Great unRAID CPU if you value both processing power and power efficiency when idle.

 

Intel Core i3-550 Clarkdale 3.2GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3550

 

$117.99 + free shipping after promo code EMCKFJH26 (expires 04/18/2011)

So the Sandy Bridge version would be even more efficient at only 35w?

Yes, but I don't believe the Sandy Bridge CPUs have been tested with unRAID yet.  The Clarkdales are tried and true.

Yes, but I don't believe the Sandy Bridge CPUs have been tested with unRAID yet.  The Clarkdales are tried and true.

 

Ahh, gotcha. When ever I get around to upgrading my main PC it'll likely be an i3 Sandy Bridge, nd I'll test it for unRAID before I build it as a non-server.

Sweet.  I'm building an i5 Sandy Bridge PC for a friend soon, so I figure I'll test it with unRAID as well.

I'm sure many of us here are interested to read your findings...and Raj, here's another excuse to tinker and indulge in UCD 

The i3-550 is the cpu I'm using in my builds that have the Supermicro MBD-X8SIL-F-O.  In fact I'm finishing up one now.  I think I'll buy another at this price - can't pass it up.

 

 

If you live near a Micro Center, you can get this processor in-store for $99.

Yes, but I don't believe the Sandy Bridge CPUs have been tested with unRAID yet.  The Clarkdales are tried and true.

 

I've been using an i3 2100 Sandy Bridge with an MSi H61M-E33 mainboard with unRaid for a few weeks now.  This was the $99 i3/mainboard combo mentioned on this forum a few weeks back.  It's working perfectly.  Posts in other parts of the forum indicate the Sandy Bridge H67 mainboards work with unRaid 4.7, but H61s like mine require the 5.0 series for SATA controller support.

 

I had a pretty long thread in the general support section where we did some troubleshooting as I brought it online, if anyone's interested.

 

My Kill-a-watt is showing 42W with 4 drives spun up (3 2TB WD Greens, and 1 old 7200RPM Seagate), Sabnzbd downloading at full tilt, and streaming a blu ray to my TV.  It's crazy.

Sweet, good to know, thanks!