Server Processors?

I have noticed that some people that choose to custom build their desktops put server processors in them. Are server processors more powerful than consumer processors, or do they process things differently?

 

Mostly they allow multiprocessor configurations, though AMD's upcoming 4x4 should be a very nice dual processor platform. The 1xx-series Opterons are alleged to overclock better than Athlon 64's so some people prefer them.

 

For Intel they're the Xeon processors. They are better than any core 2 you can get, but they cost a hell of alot of money. Not really worth it unless your doing something like calculating the size of the universe or something like that But you dont need somthing like that for gaming.

 

I wasn't looking to buy one, heck I couldn't even use half the power of a core 2 with the stuff I do. But I have noticed that some people are awfully proud that theyre desktop rigs run server procs. So I didn't know what the difference was. Thanks for the clarification guys, I appreciate it.

 

Overall, there's no major difference. As said, they tend to be more multiprocessor-friendly (if you want a 2- or 4-socket system), and they're selected for stability more than anything. They might sell desktop CPU's that can only just run at the stock speed, but server cpu's go through extensive stress testing, and are rock stable, which usually also means they're good overclockers. But that's about it. Mostly they're just for people to feel superior.