RAM | Reseller Advocate Magazine: Issue 61

By Chris Angelini

Some things never change. In today's multi-core marketplace, server performance and cost are still closely tied together. But because Intel and AMD have poured so much effort into dual- and quad-core processing, upward mobility on the ladder of computing horsepower is much more affordable than ever before.

Most multi-core discussions zero in on performance possibilities once operating systems, office suites, games, and multimedia apps are fully threaded. When Intel previewed the first dual-core desktop chip more than a year ago, resellers pitched the technology as something upcoming titles would be able to utilize eventually—similar to the merits of 64-bit extensions. More immediately, power users already switching between applications (multi-tasking) would see an improvement in overall system response.

Though certainly compelling, the positive attributes of multi-core chips were counterbalanced by a caveat or two back then. Adding complexity to any processor architecture, whether by packing more transistors in a bigger cache or simply doubling up on execution resources, affects power consumption and yield. Consequently, Intel's first dual-core chips based on the NetBurst micro-architecture sacrificed clock speed in favor of parallelism. AMD's desktop models also shed megahertz. Apps not written to exploit threading actually ran slower as a result.

That's less of a problem now. To Intel's credit, the Core Microarchitecture completely obliterates the power and performance concessions NetBurst was forced to make. Gradual process refinements also help AMD's Athlon X2 line operate at speeds beyond what was possible almost a year ago. Moreover, the list of software titles now threading-aware is growing longer, demonstrating performance improvements on desktops and workstations alike.

Instead of focusing solely on scaling clock frequency, Intel is pushing for more parallelism to take advantage of the blossoming ecosystem. The logical next step, of course, is quad-core.

Quad-Core Hits the SMB Space

Multi-core processing really needs no pitch in the SMB segment. Lofty prices on servers and workstations keep most budget-conscious business buyers in the market for single-socket systems. As nice as it'd be to buy an extra socket for scalability, the premium is often too high. Dual-core processors strike a special chord since they cost just a tad more while enabling the compute power of higher-end machines. The swift shift to quad-core should knock socks off as your customers find out that not only can they drop the equivalent of a quad-processor system into a single socket, they can also use the chip in dual-socket configurations.

Intel's initial wave of business-class quad-core CPUs is called the Xeon 5300-series. Each variant features two of the dual-core die that make up Xeon 5100-series chips on one package. The 5300-series processors include 8MB total of L2 cache and four distinct sets of execution resources. Of the four models, two employ 1,066 MHz buses and two push along at 1,333 MHz—important since each quad-core chip shares the whole data pathway. Resellers looking to maximize the value of their Xeon servers will want to focus on the Xeon E5345, running at 2.33 GHz, packing that faster bus speed while also being optimized for power efficiency.

The new 5300-series Xeons understandably raise concerns over power. After all, the 5100-series chips debuted with a 65W thermal design rating. Two of them at 130W, multiplied by two sockets, would create quite a load. Fortunately, three of the four Xeon 5300s are rated at a mere 80W. The flagship Xeon X5355, a 2.66 GHz screamer, comes in at 120W. Considering the Xeon 5160 eats up to 80W, the X5355 with two times more onboard complexity at 120W isn't bad at all.

A Future-Proof Platform

Moving from single- to dual-core was somewhat taxing for system builder configurations. Not only did the processor populate a new socket, but chipsets and motherboards had to be replaced, as well. Additionally, standard DDR memory modules gave way to FB-DIMMs, which emerged slowly at a slightly higher price point.

The good news with quad-core is that it doesn't throw a wrench in your existing SMB infrastructure. Xeon 5300-series CPUs populate motherboards based on Intel's 5000-series "Bensley" chipsets—the 5000P, 5000V, and 5000X. All three platforms support two processor sockets, enabling very high-performance, eight-core configurations at prices small businesses can afford. Even one year ago, that much horsepower would have been out of a typical SMB's budget.

The trio introduces dual, independent buses, giving each processor socket its own 1,066 or 1,333 MHz communications channel. The 5000-series chipsets also uniformly support 533 and 667 MHz FB-DIMMs, yielding up to 21GBps of bandwidth. Plenty of connectivity options help modernize traditionally blasé server boards, while subtle differentiators help resellers position each chipset toward server, value server, and workstation customers. The 5000-series chipsets let you convey Intel's platform-oriented value proposition, going so far as to enable drop-in upgrades for customers who bought dual-core early on.

