The CPU or central processing unit is the control center that allows the computer to complete all its tasks. It may seem a simple part of the PC, but the CPU often holds more importance than you think.
But many people often get stressed while choosing a CPU for their PC. Getting confused among server CPU and desktop CPU. While server CPU models have better power and features, these are often expensive. But which one should you buy? Let’s check it out!
What is a Server CPU?
A server CPU is a chemically designed CPU platform for server computing that can tackle high-end tasks like data management, data storage, and handling multiple devices and systems simultaneously. Due to this, the server PCU models often have multiple power cores and high-end designs to maintain the heavy workload.
The main types of server CPUs are–
1. CISC Server CPU
Complex Instruction Set Computing or CISC Server CPU is an x86 series CPU model with an IA structure. It is known to be a small and compact server that has been widely used now. Mostly these are used for printing service, file service, communicating, and managing web services through the internet and LAN. CISC server CPU models have a reasonable price tag.
2. RISC Server CPU
RISC of Reduced Instruction Set Computing is an advanced version of the CSIC server system introduced in the 80s. It is known for its structure, “superscalar and super pipeline,” which simultaneously offers parallel CPU processing. Hence, it offers improved data processing and high-end performance than its precision. It is often used with UNIX-style OS.
3. VLIW Server CPU
The Very Long Instruction Word CPU is the latest server CPU model that uses the EPIC or Explicit Parallel Instruction mechanism and performs best.
What is a Desktop CPU?
The desktop CPU is the regular CPU you see with home and gaming PC models. These specially designed models come with multiple microprocessors and handle the instructions for managing the PC.
What are the Types of Platforms?
Please understand that the server and desktop are not different devices but are types of processors of platforms. The main types of platforms that are mostly used are –
1. Desktop
The mainstream platform, aka desktop or consumer platform, is used mostly for regular workloads like internet browsing, gaming, and regular computing tasks. These are usually seen in your home.
2. Workstation
Workstations or HEDTs are specially designed with multi-threading performance ability to meet demanding workloads. These come with multiple PCIe lanes and processor cores to offer parallel running of networks. It is often used for networks involving desk work in your home or small home, where everything is active on the system.
3. Professional Workstation
A professional workstation is a high-end server platform ideal for workloads involving extensive memory capacities, more PCIe lanes, CPU security features, and ECC Memory.
4. Server
It is a network of small devices that offers data stability and flexibility. Usually, such servers are used in data centers with rack-mounted units. Hence, they can simultaneously store a large amount of data with higher computing power. These are used in multiple sectors and run around the clock for many days without setbacks.
What are the Differences Between a Server CPU and a Desktop CPU?
1. Power Management
The power management system is the first thing different for both CPU types. Processors always draw the power from the main electric supply line. But if you consider the power demand, the server CPUs have higher demand than regular desktop ones. But, the server models run simultaneously for day and night. These are more capable of managing the power to work in any condition.
2. Cache
CPU cache works as the link between the CPU and the RAM and takes you to retrieve the data faster when needed again. Usually, the server CPU models come with three levels of cache- L1, L2, and L3. L1 refers to a smaller cache size but a faster speed.
On the contrary, a regular CPU does not have a lot of caches like the server platforms. But it does have cache files. Even though there can be multiple tiers of caches, the tiers are not as advanced as a server CPU model.
3. Front-side Bus Speed
Front Side bus speed is still used for Intel processors even though AMD has already stopped using it. The system bus or memory bus connects the CPU with the main memory and L2 cache. Usually, the FSB speed starts at 66 MHZ and goes up to 400 MHZ and above.
In the case of desktop CPU and Server CPU, the FSB is higher in the latter. The server CPU models need more cores and higher MHZ FSB to manage all the data and memory flowing through it.
4. Multi-Processor Support
Only the server CPU models can support multi-processor tasks. While Intel has XEON DP and XEON MP that support two processors, the AMD brand has CPU models supporting up to eight processors.
But, desktop CPU models do not usually offer multi-processing facilities. It is probably because these do not work as much as the server CPUs.
5. Intangibles
With every electronic appliance comes some intangible clauses that offer security about the quality of the product; the service CPU models are tested rigorously to ensure they can withstand the huge workload. Since the devices run 24*7, often the cups are made so that they work with lower voltage. Also, making the chipset and the CPUs last longer is a precaution.
The manufacturing companies often offer warranties and offer pledges that the product will last longer.
6. Memory
A server CPU must handle a large volume of data and thousands of daily users. Hence, it comes with larger terabyte memory to accommodate all the data. Besides that, the large memory also allows the server CPUs to calculate faster, known as High-performance Computing or HPC.
But, a regular CPU will have only a gigabyte memory size at maximum because these do not work extensively like a server platform.
7. Expansion & Connectivity
If you want to increase the server CPU, you may need to adjust the cloud serve section. There are also different third-party managing apps that you can use to extend the volume of the server. But to ensure the server works properly, it should be connected to the internet and the electric power supply 24*7.
On the contrary, you can expand the CPU of a regular computer by adding a larger RAM or hard disk. It is easier to do because you can easily tweak the CPU components. Besides that, it also does not need round-the-clock connectivity to operate; you can turn off the CPU when you are not using it.
8. Form Factor
The form factor is also another striking difference. Interestingly, the desktop CPU models are smaller than the server models. A server CPU can come in different rack sizes. The rack mount or tower server design often has a vertical stackable rack to accommodate the CPUs in a small space. Some models come in an array formation. The rack mount CPUs generally come in sizes of 1U to 6U with 42U height.
