When it comes to storing and backing up data, a home server is an excellent idea. In today’s world, privacy has become a considerable concern. Nonetheless, it has also gained significant importance in everyone’s life in the past decade. Because of the digitized world, we are taking and capturing bundles and bundles of pictures and videos and sharing and saving a lot of information. We always look for a place to store them somewhere safe. To tackle such storage and security problems, we introduce to you one of the unique solutions of our time, home servers. This article will list down the Best CPU for Home Servers that you can purchase in 2023.
We agree that the term “Server” might be a bit intimidating initially, but a personal server may save you a lot of hectic future. That is also among many reasons we decided to write on the best server processor. Adding up to that, it is also an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the latest and new incoming technology and implement it in your daily life.
In this article, we’ll shed light on some of the Top CPUs for Music Production you can find on the market today.
So here we go with the list of the best Processor for the home server!
Top 6 Best CPUs for Home Server
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Desktop Processor | Best AMD Processor for Home Server
- Intel Core i9 9900KF Desktop Processor | Best Intel processor for Virtualization
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor | Best Cheap CPU for Home Server
- Intel Core i7 9700K Desktop Processor | Best Budget Processor for Plex
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G Desktop Processor | Best Ryzen 3 Processor for Server
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Desktop Processor | Best Performance Server Processor
1- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Desktop Processor
If you are looking for a CPU that does it all, then AMD Ryzen 5 3600 should be your top priority. It is highly efficient and quick in almost everything. You name it! Editing videos, gaming, using it for work, editing photos, programming, and whatnot. That is also among the most significant reasons we have entitled this Processor as the best processor out there in the market.
Another fantastic thing about the desktop processor is that it is not that expensive. We can claim with the assurance that this piece of the beast is one of the best products for its value. You can purchase it without any future regrets. Nonetheless, this best CPU for the server would last you ages because of its highly up-to-date processing chip. Adding up to that, this processing unit also has low heat output and a good stock cooler. This surely boosts this CPU’s lifeline.
Features and chipset of AMD Ryzen 5
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 has been a great leap for AMD processors because of AMD’s Zen 2 architecture. This change in architecture has changed the outlook of server CPUs. This has made AMD more efficient and powerful with faster clock speeds.
Performance
This AMD Ryzen 5 may portray that it is not that good; however, it gives tough competition to the Intel i7 CPU processor. The place where you can judge this best CPU for plex working at its utmost performance is when you are running and playing some heavy game on it. You will be mind-blown by the graphics quality that you would be witnessing through this AMD Ryzen 5 3600 desktop processor.
- Long-Lasting and low heat output.
- Faster and more efficient compared to other CPUs in the same price range.
- Compatible with different use cases according to your needs.
- It does not provide you with quick sync support.
2- Intel Core i9_9900KF Desktop Processor
This Intel Core i9 is one of the newest and latest processing units launched by intel during these years. The thing that makes this specific CPU of Intel stand out from other CPUs out there is that the very core of this Processor is different compared to Intel’s additional CPUs. This is also another reason which tempted us to enter the name of this Intel Core i9 processor.
Architecture:
The Intel Core i9 is powered by Cypress Cove Core which is essentially the Sunny Cove design squeezed into a chip that can fit into a smaller and more compact space. In addition to that, this CPU is an 8 Core, 16 threaded with a 16 MB L3 cache along with 125v watt TDP. What else do you want in your home server?
Performance:
This CPU has a satisfactory performance that anyone would look for in a home server. It was able to pass all our tests quickly and efficiently. Adding up to that, this Processor also allows you to multitask smoothly without any lag or hindrance. This is among the top reasons we decided to include this Processor in the best CPU for home servers in 2023.
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- This particular CPU has higher frame rate records compared to other processing units.
- It also provides you with fast single-thread speed.
- This CPU is also compatible with existing mainstream Intel coolers.
- This CPU runs hot quickly and is power-hungry as well.
3- AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is among the best CPU for servers nowadays. This CPU is among the finest CPUs AMD has ever produced. This might be sounding like an exaggeration; however, this CPU is cheap and provides you with a fantastic performance that no other CPU offers in such a low price range. This CPU can be considered the magic key for you to enter the world of home servers.
Performance
After hearing such nice things about this CPU, you might wonder what kind of performance one should expect from this CPU. The performance of this CPU is highly exceptional; however, it is 10 percent lower than its next version, 2600X. If you are ready to spend a bit more, you should consider purchasing an AMD Ryzen 5 2600X processor instead of AMD Ryzen 5 2600 CPU.
