File Server Build, APU or CPU

[TheBaptist24]

I'm going to be building a Rackmount File Server and I'm curious if choosing an APU will have any benefits over a normal CPU. I don't not much about APUs, other than the better graphics. Are these processors any good for a server build? Thanks

[SubTract]

Not really any advantage of an APU for a file server. Realistically you would get away with a cheat nasty celeron or sempron. Would still work fine for file access. I wouldn't recommend it though. :)

[BenHTBDT]

Here's the best way to look at it. With the APU, Lets say an A4 for example... You're getting a decent dual core cpu, with a decent graphics card to boot. If you go with a nasty low end pentium or something, you'll have to pay more for the mobo with integrated graphics.

Basically, find the cheapest motherboard + processor combo you can, and you'll be all set.

My advice, get an A10ish and run BOINC or Folding@Home on it. :)

[DLM_012]

Sempron 140/145

[ProKoN]

Good video comparing an i3-3220 up against a A10-5800k

This APU isnt all that bad. AMD stuff runs hotter and is less efficient. The AMD chipsets seem to offer more sata3 connectivity than intel chipsets. Although sata 2 is just fine for Mechanical Hard disks.

The last non-intel chipset I used was a nvidia 680i on the socket 775 platform, I didnt like it. compared to the intel equivalents at the time p45, 975x, x38.

Heres an example. On my first home server I could easily sustain read writes of 80-120MB/sec locally or over the gigalan on an INTEL based chipset. when i used the nvidia chipset I saw it bog down to 30-60MB\sec and sometimes unresponsiveness occured. I guess I have just had good luck with intel overall being super fast and reliable, Maybe someone could post their experience with AMD chipsets in context to data transfer speeds.

I guess I have just become an intel fanboy although I still love AMD and want to give them another go sometime in the future.

Do you plan on using on-board sata or a dedicated pci-e sata controller?