Intel Xeon or Intel i7

[idata]

I am looking to build a workstation for running a 3D modeling software called SolidWorks 2011 with windows 7 64 bit and 6 to 12GB of ram, and an nVidia Quadro FX 4800. What is the difference between an i7 Processor and a Xeon Processor? Such as i7-920 and an X5550. Why are Xeon Processors commonly put in workstation computers.

[idata]

Hi, basically the difference between those are that Xeon has 2 QPI links (which allows it to work simultaniously with another processor in dual socket motherboards), has ECC memory support and allows up to 144 GB of mem(ory where i7 only allows up to 24 GB with non ECC memory. ) and of course the price, Xeon X5550 is a lot more expensive than the i7 920.

HTH

[RGiff]

Go with the Xeon they are always better. No question about it. I'm running a X3380 on a DX48BT2 , and it's way better than the QX9650 that it replaced , Runs cooler and spreads the work flow across all 4 core evenly , in steed of have one or two cores doing all the work .

[DSilv11]

Selling point for me is the ECC memory error correction.

Memory faults and bit drops are going to happen. (in some systems a lot more than others)

In the Xeon, a single bit error is corrected and the system continues without any noticabble impact.

Without ECC, data or code is altered which generally results in undesired consequences. (like a Blue Screen)

When building servers or high end workstations, ECC is a must have.