Server 2008 – Which Processor

[HotDay2222]

#155294

At the risk of starting an Intel v. AMD war, I humbly ask with trepidation which of these two processors would be better for a small server that I want to build:

AMD Athlon II X4 610e VS. Intel Core i3-2100T Sandy Bridge

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103899
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116394

The system will run Windows 2008 server where 3 users will log on locally and instead of closing applications and logging off, they and leave their applications running and switch users. Once in a while one of the users will log on via Remote Desktop Connection within the network.

The system will be used for business purposes and applications. Users will use Word (multiple instances ), Excel (multiple instances ), some Powerpoint, internet browsing (sometimes used for google maps), PDF viewing, and very infrequently some picture viewing. This is not a gaming PC or photo editing PC. Simple boring business PC that needs to handle multiple Words, Excels, and some Powerpoints and PDFs running at the same time.

I was read online that more cores is better when running multiple applications (as this system will) but then I read somewhere else that after 2 cores (which is what intel has) the performance of more cores (which is what AMD has – 4) diminishes. So, I like AMDs more cores but Intel’s power consumption is 35W, while AMDs is 45W.
Low power consumption is the philosophy I’m taking with this system because it will always be on. So, I limited my selection to these two processors because they are the most powerful processors I can find in the low power consumption range.

The proposed system will have:
2x4GB Kingston DDR3 SDRAM 1333 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139046

1x60GB Solid State Harddrive where Operating System will be installed

2x500GB WD Harddrives set up with Mirror Raid for file storage
No video card-I’ll get mobo with onboard video.

If anyone has any suggestions they think might improve my system it’ll be greatly appreciated. Again, main idea is reduce power consumption while still being able to do basic business work – Word, Excel, Powerpoint, PDF, internet browsing.

Again, thank you.

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