Four Cores for Enthusiasts

Selling the quad-core concept to desktop users is a little trickier, especially since Intel only offers one model and aims it right at enthusiasts with a Core 2 Extreme moniker. Nevertheless, the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 is great for workstation customers and power users alike since it helps constitute a slightly less expensive platform built from more conventional components.

The Core 2 Extreme, for example, drops into an LGA775 socket. Many motherboards currently set up for dual-core Core 2 chips will take the Core 2 Extreme quad-core with little more than a BIOS update. Check with your motherboard vendor for more information on compatibility. And when it comes to upselling higher-end boards, after-the-fact support for processors such as the Core 2 Extreme should be reason enough for your customer to spend a little extra up front.

From an architectural perspective, Intel's new Core 2 Extreme looks just like a Xeon 5300-series chip. It employs two dual-core die on one package, leveling 8MB of total L2 cache, and centers on the same micro-architecture. Variation lies only in its speeds and feeds. The chip operates on a 1,066 MHz front-side bus exclusively. Intel also rates the QX6700 at 130W, which is of minimal concern since its LGA775 interface limits it to single-socket machines. The Core 2 Extreme costs $999, too. Though expensive by most measurements, one QX6700 is priced lower than the similar Xeon E3555. It populates a more affordable motherboard and is driven by budget-friendly DDR2 memory. For the business customer buying workstations based on four cores, you just can't beat a Core 2 Extreme setup.

Platforms for Work and Play

There are several chipsets designed to work with Core 2 Extreme, but it makes the most sense to focus on Intel's 975X and NVIDIA's 680i SLI—enthusiast platforms able to complement a decidedly enthusiast CPU.

The 975X is tops when it comes to doing business. Intel's platform-oriented approach to computing enabled a degree of stability not found anywhere else, and the chipset's ECC memory support and 8GB ceiling look especially enticing in a workstation setting. Several motherboard partners have already updated their 975X boards to recognize quad-core chips. However, Intel's own D975XBX2 uniquely features support for the PECI (Platform Environment Control Interface), which keeps more accurate track of thermal readings and adjusts cooling accordingly. Thus, a whitebox with Core 2 Extreme and the D975XB2 will facilitate more efficient cooling than older boards.

When it comes to enthusiast computing, whether talking about gaming, video editing, mixing, or massive multi-tasking, configurability and scalability take center stage. NVIDIA's nForce 680i SLI emphasizes those selling points by offering loads of ports, connectors, slots, and a host of tweakable settings. The platform supports front side bus speeds up to 1,333 MHz, DDR2-1200 memory, dual x16 PCI Express slots for SLI rendering, and 12 spare lanes. Dual Gigabit controllers work well for serving files, six SATA 3 Gbps channels handle almost any storage configuration, and HD Audio often negates the need for a sound card.

Finding Value in Quad

Multi-core processors were slighted when the world was predominantly single-threaded. However, critics who doubted the technology neglected a couple of critical points.

First, it's rare that any desktop customer, no matter how mainstream, has only one application running at a time. Whether it's an antivirus utility monitoring the system, Outlook periodically checking email, or a backup app popping up to preserve recently changed data, the utility of more than one core surfaces time and again. It's not easy to benchmark, unfortunately, which is likely why so many "by the numbers" lab techs came down hard on the first general multi-core chips. But the Core 2 Duo and Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 processors selling today offer serious speed improvements to complement their multi-threading. There's no longer any reason to favor single-core processors.

Second, multi-core CPUs can potentially save gobs of money while offering more performance to customers buying dual-socket workstations and quad-CPU servers. Compare Tyan's aging Thunder S5360 motherboard, which supports two single-core Xeon chips and still sells for nearly $400, to its Toledo i3010W. The newer board features just one processor socket and is priced under $300, yet support for Intel's QX6700 enables more than double the performance.

New quad-core Core 2 Extreme and Xeon chips make configurations previously reserved for the enterprise possible even at home. Some of the value in quad-core comes from performance, sure. But resellers should also focus on comparative cost versus yesterday's quad-socket machines and transition smoothly from selling dual- to quad-core systems.