topic Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019 in Mobile and Desktop Processors

CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

manny8888 — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 22:49:18 GMT

I am a small business owner. My company does data analytics. No OLTP. Mostly running queries against a large DB. There will be writes as well because the DB has to be updated each day with new data. I need a new computer to host SQL Server 2019. I am thinking of getting Xeon Gold 5222 but there are so many choices (CPU, cores, clock speed etc) it is really hard to make a decision.

Is there a tool available that compares the different Xeon processors to determine performance? Like a score so I can compare different options.

What is more important? clock speed? number of cores?

There are quite a few websites that do this but I don't know how reliable they are. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

Thank you

Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

n_scott_pearson — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 22:32:24 GMT

If you use Intel's https://ark.intel.com site, you can flag a number of processors and compare them. For example, here is a link to a comparison of a few of the (many) Cascade Lake Xeon Gold processors: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/compare.html?productIds=199343,199342,198655,198652,202780.

Importance? Both, of course! ;^)

Hope this helps,

...S

Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

manny8888 — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 01:01:02 GMT

Thanks for the reply.

What I struggle with is deciding which is better. For example, if compare Intel Xeon Gold 5222 vs Intel Xeon W-2275. 5222 is 3.8 Ghz/4C but W-2275 is 3.3Ghz/14C. Which is a better performing CPU?

https://www.intel.com/content/www/ca/en/products/compare.html?productIds=192445,198010

Any guidance you can offer is much appreciated.

Thank you

Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

n_scott_pearson — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:25:47 GMT

Real world testing is the only way to be sure. As an example, Passmark Software has a fairly good benchmark list on their site: https://www.cpubenchmark.net.
Hope this helps,
...S

Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

manny8888 — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:14:11 GMT

Thank you @n_scott_pearson. I have been using that link. I am a bit surprised that some of the Xeon W series have way higher scores than the non W series. I am a rookie so I am sure I am overlooking something. Here is an example:

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/Intel-Xeon-Gold-5222-vs-Intel-Xeon-W-2265-vs-Intel-Xeon-W-2275-vs-Intel-Xeon-W-2295-vs-Intel-Xeon-W-1290P/3475vs3817vs3891vs3701vs3831

Is the main difference between 5222 and the W series that 5222 is scalable whereas W series are not? If yes, what exactly does it mean to be scalable?

It seems like from a performance perspective, the W series are way better than 5222. Is that accurate?

Thank you so much for your help.

Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

n_scott_pearson — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 21:34:12 GMT

Sorry, I am a desktop guy and don't consider myself competent enough to attempt to answer that (I embarrass myself enough as it is).

If you want to read further, Intel's documentation starts here: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/processors/xeon/scalable.html

...S

Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

manny8888 — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 22:26:05 GMT

No problem @n_scott_pearson .

Do you know anyone who would know? I can contact them via this thread.

Re: CPU choice for SQL Server 2019

n_scott_pearson — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 23:02:36 GMT

No, I don't. This is a support forum for people with technical issues and really not the place to be asking for opinions regarding purchase decisions. There are lots of better places (like Reddit) for getting such opinions.
Sorry,
...S