CPU

A central processing unit or CPU, also known as the brain of the server, is the electronic circuitry that executes instructions comprising a computer program. The CPU performs basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions in the program.

The main processor factors you should consider the most while buying a server are:

• Clock speed: Is measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the clock speed, the faster the processor will calculate. The clock speed along with the bit width conveys us that in a single second how much data can flow. If a processor has a speed of 2.92 GHz and the bit width of 32 bits, then it means that it can process almost 3 billion units of 32 bits of data per second.
• Cores: Every processor core handles individual processing tasks. A multi-core processor can process multiple computing instructions in parallel..
• Threads: Threads refer to the number of processors a chip can handle simultaneously. The difference between threads and cores is that cores are physical processing units in charge of computing processes. In contrast, threads are virtual components that run tasks as software would.

• Cache: Used by the processor to speed up the access to instructions and data between the processor and the RAM. There are three types of cache you will come across while looking at the specification sheet:

  • L1: Is the fastest, but cramped.
  • L2: Is roomier, but slower.
  • L3: Is spacious, but comparatively slower than above two.

Speed⚑

To achieve the same speed you can play with the speed of a core and the number of cores.

Having more cores and lesser clock speed has the next advantages:

• Processors with higher cores deliver higher performance and are cost-effective.
• Applications supporting multi-threading would benefit from a higher number of cores.
• Multi-threading support for applications will continue to enhance over time.
• Easily run more applications without experiencing the performance drop.
• Great for virtualization and running multiple virtual machines.

With the disadvantages that it offers lower single threaded performance.

On the other hand, using fewer cores and higher clock speed gives the next advantages:

• Offers better single threaded performance.
• Lower cost.

And the next disadvantages

• Due to the lower number of cores, it becomes difficult to split between applications.
• Not so strong as multi-threading performance.

Providers⚑

AMD⚑

The Ryzen family is broken down into four distinct branches:

• Ryzen 3: entry-level.
• Ryzen 5: mainstream.
• Ryzen 7: performance
• Ryzen 9: high-end

They're all great chips in their own ways, but some certainly offer more value than others, and for many, the most powerful chips will be complete overkill.

Market analysis⚑

The data was extracted from AMD's official page.

They all support the chosen RAM and the motherboard.

I'm ruling out Ryzen 7 5800x because it's too expensive both on monetary and power consumption terms. Also ruling out Ryzen 5 5600G because it has comparatively bad properties.

Between Ryzen 5 5600x and Ryzen 7 5700x, after checking these comparisons (1, 2) it looks like:

• Single core performance is similar.
• 7 wins when all cores are involved.
• 7 is more power efficient.
• 7 is better rated.
• 7 is newer (1.5 years).
• 7 has around 3.52 GB/s (7%) higher theoretical RAM memory bandwidth
• They have the same cache
• 7 has 5 degrees less of max temperature
• They both support ECC
• 5 has a greater market share
• 5 is 47$ cheaper

I think that for 47$ it's work the increase on cores and theoretical RAM memory bandwidth. Therefore I'd go with the Ryzen 7 5700x.

CPU coolers⚑

One of the most important decisions when building your PC, especially if you plan on overclocking, is choosing the best CPU cooler. The cooler is often a limiting factor to your overclocking potential, especially under sustained loads. Your cooler choice can also make a substantial difference in noise output. So buying a cooler that can handle your best CPU’s thermal output/heat, (be it at stock settings or when overclocked) is critical to avoiding throttling and achieving your system’s full potential, while keeping the whole system quiet.

CPU Coolers come in dozens of shapes and sizes, but most fall into these categories:

• Air: made of some combination of metal heatsinks and fans, come in all shapes and sizes and varying thermal dissipation capacities (sometimes listed as TDP). High-end air coolers these days rival many all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers that have become popular in the market over the past several years.
• Closed-loop
• All-in one (AIO)custom

AIO or closed-loop coolers can be (but aren’t always) quieter than air coolers, without requiring the complications of cutting and fitting custom tubes and maintaining coolant levels after setup. AIOs have also become increasingly resistant to leaks over the years, and are easier to install. But they require room for a radiator, so may require a larger case than some air coolers.

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the pros and cons of air and liquid cooling.

Liquid Cooling Pros:

• Highest cooling potential .
• Fewer clearance issues around the socket.

