CPU Configuration for Dell Precision Workstations

Optimize your Dell™ Precision™ workstation by choosing the right processor for your business needs. Dell offers a variety of CPU configurations for Dell Precision workstations, many of which use Intel® Xeon® processors for improved reliability and performance over desktop-class systems. 

A key prerequisite in selecting the right processor is understanding the degree to which your applications and workload patterns depend on processor performance. Among the factors to consider are:

• One- or two-socket design — The major benefit of a two-socket over a one-socket design is the number of cores and memory capacity/bandwidth available to one or several concurrent applications.
• Core count — The number of cores you need depends on how parallel your workload/code is and how many jobs you would like to run concurrently.
• Frequency — A frequently cited dilemma with newer processors is that the frequency increase tapers off as the core counts increase. But processor vendors now offer higher frequency, lower core count processors and new modes of operation. Intel introduced its Intel® Turbo Boost technology, which enables an algorithm to clock the processor above the published frequency as long as the thermals and power are below certain set points.
• Cache size — Processor cache is the on-die memory in the processor complex and can be accessed much faster than system memory (digital RAM). In most cases, larger cache provides a nice performance bump for workstation workloads.
• Thermal design point (TDP), average power and idle power — Typically, the highest-frequency processors also have the highest TDP in a given processor family and should be used where maximum performance is required. The average power used by the CPU can be significantly less than the TDP and depends on how CPU-intensive the workload is on a running basis. CPU vendors continue to drive the average and idle power down through clock and power gating, as well as by adopting more aggressive low power states.
• Data integrity — The most common additional feature of a Xeon processor is the error correcting code (ECC) in the memory controller. The ECC is important for data integrity because it reduces the probability of data corruption for sensitive workloads.
• Overclocking — Overclocking is available in some processors (not Xeon) and enables users to up the CPU clock and memory frequencies for improved performance. However, overclocked frequencies are outside the reliability limits set by processor vendors and almost always negate the warranty once a processor has been overclocked.
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) — While some customers may require a workstation designed for maximum scalability and performance on large data sets and complex multithread applications, others may find that a one-socket system with ECC will meet all of their needs at a lower price point.