On the other hand, a retailer CPU will also have different sizes. It can be a full tower, mid-tower, small form factor, or mini tower. Most gamers prefer SFF or other larger designs to accommodate the larger Ram and memory, even though these are in smaller sizes.
9. Cores and Threads
Cores are the main performance factor. Most desktop CPU models use multiple cores and threads to offer better security. The more number of cores it has, the better the physical processing power of the CPU. You can consider the thread as the virtual version of the core that allows the CPU to multitask simulators. Multiple numbers of cores offer multi-threading performance and deeply impact the clock time and cache types.
AMD Ryzen and EPYC series server CPUs have 64 cores and nearly 128 threads, while Intel Xeon offers 38 cores and 76 threads. So, if you check among the brands, AMD offers a bit better.
On the other hand, the Desktop CPU models come with multiple cores, but fewer than the server CPU models. Modern CPU models also have four to sixteen cores that offer a higher need for personal tasking, like gaming or coding effortlessly.
10. Life Expectancy
If you check the life expectancy, the server CPU models last longer than the regular desktop CPUs. Even though the server CPU models are designed to run around the clock longer, the desktop models usually work for not more than ten to twelve hours per day.
This difference is because of the improved designs of eth server CPU to maintain their ability to handle high-duty tasks.
But, desktop and server CPU models will last nearly a decade without much trouble. These will go outdated only if the technology has gone outdated.
11. OverClocking
Overclocking is directly linked with enhanced performance for CPU models. Even though it enhances the performance, it makes the processor work more. Most modern desktop and server CPU models have an automatic overclocking feature that offers higher input, depending on the task. But if you check out the overclocking spine, the server CPU models will probably fare better.
12. ECC Ram & Cooler
ECC RAM, or Error Code Correcting Memory, is mostly seen as a service that regulates data processing and ensures that the task goes on properly. If there is an error, the ECC RAM will troubleshoot the error. These run around the clock and simultaneously work at the network’s end. Hence, the generated heat is large in capacity and needs to be cooled down. But server CPU models do not come with coolers.
Hence, these are often stored in cool rooms or rooms with an HVAC network to manage the generated heat.
On the other hand, the regular CPU models will not have such specialized RAM because these do not work as extensively as the Server models. But, these CPU models also generate less heat than the server models. Hence desktop CPU models come with inbuilt cooking fans.
13. Purpose and Build Quality
The purpose of both CPU variants is strikingly different. The server CPU models are built for maintaining a large volume of data and devices’ connectivity. Hence, it must be properly designed to harness the best performance. Hence, the models are designed with proper care and better material to ensure these last for a long time, even while running 24*7. The manufacturing brands also spend much money and better resources to design each model under strict provision and scrutiny.
On the contrary, the desktop CPU models are used for individual users. It is mainly used for day-to-day work. Even with heavy-duty gaming, a regular CPU is not compatible with a server CPU model. Hence, these may not undergo strict scrutiny and standard maintenance as a server CPU. That is why the build quality is slightly less than the server CPU models. But that does not mean the average desktop CPU models do not last or have poor quality. These also do last long.
14. Operating System
In the case of the operating system, the server CPUs use specially designed server OS. The server OS is designed to ensure that it meets the needs of the server computers. Hence, these have a high power of calculating compatibility and better data management.
Some of the most used servers Oss are-
- Windows Server
- Mac OS X Server
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- UNIX
Some features of the server OS are-
- It manages all computers linked with the server CPU and its OS
- It offers security, an administrative process, and a central interface to manage
- It allows the server computer to access the GUI and command-level interface through the CPU
- Offers multi-tier network, software, and hardware configuration.
Now, if you check out the regular CPU or desktop, it runs with the regular OS. The OS accommodates single devices connected or isolated through the LAN. The OS is designed to complete day-to-day tasks. Some general-use OS versions are Microsoft Windows, MAC, and LINUX.
15. Cost
The cost of server CPUs is relatively high. A regular server starts with three tags of $5000 and goes upwards with higher specifications and advanced features. On the other hand, a regular CPU costs much lower. You can get a regular CPU starting from $150 and easily get the most advanced models within $1000.
When to Use, Server CPU or Desktop CPU?
Well, it depends on your requirements. You can use a regular CPU if you intend to use the PC for personal work and do not need to monitor multiple PCs simultaneously. But, a server may be an ideal choice if you own a business or an office where you need to keep tabs on multiple devices and store a large volume of data.
CPU – FAQs
Ans: You cannot use a desktop CPU as a server CPU because the CPUs are only compatible with their respective platform.
Ans: Usually, x86 and RISC CPUs are used in the server platform. X86 processors, made by AMD, are commonly found as server CPUs. It is ideal for a server network comprising general-purpose individual devices. On the other hand, the RISC server is also used. It is mostly used for specified tasks.
Ans: Server-class CPUs usually come with eight or more cores, along with some models having higher than 30 cores/processor. The Motherboards can have multiple processors linked by UPI or, you can say, Intel® Ultra Path Interconnect.
Ans: Well, yes, you can. Usually, two companies make desktop CPUs, AMD and Intel. Each of these is designed for individual tasks, like general computing, and heavy-duty specialized tasks, like gaming, editing, coding, etc. But, while building a PC, use the COU and the motherboard from the same company.
Conclusion
A server CPU is a specially designed model designed to control a network of interconnected computers and manage all eth data flowing through the network. On the other hand, a desktop CPU is designed to work only on a single PC. Server CPU models are known for their faster front-side buses and better features. You must choose the one depending on your needs and requirements and the number of interconnecting computers.