Specs
This specific CPU has six cores with 12 threads, providing this Processing unit with enough power to handle almost any workload. Moreover, the Ryzen silicon works at its optimum pace in the architecture, designed for AMD Ryzen 5 2600. Lastly, it also has a lower TDP.
- This CPU has a bundled cooler which provides a great value proposition.
- This CPU is also backward compatible with previous-gen motherboards.
- It has a heat spreader which improves this processing unit’s thermal transfer.
- For overclocking, this CPU requires a higher-end thermal solution.
4- Intel Core i7 9700K Desktop Processor
This Intel Core i7 processor is among some of the best machines that Intel has manufactured over its reign of the CPU market. You can easily stream 4k videos with a CPU without any worries. This CPU has eight cores which provide this processing unit with its ultimate power. These eight cores make multitasking on this CPU as smooth as ice; therefore, we recommend this CPU for home servers.
Although the AMD Ryzen 3600 has its benefits, we can predict that the architecture of this CPU will allow you to outperform the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with ease. Therefore, we can claim that this can be your go-to choice if you are looking for a high-end server for your home. You can sort data, render things, work remotely, play games, and do much other stuff without encountering any problems.
Higher Boost
This CPU has a lesser clock speed than its predecessors; however, it is not the thing to be worried about. The reason for that is the advent of multicore chips along with highly efficient software. This allows this specific CPU to program at a faster and more efficient rate without affecting its performance.
Features:
The new thing about this chipset is that Intel is going with a soldered integrated heat spreader which allows more outstanding overclocking capabilities for the Processor. This is also what makes this processing unit the best server processor that you might encounter these days.
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- A processor that we would recommend for Plex.
- You can have smooth-running games on this CPU and work remotely without any worries.
- A potent and fast machine that provides excellent value for your money.
- It does not have a good stock cooler and may get hot and loud when running heavy programs on it.
5- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G Desktop Processor
If you are looking for something that can be called the best Processor for a home server at a highly affordable price, then this is the machine you are looking for. It would be in your price range and would even provide you with Radeon graphics. You might even wonder why you might need to add some graphic cards for better virtualization and CPU experience at such a price. But mark my words, you would not require any modification in this CPU. It has its own APU, which serves the purpose of the graphic card.
You might ask us why this particular CPU is for home servers. We have just two words to answer for you. “Integrated GPU.” This integrated GPU provides you with everything necessary to serve as the best CPU for the home server.
Four Cores
There is always a reason behind our including this Processor as the best CPU for virtualization. So, among numerous reasons, four cores in the CPU unit and a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and 4MB L3 cache top this CPU among other CPUs competing for home servers. It contains a 12 nm architect microprocessor that is more advanced than old AMD microchips. This is also what provides this CPU with its robust graphics.
Light Gaming
Sometimes, instead of using this Processor alone as a home server, you might also want to play different kinds of games on it. We guarantee you that this Processor is sufficient for you if you are in light gaming. In short, you would quickly get playable frame rates of 720p.
- The built-in of this CPU processor is excellent.
- This CPU has a low TDP.
- The stock cooler of this CPU is better than most of the CPUs in this price range.
- The Processor does not provide you with ECC RAM support.
6- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Desktop Processor
We would end this list of the best server CPU with this AMD Ryzen 5 5600X desktop processor. This specific CPU is highly recommended for those looking for a home server at a mid-range price level. It is also a product of the company’s new Zen 3 processor. This means that by purchasing this CPU, you would have access to the world’s latest technology. Nonetheless, it beats Intel’s i5 CPUs, and you would fall in love once you have purchased AMD for your CPU and home server.
When we tested this CPU’s performance in gaming, we were astonished by the results. This CPU had set impressive records during its performance tests. Moreover, the tests reveal that this AMD processor beats most Intel CPUs in power consumption, performance, and thermals. It is hard to find such a fantastic CPU for a home server.
Specifications of the features
This AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is equipped with 12 threads and six cores with a boost in its clock rates and a reduction in the base frequencies. These things are highly new in the computing industry, and that is another reason you should purchase this best Processor for a home server.
Overclocking:
The architecture of this CPU does an outstanding job of handling power draw, thermals, and core usage to get the most out of this little processing unit. This is also the reason that this microchip has made overclocking a non-entity, and believe me or not, this little beast handles your machine better than you may do. This chip can be a once-in-a-lifetime investment as well.
