the newest CPU with cTDP feature in latest AMD and Intel processors - to build a fanless server

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Hello, I am looking for some guidance on this build!

I am looking to replace older server HW: what I currently have running a server with a robust, full-featured option that can utilize faster data transfers on my local network, such as file and media sharing, while still allowing remote HTTP and FTP access (HTTP meaning that I will be hosting a website).

I am not gaming or anything with it, so graphics are unimportant to me for this build. If at all possible, I would like the build to be both small and energy efficient (I’m thinking something like a 35w TDP CPU, such as the i5-6600T) or - if there is a newer one then i would love to take a newer one
so that I can leave it running 24/7 without worrying about the electric bill or noise.

In terms of budget, I am willing to spend around $1000. I already own plenty of storage drives, and I have a spare 250GB SSD

Currently, all i want to know which cpu i shoud take into consideration - any and all advices will be appreciated.

cTDP feature in latest AMD and Intel processors

Configurable TDP (cTDP) is a mechanism to change the standard TDP of a processor to a lower TDP that requires less power and cooling compared to the standard TDP. This is achieved by a lower core frequency and voltage. cTDP is a requirement if the cooling solution of the CPU is not suitable, e.g. very thin devices or when a quite mode is preferred over the maximum performance mode. AMD made this feature first available in selected models of the “Kaveri” based A-Series. Intel introduced this feature in the U/Y Series of ultra low power “Haswell” mobile and newer mobile “Broadwell” CPUs. The cTDP feature from Intel is controlled by the firmware/EC and is set by the device manufacturer and cannot be changed, AMDs implementation allows the user to set this feature on selected desktop models (Kaveri, Carizzo) when the required option is available in the firmware/BIOS.
Mobile CPUs e.g. AMDs 2016 35W “Bristol Ridge” models have a cTDP range of 25-45W and
Intels 2016 “Skylake” top U-Line models have a base TDP of 28W and a lower cTDP from 23W to 22.5W (low power mode). The device manufacturer can set the value that fits the cooling solution in that device. In this case the setting is locked by the manufacturer and cannot be changed. The advantage is only one CPU for different thermal envelopes, but you have to check what cTDP is set to compare speed and battery life of the same CPU model.

look for recommmendations -

Currently, all i want to know which cpu i shoud take into consideration - any and all advices will be appreciated.

yours Dilbert one :wink:

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Hi
Don’t forget ARM (aarch64) systems…

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I just replaced my 2 desktops (they run apache web servers) with used Dell 7490 laptops- they have 8 threads so they are fast.
They can have up to 1 tb of nvme ram and I have 3 - 6tb hard drives for backup and files - machine 2 is a mirror of machine 1 - just in case of any failure.
I found that the i5-8250 with 16gb ram for $599 on e-bay. The two I bought 2 weekend ago look brand new. I run 3 virtualbox Opensuse 15.1 machines with 4 gb on them.
No issues after a week so I turned off my old machines.
No noise - the laptops can run for hours with the electricity off and they come with 65W power supplies.
Absolutely quiet - they do have a fan but you cannot hear it.

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good day dear Larryr - hello dear Malcom,

many thanks for all your ideas and the sharing of this. I am excited about your ideas. OK Malcolm i am aware of the ARM-stuff. Sure thing.

thanks to you Larryr for sharing your insights and what you have done.

Larryr that sounds really intersting. we want to have a server hardware that replaces the old one - running now for 8 years,

that said: - that that does not has high end power buildt with very expensive cpu we need a server that serves in the “mid-range” if we take a very very powerful cpu then this may run sometimes in the lower parts of the “performance range” …

that said: we run a server for more than 10 Years - and we care of the heat-production of the server - my serveradmin does have an eye on this category - he wants to use a cpu with the cTDP feature.

so at the moment i try to dive into all this …:: from what i have learned so far… :

cTDP feature in latest AMD and Intel processors. Configurable TDP (cTDP) is a mechanism to change the standard TDP of a processor to a lower TDP that requires less power and cooling compared to the standard TDP. This is achieved by a lower core frequency and voltage

we can adjust both the base clock on a CPU as well as the boost clock AND the “Tau” (time limit the CPU can be at the turbo boost frequency).
in other words - these things are all adjustable in the aftermarket (Asus, AsRock, MSI, Gigabyte) BIOS.

well - again we want to have a cpu that runs with low power: i have found some more overviews:

a. List of CPU power dissipation figures: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CPU_power_dissipation_figures
b. links to the topic Thermal_design_power: Thermal design power - Wikipedia

Larryr - i like your ideas - and i will discuss them with my serveradmin -the guy who is involved in this project

i keep you informed. - have a great day

regards dilbert:)