Server and workstation processors in this category come mainly from AMD and Intel, with a smaller number of Lenovo, Supermicro and Fujitsu parts. They suit IT teams building or upgrading servers, and professionals who need high core counts and large memory capacity in a workstation. The range holds over 360 models.
How to choose a server or workstation processor
Socket and platform. The processor must match the socket and chipset of your motherboard or server, and the board's BIOS must support that specific model. Check the exact board or server model and its list of supported processors before ordering, because sockets differ between AMD EPYC and Intel Xeon generations and even between generations of the same family.
Core count and clock speed. Virtualisation, databases, rendering and simulation scale well with more cores, so a high core count pays off there. Tasks that run on only a few threads, such as some engineering software, benefit more from higher clock speeds. Match the chip to your heaviest regular workload rather than to peak figures.
Memory support. Server processors offer more memory channels and a higher maximum capacity than desktop chips, and they support ECC memory, which corrects single-bit errors. Check how many channels the processor supports and which memory speeds it officially runs, since this affects both capacity and bandwidth.
Power draw and cooling. The thermal design power (TDP) tells you how much heat the cooler and chassis must handle. High core count models draw considerably more power than entry-level ones, so confirm that your power supply, heatsink and rack airflow are suitable.
Single or dual socket. Some processors work only in single-socket systems, while others can be paired on a two-socket board for more cores and memory. Check the model's multi-processor support before buying a second CPU, and use two identical processors in a dual-socket system.
Server and workstation processor brands we carry
- AMD: the maker of the EPYC server line, which is known for high core counts and many memory channels on a single socket.
- Intel: the maker of Xeon processors, used in a large share of business servers and workstations and known for broad software and platform support.
- Lenovo: sells ThinkSystem servers and ThinkStation workstations, so its processors are generally meant for those systems.
- Supermicro: known for server motherboards and rack systems, and often chosen for custom-built servers.
- Fujitsu: known for its PRIMERGY servers, with processors suited to upgrades of those machines.
- Dell and Cisco: known for the PowerEdge and UCS server lines respectively, so their processors are meant for those platforms.
Also in our range: ZTE Server & Storage.
Frequently asked questions about server and workstation processors
What is the difference between Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC?
Both are processor families built for servers, and they use different sockets, so they are not interchangeable. EPYC models are known for high core counts and many memory channels, while Xeon is widely supported by business software and server platforms. The better choice depends on your server or motherboard and your workload.
Can I use a desktop processor in a server?
Only if the server board has a desktop-class socket, and this is uncommon. Most server boards use sockets built for server processors, which support ECC memory and more memory channels. Check the board's compatibility list before buying.
How many cores does a virtualisation server need?
It depends on how many virtual machines you run and how busy they are. As a rough guide, add up the virtual CPUs your machines need and leave headroom for the host system and future growth. A processor with more cores usually allows a higher number of machines per server.
How do I know if a processor fits my existing server?
Look up your server or motherboard model in the manufacturer's list of supported processors. The socket must match, and the BIOS version must support the specific processor. Branded servers from Lenovo, Fujitsu, Dell or Cisco often accept only certain models, so compare the full model name rather than only the family.
