Right now I'm torn between the i3 and Xeon version of the Lenovo Thinkserver TS140. I3 has hyperthreading, xeon doesn't. I'm not actually going to be using this as a server, it will be a desktop. Both versions are basically the same price so that isn't a factor.
So, lets amp up the comparison a bit, just to make sure its accurate.
There are two processors. One is an i7 and the other a Xeon E3. Both clock at 3.9Ghz and have an 8MB cache. The difference is that the Xeon is a quad core with no hyperthreading, and the i7 is a dual core with 4 logical cores. Also, the Xeon has slightly better integrated graphics.
Everything else (RAM, PSU, HDD size, etc) is equal.
PS I know this thing has no hard drive, I have my own hard drive.
Added (1). Which is better, our hypothetical i7 or Xeon?
Read more: Is hyperthreading necessary?
