Processors
Intel® Processors, Tools, and Utilities
14403 Discussions

Best CPU(s) for database work?

APugl
Beginner
1,935 Views

As the title suggests, I need to find out the best configuration for database work.

I am currently running an i7 930, which struggles with the work. I am running software that processes around 8,000+ (fairly complex) search queries per minute. This number is likely to go up to around 15,000 queries/minute. Combined with general multitasking, CPU usage becomes very high, so an upgrade is definitely needed. The database is stored completely in RAM, so there isn't any HDD bottleneck, etc. I'm using RavenDB, which supports multiple cores/CPUs

 

Could someone suggest to me which CPU(s) might be best suited to this sort of work? Some people have told me a single i7 4770, others to get dual hex-core Xeons.

Thanks.

0 Kudos
6 Replies
ZAgha
New Contributor II
961 Views

It all depend on your budget & how much you are willing to pay. Some hex core CPUs reach up to 2,000USD

Surely a hex core CPU is a good place to start.

So what's your budget? & what else are you willing to change in your system other than the CPU??

PS. Since your data is located on your RAM then the 4770 or, shall I say any chipset which operates in dual channel mode is a step backwards. Your system "which is the x58 chipset" is operating in triple channel. Hence, more bandwidth 'very useful in your case'.

0 Kudos
APugl
Beginner
961 Views

Well, given the upgrade, it'll end up being a whole new machine, so everything will be bought new.

Regarding budget, I'd say around £800 ($1,250) would be the most I'd want to spend on the CPU(s). Although I'd spend more if it's really worthwhile.

What would be the most cost effective setup, to give around 3-4x the performance of my current i7 930?

0 Kudos
ZAgha
New Contributor II
961 Views

From what I understood you are willing to spend around 1,250USD on the CPU alone. Then the I would highly recommend the i7 3930k "no need to go for the extreme edition". This CPU comes with a 12MB cache & six cores. All of these are like night & day difference to your specific needs. Plus, it costs around 600USD which saves you around 50%. The other 50% can be spent on a high end motherboard.

Surely, you will need a new x79 motherboard which will provide an approximate increase of 33% in memory bandwidth . Since it supports quad channel as opposed to the x58 which is triple channel. Remember that you store your Data on the RAM so the difference will be remarkable. If you want a server grade MB that has all the bells & whistles you can go for the Asrock x79 extreme 11 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157327 ASRock X79 Extreme11 LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb&# 47;s USB 3.0 Extended ATX Intel Motherboard - Newegg.com or the Asus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131971 Newegg.com - ASUS P9X79-E WS LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb&# 47;s USB 3.0 SSI CEB Intel Motherboard

Proper cooling solution for the CPU with the Intel liquid solution "very simple to install" & you are good to go.

You don't need dual socket MB or dual CPUs cause the above is more than enough for your needs.

On a personal note I have Asrock x79 extreme 11 & before that I owned the DX79si "surely the Asrock rocks"

0 Kudos
Silvia_L_Intel1
Employee
961 Views

Skiny,

Intel has many flavors and platforms for customers to choose.

The I7 extreme edition, with 2011 socket, was made for gamers or video editing, and these chips does not comes with integrated graphics, therefore customers needs to add a video card.

http://ark.intel.com/products/family/59135/2nd-Generation-Intel-Core-i7-Extreme-Processor/desktop http://ark.intel.com/products/family/59135/2nd-Generation-Intel-Core-i7-Extreme-Processor/desktop

The regular I7 processors or 3rd generation processor comes with 4 cores/8 threads, 8MB of smart cache and a clock speed between 3.1 to 3.9 Ghz. Integrated HD graphics 4000 and support Memory DDR3 1333/1600Mhz

http://ark.intel.com/compare/65525,65524,65523,65719 http://ark.intel.com/compare/65525,65524,65523,65719

Xeon processors are to be used on servers systems; however some of them are compatible and can be use on regular motherboards.

  • Some of the benefits of using a Xeon processor could be the following:
  • More rebuts unit to heavy duty
  • Included wider system buses
  • More memory capacity supporting fully buffered ECC memory.
  • More level cache
  • Ability to interact with other processor. In the same system (multiprocessor system)

For any additional information you can check our website at http://ark.intel.com ark.intel.com

regards,

0 Kudos
ZAgha
New Contributor II
961 Views

@Sylvia

Don't you think the processing power I advised him about is more than enough for his needs? "I really appreciate your opinion"

Sin yours

0 Kudos
APugl
Beginner
961 Views

Hey,

Thanks for the reply.

I ended up getting the 3930k for around £350 ($530), so hopefully it will give good performance. Over the i7 930, I guess it should be at least double the speed.

Plus also 4 sticks of DDR for the quad channel, as you mentioned. I'm sure that will be beneficial too.

Regarding cooling, either some Intel/Corsair water cooling kit as you mentioned, or perhaps a Noctua air cooled heatsink. The only thing that concerns me with the water cooling, is the pump failing.

0 Kudos
Reply