Xeon Quad Core...to be considered?

[RobertM]

I thought I was finished researching computer parts for a build, until a certified tech I spoke with suggested I not go with the QX6700 and Asus mobo P5W64-WS Pro ( I want a lot of stability) I had decided on, but instead to get one of the newer Xeon processors and complimentary mobo.
I see that the latest Xeon offering is the Xeon 2.66 Ghz Quad Core X5355 (Cloverton Xeon design). socket 771
According to the review at GamePC, it has the same features as the QX 6700 but supports multi processing much better. It has 8MB L2 Cache (2X4 MB), supports 64 bit processing and 1066 fsb.( I think I recall seeing that it will also handle 1333 fsb.)
The downside is that it's about 25% more expensive than the QX6700.

I'm new to the world of cutting edge custom builds and I'm wondering why I don't see more of the enthusiast builders using Xeon. I realize that this server processor is overkill for the uses that many (gamers) will put it to, but I also see so much of the extreme high end parts being used by gamers and those that use 3d editors...3D Studio Max/Maya/Poser etc.

What are the advantages and disadvantages for me if I were to go with Xeon processor and mobo. My main focus will be Digital photography, 3D creation and I intend on launching my own web site soon.

I will really appreciate your input, because I must make a firm decision soon. I thought I was ready to order...now....

Thanks!!

Robert

 

[savantu]

I thought I was finished researching computer parts for a build, until a certified tech I spoke with suggested I not go with the QX6700 and Asus mobo P5W64-WS Pro ( I want a lot of stability) I had decided on, but instead to get one of the newer Xeon processors and complimentary mobo.
I see that the latest Xeon offering is the Xeon 2.66 Ghz Quad Core X5355 (Cloverton Xeon design). socket 771
According to the review at GamePC, it has the same features as the QX 6700 but supports multi processing much better. It has 8MB L2 Cache (2X4 MB), supports 64 bit processing and 1066 fsb.( I think I recall seeing that it will also handle 1333 fsb.)
The downside is that it's about 25% more expensive than the QX6700.

I'm new to the world of cutting edge custom builds and I'm wondering why I don't see more of the enthusiast builders using Xeon. I realize that this server processor is overkill for the uses that many (gamers) will put it to, but I also see so much of the extreme high end parts being used by gamers and those that use 3d editors...3D Studio Max/Maya/Poser etc.

What are the advantages and disadvantages for me if I were to go with Xeon processor and mobo. My main focus will be Digital photography, 3D creation and I intend on launching my own web site soon.

I will really appreciate your input, because I must make a firm decision soon. I thought I was ready to order...now....

Thanks!!

Robert

Xeon 5355 uses a 1333MHz FSB unlike the desktop QX6700 which does 1066.

Pros for Xeon :
-DP support
-RAS features
Cons :
-Price
-Additional HEAT due to FBDIMMs.

Intel will launch a new breed of chipsets and CPUs this summer , including the Q6600/E6850 for $266. They will also launch a new Xeon DP platform which promises significantly better performance with the same chips. ( 25% improvement in memory BW , latency reduction , bigger snoop filter , etc )

 

[RobertM]

Savantu,

I'm quite sure I won't be able to wait until summer for the new chipset or latest Xeon DP platform. Excuse my lack of knowledge,...what is DP and RAS?
So is it only because of price and additional heat concerns that the enthusiast crowd don't run Xeon? Certainly those aren't small concerns but with all the cooling options available wouldn't the added heat be kept within reason?

Thanks for your reply...appreciated!

 

[spectrumbx]

...

They will also launch a new Xeon DP platform which promises significantly better performance with the same chips. ( 25% improvement in memory BW , latency reduction , bigger snoop filter , etc )

How? By dropping FBDIMM?

 

[drizzt81]

what is DP and RAS?

In this context, I assume that DP means dual-processor. The point being that you can slap two Xeons on a single motherboard and have eight (8) cores in a single machine.

I have no idea what he means by RAS....