I'm looking at this ABMX server, and trying to decide on the CPU. I'm purchasing 2 servers, to be used as dedicated web and DB servers for a web site that has low traffic now but could ramp up quickly.
Just trying to decide if it is worth about $200 more (per server) for the Xeon vs the core-2. Passmark rates them at 3567 and 4153, which didn't seem that different. I'm not planning at this point to need virtualization. I did hear rumors that Xeon stands up better in a 24/7 server environment, but heard others say there wasn't that much difference.
Planning to run Windows Server 2008, likely the R2 release, with 8GB RAM.
It has 3 times more L2 cache, not to mention more raw processing power, so if you think you'll need a lot of processing power get the X3360.
The X3360 is the equivalent of the Q9550. One has a Xeon label, the other does not, but they are both identical.
Why are you investing in hardware on a hunch? Or is it wishful thinking? There is quite a lot of hassle when colocating, such as buying extra replacement parts and either driving down there to replace a failed drive in your RAID (assuming you are using RAID, which you should) or paying at least 60$/hour to have someone replace it for you.
You can get quite some decent deals on renting high-end servers if you know the right people, and it will leave you with no responsibility when it comes to failed hardware, and no servers that you need to sell in case your website doesn't pick up momentum fast.