Small networks almost always use Pentium-based servers. If your organization favors Macintosh computers, then a PowerPC-based server will work well as an AppleShare server, but it does not run Windows NT or NetWare. While earlier versions of NT ran on the PowerPC, Microsoft no longer develops new versions of NT for this platform. While versions of NT that will run on this platform exist, most small business environments will stay with the Intel architecture because it is simpler and more familiar. Select the fastest processor that you can afford.
Faster processors come on the market with increasing frequency.
The primary tradeoff is between price and performance. Buying a server based on the very latest and fastest processor will cost your company significantly more than the previous generation. If the budget for your network is tight, then purchasing the second-fastest class of processor can achieve significant savings. Otherwise, purchasing the fastest processor available will extend your investment by allowing you to make use of that server for a longer time before it becomes underpowered. Number of processors.