Mobile processors in desktops?

Question

Processors meant for laptops usually need less cooling (so they're less noisy) and are much more energy-efficient, while providing computational power on demand.

I think of building a home server, but I'd like to minimize its noise and hunger for power. Atom processors are too weak for my purposes (I'd like to run some number-crunching things once in a while, and I don't mind if that server gets more noisy in that time). Is it possible to use mobile processors in a typical desktop mobos?

Answer 1

I'd recommend against it. If energy efficiency is what you're after, you can keep an eye out for particular CPU features. An Intel chipset I was looking at adjusts its power draw based on current load. This is becoming somewhat common in server CPUs (though I haven't really looked for it in comsumer hardware).

What you typically get in a laptop CPU is something that costs more per GHz because it's got more engineering behind it to keep it small, quiet, and cool. I wouldn't want to pay extra for the small size unless I were going to benefit from it.

In terms of noise, you can pay a little more for a quieter CPU cooling system and chassis fans. Any local computer enthusiast store (not the big chains, typically) should have staff who can point you in the right direction.

Answer 2

It is possible, but you have to find a vendor that will sell you the CPU/mobo combo pack since many laptop CPUs come soldered on. I know this isn't necessarily the case with newer motherboards, but it is still not easy to find a motherboard to support a laptop CPU without being in a combo. On the Newegg site, this is the only motherboard I found for Intel mobile processors.

Answer 3

Atom processors are too weak for my purposes

the dual core Atom N330 is certainly fit for "some number-crunching things" and yet very power-efficient, check Zotac's range of mini-ITX boards with nVidia Ion graphics.