Dual Core Processor

We are in process of moving to 64 bit HP servers with sql2005 standard edition. We were just wondering which is better option, to get a server with 2 dual core processor or to get a srver with just 4 processor? How does SQL2005 handle the hypertheading of dual processor?

Thanks,

CarlosWe are in process of moving to 64 bit HP servers with sql2005 standard edition. We were just wondering which is better option, to get a server with 2 dual core processor or to get a srver with just 4 processor? How does SQL2005 handle the hypertheading of dual processor?

Thanks,

Carlos
How about a Quad processor?

First; it will reduce the load on the mother board's Memory Bus. AMD's data-sheet on 4-core mention that "competitors" (Intel) behave more like two duo-core processors on the same backplane, but I'm not sure how far that goes but it implies that performance wise (at the hardware layer) that Intel 2-Core is similar to two 2-Core processors.

Second; Microsoft only counts it as a single CPU. So; anything licensed (from MS) by CPU will save substantially on licensing fees.

I don't have the link, so here's the quote:

SQL Server Multicore Licensing Policy
Published: August 1, 2005

Multicore processors, which consist of multiple processing execution
units or "cores" on one chip, promise to boost computing power, allowing
servers, workstations, and PCs to perform more functions simultaneously.
By the end of 2006, Intel expects more than 80 percent of its server
products to be shipping with multicore technology. Because most
server-side software is licensed "per processor," it has caused
confusion among some software vendors regarding whether to charge their
customers "per processor" or "per core."

Microsoft has been driving thought leadership in this area by charging
the same amount per processor, regardless of how many cores are in the
processor. Microsoft was the first database vendor to make this
announcement, in October of 2004, and continues to be the only vendor to
date that has taken this position. This strategy is based on the belief
that multicore processors are a natural extension of Moore's Law (that
the number of transistors on a chip doubles about every one to two
years), and that the benefits should be passed on directly to customers.

For example, if you are using SQL Server Enterprise Edition on a
four-processor server with dual-core processors, using all eight cores
(two cores x four processors), you will require only four processor
licenses. That can mean substantial savings for customers of Microsoft
compared to its competitors.