How to Choose the Best CPU Processor for Your Server

When it comes to server CPUs, there are a few things you need to take into account in order to make sure you’re getting the best possible performance for your server. Learn everything you need to know about choosing the right CPU processor for your server in 2024, including what to look for in a CPU, how to choose the right one for your server, and some final considerations for making your decision.

First, let’s cover some basics. A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the main chip in a computer. It handles all of the instructions that are sent to the computer. The type of CPU will determine the speed and capabilities of the system.

A CPU is made up of several different parts, including the following:

• Cores: A core is a processor on the CPU. CPUs today come with multiple cores, and each core can execute instructions independently of and concurrently with the other cores. This means that the CPU can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Threads: A thread is a set of instructions that the CPU can process. With additional threads, each core can switch from one set of instructions to another while it waits for the first set to load and back. This would be similar to a factory employee working two assembly lines. When there’s a gap in one assembly line, that employee can simply turn to the other and begin working on a second task. Threads improve efficiency, throughput, and computational speed.

• Cache: Cache is a type of memory that the CPU uses to store frequently-used instructions. This allows the server to access these instructions quickly, which speeds up performance.

When looking for a server CPU, it’s important to factor in CPU performance. Some do this by multiplying the number of cores by the number of threads to get a maximum number of instructions that the CPU can process at once. Because there are more factors at play regarding the number of instructions a given CPU thread can handle, it is best to consider thread count in light of what your website or application needs to accomplish.

If multitasking, serving high-res videos, or complex, CPU-heavy workloads, you should prioritize the number of cores.

Most server CPUs these days are either Intel Xeon processors or AMD Ryzen processors. Both types of CPUs have their pros and cons, but in general, Ryzen processors offer better performance per dollar, while Xeon processors tend to have better overall performance.

Xeon CPUs have the following features:

• More cores: Xeon CPUs have more cores than Ryzen CPUs. As such, they can handle a larger workload with no degradation in performance.

• Higher clock speeds: Xeon CPUs have higher clock speeds than Ryzen CPUs. This means that each instruction will be processed more quickly, which makes the server faster overall.

• ECC memory support: Xeon CPUs support ECC (error-correcting code) memory. This means that the server can detect and correct data errors, improving reliability.

Ryzen CPUs have the following features:

• More threads: Ryzen server CPUs have more threads than Xeon CPUs. This means that they can handle more instructions at once and are more efficient.

• Lower price: Ryzen CPUs are less expensive than Xeon CPUs. This makes them a good choice for small businesses and home servers that are on a budget.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of CPUs, let’s talk about how to choose the right one for your server.

When choosing a CPU for your server, there are a few considerations you need to take into account such as technical specs, how you’ll be using the CPU, budget, etc.

When choosing a CPU for your server, the technical considerations should be front and center. Without the right performance and durability from your CPU, the other considerations and factors will not matter much.

• Number of Cores: A single core can only execute one set of instructions at a time. Therefore, the more cores a CPU has, the more instructions it can handle at once. This means that it will be faster overall.

• Number of Threads: As mentioned previously, with additional threads, each core can switch from one set of instructions to another while it waits for the first set to load and back. More threads mean increased efficiency, throughput, and computational speed.

• Clock Speed: Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz) and is the number of cycles the CPU can perform in a second. Overall performance can differ between CPUs based on variables like age and architecture. But in general, the higher the clock speed, the faster the processor.

• ECC memory support: Xeon CPUs support ECC memory. This means that they can detect and correct errors in data, which improves reliability. If you need this feature, you should choose a Xeon CPU.

• Performance: Both Intel Xeon CPUs and Ryzen CPUs offer high performance. However, Xeon CPUs are faster overall due to their higher clock speeds and additional cores.

If you need a server for general use, either a Xeon CPU or a Ryzen CPU will work well.

However, if you need a server for more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, you’ll want to choose a Xeon CPU. This is because Xeon CPUs are faster overall.

This is something you need to take into account when making your decision.

Here are some final considerations to keep in mind when choosing a server CPU:

• Workload: If the server will be handling a lot of traffic, you’ll need a CPU that can handle the load. This means choosing a CPU with a high number of cores and threads.

• Budget: As mentioned before, Xeon CPUs are more expensive than Ryzen CPUs. If you’re on a tight budget, then you may want to consider a Ryzen CPU.

• Environment: If the server will be operating in a data center, you’ll need to take into account factors like temperature and humidity. This means choosing a CPU that is designed for these conditions.

In general, you should choose a CPU that has the most cores and threads you can afford. Thankfully, both Intel and AMD offer a wide range of options. Buyers that understand the details listed here can find a CPU that fits their needs…and their budget.

When it comes to choosing the right CPU for your needs, there are a few things you need to take into account. First, think about what kinds of tasks your server will be performing. If your server will be primarily used for tasks that require a lot of processing power, like video editing or 3D rendering, you’ll want to get a CPU with a high clock speed and as many cores as possible. On the other hand, if your server will mostly be used for tasks that don’t require a lot of processing power, like web hosting or email, you can get away with a less powerful CPU.

Another thing to consider is how much money you’re willing to spend. CPUs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.

Finally, keep in mind that the CPU is just one part of your server, and it’s important to choose other components that will work well with your CPU. For example, if you’re planning on using a lot of CPU-intensive applications, you’ll want to make sure you have enough RAM to support them.

Choosing your CPU means also choosing the right server and infrastructure solution as a whole. The team at Liquid Web can assist in your decision to choose the right CPU for your servers. Budget, technical considerations, and an understanding of what the future looks like for your business are just the start.

If you are eager to maximize your technology investments right down to the core, the Liquid Web team is available to lend a hand. Contact the Most Helpful Humans In Hosting® today.