Xeon vs Core 2 Quad: Difference and Comparison

The world was eminently different before microprocessors were invented. In those days, a computer was as big as a room! Only large entities and organizations could afford and maintain this expensive machine. Fortunately, Intel Corporation came into the picture with silicon chips that were accessible to everyone.

Xeon and Core 2 Quad are the latest series of microprocessors developed and manufactured by Intel. Both have four cores, which means that they possess four times the power that an average processor does. However, before buying one of these revolutionary devices, it is important to know the differences between them.

Key Takeaways

1. Xeon processors are designed for servers and workstations, while Core 2 Quad is designed for desktops.
2. Xeon processors support error-correcting code (ECC) memory, which Core 2 Quad does not.
3. Xeon processors have higher core counts and more cache memory than Core 2 Quad processors.

Xeon vs Core 2 Quad

 Xeon processors have more cores, larger cache sizes, and support for more memory than Core 2 Quad processors, making them ideal for server and workstation use. Core 2 Quad processors are designed for general desktop use and have a lower price point than Xeon processors, but have fewer cores and less memory support.

Xeon is a series of microprocessors that are specifically targeted towards non-consumer workstations, embedded system markets and servers. Their architecture is like that of desktop-grade CPUs. However, they have quite a few additional features, such as higher core counts, larger cache memory and enterprise-level reliability.

Core 2 Quad is a series of microprocessors that have four cores as well. However, unlike Xeon, they are desktop processors and are not compatible with servers. They perform faster and more efficiently. However, despite having an optimum threshold for a wide variety of heavy operations, Core 2 Quad has lesser cache memory than the former.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Xeon	Core 2 Quad
Release Date	Xeon was released in June 1998.	Core 2 Quad was released in July 2006.
Compatibility	They are compatible with server motherboards.	They are compatible with desktop motherboards.
Function	Xeon was made for lightweight and repetitive tasks.	Core 2 Quad was made for heavyweight and non-repetitive tasks.
Performance	Xeon works at a slower pace than Core 2 Quad.	Core 2 Quad performs faster and better than Xeon.
Cache Memory	Xeon has more cache memory than Core 2 Quad.	Core 2 Quad has lesser cache memory than Xeon.

What is Xeon?

Xeon is a series of microprocessors that were launched by Intel in June 1998. They were made to be used by medium-level enterprise servers and workstations. Several operations, such as engineering, multimedia applications and even graphics, can be carried out by these processors without any hassle. These tasks demand that data be transferred at a fast pace. For this purpose, Xeon has the needed amount of cache memory which allows it to perform efficiently.

Xeon processors are highly popular and are used by millions of people because of their advanced features over normal processors. Some of them include a higher core count, support for greater amounts of RAM, Machine Check Architecture, enterprise-level reliability, serviceability, and availability. However, Xeon processors do not comply with desktop motherboards which carry out a wide variety of non-repetitive tasks.

Desktop motherboards perform larger amounts of operations that are heavyweight. A good example of this would be gaming, for which Xeon is not very efficient. A limitation of this device is that it does not support onboard graphics. This means that a separate graphics card must be bought to make the processor work more effectively. Nonetheless, it can work faster by overclocking and thus increase productivity.

What is Core 2 Quad?

Core 2 Quad is another series of microprocessors that were released by Intel on July 27, 2006. These processors with cutting-edge technology were made for desktop motherboards. They have a major degree of increment in performance over Xeon processors. This does not only mean that they have better speed but also that they can perform a greater number of tasks without any trouble. Because of this, Core 2 Quad processors are best for personal use, which involves gaming.

The processor is equipped with many advanced features, including Turbo Boost Technology, Hyper-Threading technology, virtualization technology, enhanced SpeedStep, demand-based switching and even thermal monitoring. It facilitates utmost security and reliability with AES New instructions, execution of disabled Bit, and other trusted execution technologies. The processor has a larger base frequency than Xeon and even a greater bus speed.

However, it has lesser cache memory as compared to Xeon. This means that data that is commonly accessed and stored in the device is retrieved at a slower pace. Nonetheless, the processor can execute multiple tasks simultaneously due to its optimal clock speed. This also provides an increment to the overall system performance and speed. This ultimately allows a user to increase productivity and reduce the risks of inconvenience.

Main Differences Between Xeon and Core 2 Quad

1. Xeon was released in June 1998, whereas Core 2 Quad is relatively newer as it was released in July 2006.
2. Xeon is compatible only with server motherboards, whereas Core 2 Quad is compatible only with desktop motherboards.
3. Xeon was made for lightweight and repetitive tasks, whereas Core 2 Quad was made for heavyweight and non-repetitive tasks.
4. Xeon works at a slower pace than Core 2 Quad, whereas Core 2 Quad has better and faster performance due to a faster clock speed.
5. Xeon has a greater amount of cache memory, whereas Core 2 Quad has lesser cache memory than Xeon.

References

1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5470899/
2. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-14403-5_10