Server upgrade single or dual CPU?

[CeeBee]

Some advice from the experts will be much appreciated...
We have been running Syspro on a 500 mhz Pentium 3 server for many years now (probly when P3 was young and new, haha).... I know it sux by today's standards, but it has been (and is still) working well without glitch, and ya know what they say : "If it aint broke, don't f*k with it"
But I really think it is about time to upgrade the system, I am convinced we'll see increase in performance, it works fine, but when there's lotta users online, there are noticable delays in transactions.
The OS is UNIX, which has been extremely stable, so I was thinking just get a brand new hi power pc, re-install UNIX & Syspro, so only the pc hardware will change.
Now... should I get a plain ol' Pentium 4 3.4Ghz CPU, or one of the newer Intel Dual Core / CoreDuo, or AMD64 x2 CPUs?
Obviously the dualcore/coreduo/AMD64x2 CPUs are more powerful than 'old' single core P4, but I can't help wondering if it will even make a noticable difference in performance ... does UNIX, and Syspro support, and optimise dual core / 64 bit CPUs?
The (much cheaper nowadays) P4 3Ghz or 3.4Ghz is already a huge step up from the P3 500Mhz, don't wanna spend more on 'overkill' system that won't really produce big diffs.

 

[supersunbird]

Some advice from the experts will be much appreciated...
We have been running Syspro on a 500 mhz Pentium 3 server for many years now (probly when P3 was young and new, haha).... I know it sux by today's standards, but it has been (and is still) working well without glitch, and ya know what they say : "If it aint broke, don't f*k with it"
But I really think it is about time to upgrade the system, I am convinced we'll see increase in performance, it works fine, but when there's lotta users online, there are noticable delays in transactions.
The OS is UNIX, which has been extremely stable, so I was thinking just get a brand new hi power pc, re-install UNIX & Syspro, so only the pc hardware will change.
Now... should I get a plain ol' Pentium 4 3.4Ghz CPU, or one of the newer Intel Dual Core / CoreDuo, or AMD64 x2 CPUs?
Obviously the dualcore/coreduo/AMD64x2 CPUs are more powerful than 'old' single core P4, but I can't help wondering if it will even make a noticable difference in performance ... does UNIX, and Syspro support, and optimise dual core / 64 bit CPUs?
The (much cheaper nowadays) P4 3Ghz or 3.4Ghz is already a huge step up from the P3 500Mhz, don't wanna spend more on 'overkill' system that won't really produce big diffs.

Get the Intel 1.6GHz E2140 dual core, it costs the same as a 3GHz P4, and runs way cooler and just as fast...

 

[dabouncer]

3.4 DC runs very nicely, not hot at all and quite cheap now. Dont get AMD for business environment.

 

[supersunbird]

3.4 DC runs very nicely, not hot at all and quite cheap now. Dont get AMD for business environment.

Yes, I see those 3.4GHz run roomtemp quite often... NOT!!!

80% of wholesale PC suppliers dont even have a Pentium D in their pricelists anymore and even those that do, the Pentium D costs more than the E21x0 series and equal to the e4X00 series because they didnt really benefit from the pricecut. So why by a equally speedy hotter CPU for more money?

 

[tian.]

3.4 DC runs very nicely, not hot at all and quite cheap now. Dont get AMD for business environment.

you are aware he was referring to a 3.4Ghz Pentium 4 (Single core)?

I'd definitely go for a dual core, no doubt about it, just not a netburst (Pentium 4/D) based processor.

I'd have a look at the Athlon X2's, Pentium E's (which is based on the Core 2 Duo, not the same as P4/D at all) or low end Core 2 Duo's. Just remember to look at the total cost, since a decent AMD based motherboard is usually much cheaper than a comparative Intel one.

BTW, dabouncer, why do you say dont go for AMD for business? Still think they're not as reliable?

 

[ap0c]

I thought the AMD processors are quicker for SQL based stuff?