The Processor
For this post, I’m going to take a look at one of the most important components residing inside of your server system: the processor. First, let me make sure that we’re both working with the same definition of a server.
A server is a system that responds to requests across a computer network to provide a network service of some type. Servers basically computer programs that exist to serve the requests of other programs (however depressing that may sound), meaning they perform a task on behalf of clients. Those clients are connected to the server through a network that may run on the same computer. Servers provide essential services across a broad network. A high-performance and dependable server is so important to a business because it helps store all of the business’s important information and are essential in the communication between all of the different machines housed and used in an office’s network.
The Processor
While a server contains a lot of components that are essential to how the server performs, one of the absolute most important components, in my opinion, is the processor(s). A server’s processor, also commonly referred to simply as the CPU (which stands for Central Processing Unit), is typically thought of as the brain of the server system. As its name suggests, the processor controls all of the processor done through the server. It carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic mathematical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. Processors have an incredibly important role to play in a server’s overall performance, as they control all of the processes that are done through the system.
Currently, my Dell server is utilizing a Dell SL7PD Intel Xeon processor. This powerful and efficient processor features a clock rate of 2.3GHz, a front bus speed of 800MHz, and offers 1MB of L1 cache space. This is just an example of the type of features a reliable processor should possess.
The Search for the Right Processor
If you’re thinking about upgrading your server with a new processor or two, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to make sure that the processor you get is compatible with your server and all of its components. The components inside of a server work together to allow the server to perform in the way it does. Parts that are not compatible with one another will not be able to work well enough together, and the server’s performance will ultimately suffer because of it.
Another thing you’ll need to consider when looking for a processor is for your server is what features you would like the processor to possess. A good processor will have a fast clock rate, will offer some amount of cache space (the more, the better), and will have a decent core count.
Conclusion
While there are a lot of important components housed inside of a server, one of the most important is the processor. Without a hard-working, powerful processor, your server will not be a high-performing machine.