- Dominates in the gaming industry.
- It is highly compatible with Socket AM4.
- It has a high overclock ceiling and low TDP.
- This CPU does not provide you with integrated graphics.
CPU For Home Server Buying Guide
This section will provide details about what essential things to look out for when purchasing your first-ever CPU for a home server. We are fully aware that you might be a bit new to technology and do not have a good grasp of everything, and you might even be worried about being a victim of any scam during the purchase. However, you need to relax and go through this section of the article to know about all the things you need to keep an eye on when purchasing your first CPU.
Let us jot down the important stuff so that you may become a pro when purchasing CPUs for a home server.
Know the terms
Knowledge is the key to success! Whenever and for whatever thing you are going out, you must always research that specific thing. In the CPU case for the home server, you need to be aware of all the techy terms that you might be hearing during your bargaining with the shopkeeper. This step of yours would be convenient, and you will also feel more confident when purchasing and choosing the best server CPUs.
Talk with a professional
It is always an act of sanity when you communicate with a professional before purchasing a CPU. Professionals may provide you with the latest trends in technology and may give you advice based on their experience. They may even tell you about the places from where you can purchase your CPU at a lower rate than the market rate. It is also feasible if you talk to a salesman that you know as that person is already aware that technology will be coming in the future and its pros and cons.
Keep an eye on the warranty
For some people, the term “warranty” may not carry much significance. However, always check the warranty duration of your product. It will save you tons of bucks if you run into a problem setting up your home server CPU. You will thank us later for this advice for sure!
Keep taking notes
You may need to purchase the best CPU for the home server for different reasons. And for various reasons, you might need other specifications. So always note down what things you are hoping to achieve through your home server processor, and then, according to your need, find a CPU fulfilling those expected specifications. For instance, if you are setting up a home server just for storage and backup, your choice of CPU should have a lot of storage, and an SSD card would be a plus for you.
Installation
The last thing you need to be aware of is that you need to be careful when installing your processor. Always go through the manual carefully and note down the essential points. Some servers are tricky to install, while servers are just a piece of cake. So, always read the manual and take advice from the expert.
Maintenance
After purchasing and installing your CPU as a home server, you should regularly maintain that CPU. This will help keep the server’s performance at a peak and protect you from any loss of data or security issues that you might face on your home server.
Frequently Asked Question
Does virtualization slow down computers?
The answer to this question lies in the workload and the type of virtualization you are using on your computer. In general, if you are running an application that is CPU bound, the CPU virtualization may impact the overall performance of your CPU. While if you are using a machine that is not CPU-bound, your PC will run at its regular processing speed.
Is AMD good for virtualization?
AMD processors compared to Intel are a little better in terms of virtualization these days. The main reason behind this is that AMD tends to have more cores available for the exact cost compared to Intel. Therefore, we can conclude that AMD is suitable for virtualization.
Does Ryzen support virtualization?
AMD Ryzen processors and CPUs are some of the best CPUs currently in the market, and no doubt every Ryzen Processor out there supports virtualization. You only have to enable it from BIOS! However, you might need to worry about virtualization support if you are purchasing an Intel processor.
How much RAM do I need for virtualization?
Usually, 8GB of RAM is enough to run a virtual machine to avoid hard drive caching. If you purchase a CPU with 4GB of RAM, you might encounter some problems when running virtualization. Nonetheless, RAM usage depends on the amount and the kind of work you intend to carry out with your virtual machine.
Do you need a good CPU for server?
A good CPU is important for a server, as it is responsible for processing the data and handling the requests made to the server. A high-performance CPU can help ensure that the server can handle a large number of requests and perform complex tasks efficiently. However, the specific CPU requirements will depend on the nature of the server and the workload it will be handling. It would be best to consult with a professional or refer to the server’s specifications to determine the appropriate CPU for your needs.
How much CPU do I need for a server?
The amount of CPU needed for a server depends on the workload the server will be handling and the number of users or clients that will be connecting to it.
For a basic web server or a small file server, a single-core CPU with a clock speed of 2GHz or higher would be sufficient.
For more demanding workloads, such as a database server or a virtualization host, a multi-core CPU with a higher clock speed and larger cache would be recommended. A minimum of 4 cores and 8 threads are a good starting point, but it can vary depending on the server usage.
