Noob is curious about the Xeon/Dual Socket Motherboard.
Noob is curious about the Xeon/Dual Socket Motherboard.
I concur with earlier comments. Focus on Xeon E5-26xx v2 processors, not just the general E5 v2 range since this line includes single-socket and quad-socket options (remember, the first digit after the series name indicates scalability). CPU-World provides a detailed SKU catalog. Based on eBay pricing, a good balance of performance and cost could be an E5-2670 v2 (10c/20t) around $75, or an E5-2667 v2 (8c/16t) near $115 if you prioritize higher core performance. Running two of these together on a dual-socket board might deliver more power than comparable Ryzen models. The main challenge will be locating a compatible system. Some recycled Chinese motherboards on AliExpress support dual-socket, though they often have limitations like restricted RAM options. If you choose this path, Tech YES City offers useful reviews. For a sturdy tower, the Dell Precision T5600 and HP Z620 appear reasonably priced on eBay and may include RAM pre-installed. If you prefer a rack-mount setup, consider the Dell PowerEdge 620 and 720, which are slightly cheaper than a tower but more minimal. Good luck with your search!