Liquid Cooling Cons:

• Price is generally higher (and price to performance ratio is typically lower as well).
• (Slim) possibility of component-damaging leaks.

Air Cooling Pros:

• Price is generally lower (better price to performance ratio).
• No maintenance required.
• Zero chance for leaks.

Air Cooling Cons:

• Limited cooling potential.
• Increased fitment issues around the socket with memory, fans, etc).
• Can be heavy/difficult to mount.

Quick shopping tips⚑

• Own a recent Ryzen CPU?: You may not need to buy a cooler, even for overclocking. All Ryzen 300- and 2000-series processors and some older Ryzen models ship with coolers, and many of them can handle moderate overclocks. If you want the best CPU clock speed possible, you’ll still want to buy an aftermarket cooler, but for many Ryzen owners, that won’t be necessary.

• Check clearances before buying: Big air coolers and low-profile models can bump up against tall RAM and even VRM heat sinks sometimes. And tall coolers can butt up against your case door or window. Be sure to check the dimensions and advertised clearances of any cooler and your case before buying.

• More fans=better cooling, but more noise: The coolers that do the absolute best job of moving warm air away from your CPU and out of your case are also often the loudest. If fan noise is a problem for you, you’ll want a cooler that does a good job of balancing noise and cooling.

• Make sure you can turn off RGB: Many coolers these days include RGB fans and / or lighting. This can be a fun way to customize the look of your PC. But be sure there’s a way, either via a built-in controller or when plugging the cooler into a compatible RGB motherboard header, to turn the lights off without turning off the PC.

• Check that the CPU has GPU if you don't want to use an external graphic card. Otherwise the BIOS won't start.

Market analysis⚑

After a quick review I'm deciding between the Dark Rock 4 and the Enermax ETS-T50 Axe. The analysis is done after reading Tomshardware reviews (1, 2).

They are equal in:

• CPU core and motherboard temperatures.
• Have installation videos.

The Enermax has the advantages:

• Is much more silent (between 2 and 4 dB).
• It has better acoustic efficiency (Relative temperature against Relative Noise) between 15% and 29%.
• More TDP
• Much cheaper (25 EUR)
• If you have a Phillips screwdriver (normal cross screwdriver) you don't get another one.

All in all the Enermax ETS-T50 Axe is a better one, but after checking the sizes, my case limit on the height of the CPU cooler is 160mm and the Enermax is 163mm... The Cooler Master Masterair ma610p has 166mm, so it's out of the question too. The Dark Rock 4 max height is 159mm. I don't know if I should bargain.

To be in the safe side I'll go with the Dark Rock 4

Ryzen recommended coolers⚑

CPU Thermal paste⚑

Thermal paste is designed to minimize microscopic air gaps and irregularities between the surface of the cooler and the CPU's IHS (integrated heat spreader), the piece of metal which is built into the top of the processor.

Good thermal paste can have a profound impact on your performance, because it will allow your processor to transfer more of its waste heat to your cooler, keeping your processor running cool.

Most pastes are comprised of ceramic or metallic materials suspended within a proprietary binder which allows for easy application and spread as well as simple cleanup.

These thermal pastes can be electrically conductive or non-conductive, depending on their specific formula. Electrically conductive thermal pastes can carry current between two points, meaning that if the paste squeezes out onto other components, it can cause damage to motherboards and CPUs when you switch on the power. A single drop out of place can lead to a dead PC, so extra care is imperative.

Liquid metal compounds are almost always electrically conductive, so while these compounds provide better performance than their paste counterparts, they require more focus and attention during application. They are very hard to remove if you get some in the wrong place, which would fry your system.

In contrast, traditional thermal paste compounds are relatively simple for every experience level. Most, but not all, traditional pastes are electrically non-conductive.

Most cpu coolers come with their own thermal paste, so check yours before buying another one.

Market analysis⚑

The best choice would be the ProlimaTech but the package sold are expensive because it has many grams.

In my case, my cooler comes with the thermal paste so I'd start with that before spending 20$ more.

Installation⚑

When installing an AM4 CPU in the motherboard, rotate the CPU so that the small arrow on one of the corners of the chip matches the arrow on the corner of the motherboard socket.

Load test⚑

References⚑

• Tom's hardware CPU guide
• Tom's hardware CPU cooling guide
• How to select the best processor for your server
• Cloudzy best server processor