For high-performance computing or large-scale enterprise workloads, many-core CPUs with high clock speeds and large amounts of memory may be necessary.
It’s also important to note that the CPU is not the only important factor in determining a server’s performance. Factors such as memory, storage, and network connectivity can also have a significant impact on a server’s performance. It’s important to consider all the components of a server and ensure they are appropriately sized for the workload.
How many cores do I need for my home server?
The number of cores needed for a home server will depend on the workload the server will be handling.
For basic tasks such as file sharing, web hosting, or small-scale media streaming, a single- or dual-core CPU would be sufficient.
If you plan on using your home server for more demanding tasks, such as running virtual machines or hosting a database, a multi-core CPU with at least 4 cores would be recommended.
If you plan to use your home server for high-performance computing or gaming, a CPU with many cores, such as 8-16 cores, may be necessary.
It’s also important to note that the number of cores is not the only important factor in determining a server’s performance. Factors such as clock speed, memory, storage, and network connectivity can also have a significant impact on a server’s performance.
It’s important to consider all the components of a server and ensure they are appropriately sized for the workload. It’s best to consult with a professional or refer to the server’s specifications to determine the appropriate number of cores for your home server.
How many cores should a server CPU have?
The number of cores that a server CPU should have depends on the workload the server will be handling.
For basic tasks such as file sharing, web hosting, or small-scale media streaming, a single- or dual-core CPU would be sufficient.
For more demanding tasks such as running virtual machines or hosting a database, a multi-core CPU with at least 4 cores would be recommended.
For high-performance computing or large-scale enterprise workloads, many-core CPUs with high clock speeds and large amounts of memory may be necessary. A minimum of 8 cores is a good starting point for such workloads, but the number can vary depending on the server usage.
It’s also important to note that the number of cores is not the only important factor in determining a server’s performance. Factors such as clock speed, memory, storage, and network connectivity can also have a significant impact on a server’s performance.
It’s important to consider all the components of a server and ensure they are appropriately sized for the workload. It’s best to consult with a professional or refer to the server’s specifications to determine the appropriate number of cores for your server.
Is CPU or RAM more important for server?
Both CPU and RAM are important for a server, as they both play a critical role in the performance and stability of a server.
The CPU is responsible for processing the data and handling the requests made to the server. A high-performance CPU can help ensure that the server can handle a large number of requests and perform complex tasks efficiently.
RAM, on the other hand, is responsible for temporarily storing data that the server is currently using or processing. A server with a sufficient amount of RAM will be able to handle more concurrent tasks and will be less likely to experience performance issues related to memory.
In general, a balance of both CPU and RAM is important for a server. A server with a powerful CPU but insufficient RAM will struggle to perform well, as the CPU will spend much of its time waiting for data to be loaded from storage. Similarly, a server with a large amount of RAM but a weak CPU will struggle to perform well, as the CPU will not be able to process the data quickly enough.
It’s important to consider both CPU and RAM when selecting or upgrading a server and ensure that they are appropriately sized for the workload. It’s best to consult with a professional or refer to the server’s specifications to determine the appropriate balance of CPU and RAM for your server.
Does CPU speed matter for servers?
CPU speed, or clock speed, does matter for servers, as it can have an impact on the server’s performance and ability to handle requests.
A CPU with a higher clock speed can process data and execute instructions faster than a CPU with a lower clock speed. This can be especially important for servers that are handling a large number of requests or performing complex tasks. In general, a higher clock speed can help ensure that the server can handle a large number of requests efficiently.
However, it’s important to note that clock speed is not the only factor that determines a server’s performance. Factors such as the number of cores, the amount of RAM, and storage and network connectivity can also have a significant impact on a server’s performance.
Also, it’s important to consider the workload the server will be handling. For some workloads, a higher clock speed may be more important than for others. For example, web servers or application servers may require a higher clock speed than file servers or email servers.
In general, it’s important to consider all the components of a server, including clock speed, and ensure they are appropriately sized for the workload. It’s best to consult with a professional or refer to the server’s specifications to determine the appropriate clock speed for your server.
Final Verdict
In a nutshell, the Best CPU for Home Server mostly depends on what kind of work you want that computer to do. In our opinion, AMD processor CPUs are the best in the market and can provide you with exceptional performance. Feel free to look into our suggestions of the top 6 best CPUs for a home server and choose from our given options.
We hope this article aided you with your decision about what is the best server processor you can currently purchase in the market. Best of luck with your purchase.
