SUMMARY: We've switched things up a little differently today with a look at the Intel Xeon 3GHz Noccona server processor in a Dual CPU setup along with the new and capable ASUS NCL-DS Motherboard which provides the light for the whole show. After providing a good history of the Xeon processor series we take a look at the motherboard and see how the platform performs in server-type tasks and applications.
First off we’ll start with the heart of the new Intel 64bit world, the Intel Xeon with EM64T. Once only avalible in tray or OEM form, Intel has changed the way even their server processors are now sold. Xeon’s now come fully boxed with their very own coolers. There are actually three different versions of the same CPU - one with a active cooled heatsink and fan, one with a 1U heatsink and fan and one with a 2U heatsink and fan.
The units we were kindly supplied by ASUS were standard Xeon 3GHz EM64T with Active cooled heatsinks which are designed to go into larger server cases with more air flow. The CPU is packed the same as desktop CPU’s with the CPU itself encased in a protective plastic mould with the heatsink and fan separate as well as user documentation - in all honesty it’s just like getting a Pentium 4 CPU off the shelf, only a lot more costly.
After unpacking the CPU you get to know you aren’t dealing with just a normal Pentium 4 CPU here. The CPU itself is as big in actual size as the LGA775 series CPU, leading us to believe they are based on the same layout inside. The heatspreader on is, however, the original one used on the Pentium 4 478 based CPU and earlier versions of the Xeon, so nothing has changed here.
The bottom is also somewhat different. Normally we are use to CPU’s that are more square in design, the Xeon on the bottom is actually more of a rectangle shape to the pin layout, somewhat reminisant of the Pentium Pro CPU.
