Xeon vs i7
Intel Xeon is a multi-core, multi-thread and sixty-four-bit processor, that is Nehalem-based. It is specially designed for server farms and workstations. It has DCM (Data Center Management) software that provides better management for servers and workstations in data centers. Xeon is excellent for servers, especially with its multi-socket and multi-core configurations, that run windows server 2008 as a 64-bit, with lots of memory. Added to this, is it’s ability for power management, which adapts to different server workloads. This is considered to be it’s major difference, when compared to Intel i7.
Intel Core i7 is a sixty-four-bit processor containing mainly four cores. Unlike Xeon, i7 is quite excellent for desktop PCs. It has a high-speed for multi-tasking applications and handles the computing demands of desktops well. It also provides a better virtualization experience with its HD Boost technology. This is why most gamers favor i7 over Xeon. Another reason is that, as of now, games don’t really work with 8-core. Most games still work better with 2-core.
Core i7 is a family of desktop and laptop processors, which succeeds the Intel Core 2 family. The i7 family is composed of codename Bloomfield, released last November, 2008, Lynnfield and Clarksfield, released last September, 2009 and the upcoming Arrandale, which will be released in 2010. All these current models are quad-core processors, except the upcoming ‘Arrandale’, which is said to have a 2-core.
On the other hand, the Xeon processor family is composed of P6 based Xeons, NetBurst based Xeons, Xeon (UP/DP), Dual Core, Pentium M (Yonah) based Xeons, Core based Xeons and Nehalem based Xeons. Previously, Xeon shared it’s name with Pentium II, as they have the same features. Later on, the cache memory of Xeon was increased, making it more convenient for servers. As the years have passed, Xeons have been improved, and new features have been added, producing these different Xeon based processors.
As of now, Xeon processors are more expensive than i7 because of their intended market of business users. The price for Xeon family processors range from $167.00 – $3157.00, while the prices for Core i7 processors range only from $284.00 – $562.00.
Summary:
1. Xeon processors are intended for servers and workstations, while Core i7 processors are for desktop PCs.
2. Core i7 features a better virtualization and digital media experience, which supports photo creation and publishing, video encoding and more complex games.
3. Xeon is a successor to Pentium II, while Core i7 is a successor to the Core 2 family.
4. Xeon processors are more expensive, with a price range of $167.00 – $3157.00. Core i7 has a price range of $284.00 – $562.00.