replacing a Q9650

[Easy Rhino]

I still rock a Q9650 @ 3.0 GHZ that runs ubuntu and a bunch of docker apps. The majority of docker apps are handled well even when busy. The one that creates the biggest burden and is slowed down by the CPU is Minecraft. As we all know, Minecraft is single threaded so performance relies heavily on speed. The Q9650 is also a power hog at 95 TDW. The system never uses more than 6 of the 2x4 gig 1066 MT/s ram.

What I am looking for is to replace the Q9650 with something that consume significantly less power but will be higher clock speed for little money. I am thinking something ITX with the CPU already attached and ready, just add RAM. I would prefer x86 architecture (64bit) over ARM.

It really looks like there are few embedded type solutions out there.

Any thoughts?

 

[newtekie1]

Most of the reasonably priced embedded solutions loose in performance to even a Celeron real desktop processor.

Will you be adding a GPU, or just using the iGPU?
Are you looking for something small form factor, or just something that isn't huge, but it can be normal desktop size? I assume the Q9650 is a full desktop, but you might be looking for something that doesn't take up as much space.

I've built several very small for factor mITX computers that sip power but have the performance when it's needed, especially single threaded performance.

 

[TheMadDutchDude]

Time to upgrade to something from this decade. You will get much better efficiency, power and performance, out of even a basic 2200G, for example.

 

[cucker tarlson]

I still rock a Q9650 @ 3.0 GHZ that runs ubuntu and a bunch of docker apps. The majority of docker apps are handled well even when busy. The one that creates the biggest burden and is slowed down by the CPU is Minecraft. As we all know, Minecraft is single threaded so performance relies heavily on speed. The Q9650 is also a power hog at 95 TDW. The system never uses more than 6 of the 2x4 gig 1066 MT/s ram.

What I am looking for is to replace the Q9650 with something that consume significantly less power but will be higher clock speed for little money. I am thinking something ITX with the CPU already attached and ready, just add RAM. I would prefer x86 architecture (64bit) over ARM.

It really looks like there are few embedded type solutions out there.

Any thoughts?

do you want dgpu or igpu ?

 

[Tatty_Two]

The AMD 3000G/3200G might be a decent option if using integrated graphics dependant on whether you want dual or 4 core.

 

[cucker tarlson]

single or multi monitor ?

 

[Solaris17]

I’d look into the high click rate pentiums. Might be right up your ally. Then take a look at the shuttle barebones kits.

 

[Easy Rhino]

No descrete gpu necessary. This will used for light server work. Ideally 4 cores and can handle 16 gigs ram. No need for multi monitor support or the like. PCIe 3 would be nice. I would like as small as possible but I have noticed smaller = more expensive.

 

[sneekypeet]

You have a PM

 

[Deleted member 193706]

You can build an Athlon 200ge rig with 8GB RAM and assuming you have a PSU and drives to recycle it will cost you probably around the $100-$120 mark at most and would still be a massive improvement to the q9650 at anything whilst only sipping 35w max

 

[biffzinker]

Most of the reasonably priced embedded solutions loose in performance to even a Celeron real desktop processor.

I was going to suggest the UDOO Bolt with the Ryzen Embedded quad core would possibly match the performance of a Celeron. The price though is probably to expensive.

BOLT Boards | UDOO Shop

UDOO is a family of Open Source Arduino-powered Mini PC compatible with Windows, Android and any Linux Distro.

shop.udoo.org

 

[newtekie1]

No descrete gpu necessary. This will used for light server work. Ideally 4 cores and can handle 16 gigs ram. No need for multi monitor support or the like. PCIe 3 would be nice. I would like as small as possible but I have noticed smaller = more expensive.

Are you planning on adding a PCI-E RAID card or something? Do you even really need a PCI-E slot, or just maybe in the future?

 

[Easy Rhino]

Are you planning on adding a PCI-E RAID card or something? Do you even really need a PCI-E slot, or just maybe in the future?

Yea will need at least 1 pci e slot for 4x raid 0

 

[lexluthermiester]

Any thoughts?

If you're not set on ITX, there are these;

Dell Precision T3500 Xeon 6Core 2.93GHz X5670 12GB RAM 120GB SSD +1TBHD7000 WIFI | eBay

Dell Precision T3500 Work Station. Xeon X5670 2.93GHz 6 Cores Processor. 12GB DDR3 Ram. 120GB SSD+1000GB 7200RPM HDD. NVIDIA Quadro HD7000 Video Card.

www.ebay.com

Dell Precision T3500 Xeon 6 CORE X5670 12GB 128GB SSD +1TB HD6450 WIFI WIN10 | eBay

Dell Precision T3500 Work Station. Xeon X5670 2.93 GHz 6 CORES Processor. HD6450 Video Card. 12GB DDR3 Ram. 128GB SSD+1000GB 7200RPM HDD.

www.ebay.com

Dell Precision T3500 Xeon X5670 6cores 12GB 128GB SSD +1TB WIFI WIN10 HD6450 728461510295 | eBay

Dell Precision T3500 Work Station. Xeon X5670 2.93 GHz 6 Cores 12M Processor. HD6450 Video Card. 12GB DDR3 Ram. 128GB SSD+1000GB（2X500GB） 7200RPM HDD.

www.ebay.com

Yea will need at least 1 pci e slot for 4x raid 0

And these will more than handle that.

 

[cucker tarlson]

get a NUC if money's no object

 

[lexluthermiester]

get a NUC if money's no object

The NUC line generally will not do RAID0.

 

[biffzinker]

The NUC line generally will not do RAID0.

Soft RAID0 over USB 3.1 though would work?

 

[lexluthermiester]

Soft RAID0 over USB 3.1 though would work?

While that's true, why would he want to? Plus, USB RAID0 is not bootable. Wouldn't it be better have everything enclosed in one system than have a small system with drives spread everywhere? Those T3500's are a bit large, but bang-for-buck, they can't be beat right now. That series of Xeon's are holding their ground respectably.

 

[Mussels]

Why not just get a regular ITX desktop from an older gen? I've got a 3550 and 4790 in old dell ITX's that run awesome as home servers/HTPCs

my brother just got one with a 3470S, and the overall wattage of that system is tiny

 

[newtekie1]

Yea will need at least 1 pci e slot for 4x raid 0

So what kind of case are you putting it in? Do you have something in mind that will hold the 4+ drives? I mean, the case is probably going to be big enough for mATX at that point.

 

[candle_86]

For light server work an athlon 220 on an a320 will work.

 

[Easy Rhino]

So what kind of case are you putting it in? Do you have something in mind that will hold the 4+ drives? I mean, the case is probably going to be big enough for mATX at that point.

Yea, that's the issue. I guess if I have to go matx then I will but that is already what I have. And if necessary I will just get 2x drives that are larger but that increases the price.

edit: seems like going used is the best price/performance/tdp/size

 

[Deleted member 67555]

Check out AliExpress..I just got a H81/Pentium 3220/4gb ddr3 1066mhz for $55 shipped..

It's a good little media server.

 

[candle_86]

If going used look at vostros they are dirt cheap for the 260 and 270.

I bought one for $30 with an i3 2120, 4gb of ram and 500gb hdd.

 

[johnny-r]

cool PC bro, like 10 years ago I had a Q9650 think I paired it with a Radeon 4890 with Windows 7 64bit Ultimate...