sinks.
(I have not tired any of the newer 45nm cpu, on the older 65nm so i don't know their heat levels )

I also want to be able to run a VM on the server, moving it off my main system.

What would be the best move for me?

 

[engiNURD]

Depends on your needs. Is the server too slow for you right now? Can it not handle your current VM(s)? A quadcore would definitely be better for VMs, assuming you run multiple VMs at the same time... RAM would help greatly, too.

 

[EvilAlchemist]

Depends on your needs. Is the server too slow for you right now? Can it not handle your current VM(s)? A quadcore would definitely be better for VMs, assuming you run multiple VMs at the same time... RAM would help greatly, too.

The server is not really slow, just maxed out. I could drop my F@H app on the system and free up some cpu load but i don't really want too.

I would like to have a quad so I can have two cores on the VM and the other two for my other apps.

How cool do the new 45nm quads run?
I am getting about 50C load with the 65nm Core 2.

 

[engiNURD]

50ºC is nothing to worry about. My Q9450 runs cooler on stock clocks at full load... around 47°C w/ an HDT-S1283.