Which Processor?

I currently have a computer that I plan to be fixing up for my girlfriend or using for myself if it's better. I want the best and I want to know which processor I should use. It is a LGA 1156 socket and the mobo works fine, so I'd like to avoid replacing that. The three processors I am looking at are

Xeon X3480 Lynnfield 3.06GHz

and

Core i7-860S Lynnfield 2.53GHz

and

Core i7-870 Lynnfield 2.93GHz

[All quad-core]

Basically, my first question is, Can I use a server processor in a desktop without fucking anything up or buying new hardware? I plan to be overclocking, gaming heavily, and botting at times. This desktop could also become a small server for my files in the coming years. Is all this possible and to what extent?

My second question is, is the only difference between the 870 and 860s the voltage? You got 82w for the 860s and 95w for the 870. Is taking off 13 watts really worth the $150 price increase?

My third and last question, Which one would you choose? Or is there another proc that I should be looking at? Changing the mobo is not an option, but I am willing to spend ANYTHING (2.5k limit probably) on this new processor.


Thanks for your help, folks.

 

The first thing you should be looking for is the same socket, which you already then. Now, can your power supply hold the new CPU. I'd go for the 870 which is cheaper in performance vs price ratio.

 

I already know all the processors I picked are compatible with my current system (socket, RAM, the whole deal). It is a 1300 watt power supply. Cost is not an issue. I am simply looking for which one will give me the best performance. I am having trouble choosing, is all. I also need to know if the Xeon will work in a desktop and be up to par with typical desktop processors

 

Xeon processors are mostly used in server machines, I dont have much experiences about them in desktop use. But in servers they work like a charm.

 

Xeon do perform like a charm, on servers, and well I have i5 at home, so I'd pick the 870 here.

 

860/870 IMO.
I have an 860 at stock and it runs perfectly. :3

 

I just like that the Xeon is clocked higher. Is it the same as any other processor as far as performance and capabilities?

 

Clock speed is no longer the most important factor however.

For example a 1.8Ghz quad core with HT can perform better than a 3Ghz dual core.

Each processor has different technologies that will improve the performance for certain tasks.

 

I know. I just wanna know if it will perform the same or better than the other ones I listed. I know I picked out some of the best ones I can use on my mobo.