Xeon vs I7
Why do servers and high end business workstation use Xeon while desktops use i7? If Xeons are used in servers and servers are supposed to be more robust, why not use Xeons in gaming machines? Before we can answer these questions, we need to clarify what a server is. A server is nothing more than a computer or program that provides functionality for any other programs or devices. A server, by definition, has nothing to do with hardware at all. Any hardware can be a server, even your smart phone runs several servers. Since hardware doesn't matter, let's look into what the difference between the Xeon and the I7 is.
The Xeon has features that the I7 doesn't have. One feature that the Xeon has is the ability to use error correcting code memory ( ECC ) which is a method of detecting and correcting single bit memory errors. Xeons also have more L3 cache which is the memory set aside directly on the processor. Xeons can also be used in multiple processor systems where the I7 cannot. The Xeon also can have more cores. Xeons currently have up to 48 cores while the I7 maxes out at 12 cores.
The I7 has features that the Xeon doesn't have. The I7 includes integrated video on the CPU where the Xeon does not. The I7 lets the user raise the clock speed ( overclocking ) to get more speed where as the Xeon is locked. The I7 also includes Intel's Quick Sync Video which is a hardware based compression and decompression for video.
The Xeon costs more than I7. Comparing two similar speed processors, the Xeon costs almost $100 more than the I7. As stated earlier, the Xeon is capable of having up to 48 cores but it costs almost $10,000. The cost is not just in the CPU, motherboards for Xeon processors tend to almost 50% more than I7 motherboards. Many of the motherboards for the Xeon will also only take ECC memory which will add to the cost.
The two main factors to consider when choosing between the Xeon and I7 are cost and reliability. The Xeon has features that allows systems to be more available with it's ability to use ECC memory. In terms of sheer speed, the Xeon beats the I7 but it comes at a price. What it boils down to is that how much are you willing to pay for the high availability and the extra speed.