I could use some Xeon advice

[Vajra]

I won two dual-core Xeon 5050 retail box processors in the raffle at the Intel/Microsoft Ready 2 Rock Roadshow. I've built a number of desktop boxes, but never got into the server-type processors. I don't need a server, but could use an upgrade to my home setup.

Do dual socket motherboards require both sockets to be populated? Are there any motherboards that would take one of these processors and be suitable for a desktop machine?

Any advice would be appreciated (well, ALMOST any advice).

 

[The-Noid]

Sell them on EBAY, and buy something that you really want.

 

[Vajra]

Originally posted by: Yoxxy
Sell them on EBAY, and buy something that you really want.

That, is of course, always an option (and the one my wife likes, except for the part about buying something that I really want).

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: Vajra
Do dual socket motherboards require both sockets to be populated?

No, although I believe some require "blanks" be installed in unpopulated sockets.

Are there any motherboards that would take one of these processors and be suitable for a desktop machine?

There's nothing too magical about such boards that would make them unsuitable for a desktop, although many dual-socket boards will be rather large. The main thing to watch out for is that the 5050 is Socket J (not Socket T), which has 771 pins. So you would need a Socket J motherboard.

 

[Arkaign]

Yep, sell them sell them sell them.

There is nothing about the Xeon that makes it desirable over C2D/C2Q. And the added price / specialty board makes it borderline stupid/useless for a home PC.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Yep, sell them sell them sell them.

There is nothing about the Xeon that makes it desirable over C2D/C2Q. And the added price / specialty board makes it borderline stupid/useless for a home PC.

Plus the special memory that those chips take make them even less attractive when compared to standard C2D chips. The FB DIMMs are slower (per the review from Johan) and more expensive than regular DDR2 sticks.

Go with the above advice Vajra. Sell the Xeons and buy parts you really want. :thumbsup: