AMD Opteron 2350 Barcelona 2.0 GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket F 75W OS2350WAL4BGHWOF Server Processor

Pros: If you're looking for an inexpensive route into the 2P arena, these Opteron 2350 quad core CPUs are a good choice. I've got a 1U server I'm building with a pair of these, and I've been nothing but impressed for what the amount of money has been able to produce in a 1U form factor. These also default with a VID of 1.200V--combined with the 2GHz clock speed, you've got a pretty power and thermal friendly quad core CPU. This is important for 1U servers. If you can't afford a similarly clocked HE model, this isn't a bad choice either.

Cons: These will not win any 2P speed records, but that's not why you're looking at this model in the first place is it?

Pros: I have had 2 of these loaded at 100% for about the last 3 months. Great CPUs. These run very cool (hardly ever above 40C) and use no more power than the competition. The L3 cache has potential. Integrated memory controller is always nice. I think the native quad core is what really keeps the heat down. For the price, not a bad chip.

Cons: Far from flawless. The chips are very limited by the low clock speed. The 2350s have a hard time keeping up with the competition in the same price range for most uses.

Overall Review: I am using these chips in a workstation environment. I decided to go with the AMD simply because I have been using them for so long. I am not at all disappointed. The low load temperatures really surprised me. They also don't use much power. I think AMD really had the right idea with the native quad core and L3 cache; they just needed some more time to get it perfected. If you are looking for a low-cost workstation, I highly suggest you give these chips some consideration. Also, NewEgg had these chips at my door in 1 day!

Pros: Worked out of the box. No issues thus far and solid performance with Tyan GT14 barebones setup.

Cons: none