HowToFixComputers.com

c · Guest

HI, New to this group,
I have recently set my mind on building a dual processor system, I am
extremely familiar with building systems, however, I have never tackled a
dual cpu before. With that said, I would appreciate any suggestions on
boards and processors and a reputable place to purchase them. Most
motherboards I find seem to be outdated, and I am not sure what processors
are dual capable. Would also like to say that this will be for home use,
(Gaming, video, Dvd recording), so I do not need to get top of the line
equipment (In other words, not the most expensive) I know alot of you will
think this is overkill, but I have wanted to do this for a long time, and
the time is right now. I would also like to use at least 1.8 Ghz processors,
But I am open to my options. Also....Pentium 4? or Amd? I have always used
and been satisfied with amd, has pentium gotten any better?

Thank you,
Charles

Dorothy Bradbury · Guest

For Dual Processor systems, some notes:

o Your O/S choice needs to be dual-CPU capable
---- eg, XP-Pro, Win2k, NT4

o Your apps need to be SMP aware
---- otherwise your benefit is just O/S threads on dual-CPU
---- which basically means better responsiveness (at a price)

o Your budget for Dual-CPU has to consider reward-v-cost
---- is it better to get a 3.0-P4-533 or 3.2-P4-800 v dual-cpu?
---- again dual-cpu only gets you bhp on the tarmac with SMP apps

Dual CPU offerings are growing, with some new motherboards:
o Dual AMD Athlon MP - well proven, gigabyte to tyan boards
o Dual Xeon - new Asus dual-Xeon ATX board (no longer pricey E-ATX)
o Dual Opteron - Dual isn't pricey on low-clock speeds, motherboards bit
pricey

Cycle, which in this case means you look at apple:
o Intel responds to competing mkt performance
o Apple Dual G5 is fast - faster than Dual Opteron of same clock
o Dual Opteron is fast - faster than Xeon of similar clock
o Thus Intel will soon offer faster for the same money

That poses a risk:
o Not just in Ghz obsolescence - but motherboard obsolescence
o Socket & motherboard & FSB may change again soon

So realise that sunk-cost, really is that - not a LT "superfast" purchase.

Since you are willing to look at dual 1.8Ghz, re cost...
o I'd look at AMD solutions - in single & dual CPU offering
o Dual-Xeon is cheaper with the new Asus board, but Xeon aren't cheap

Unless you are *waiting* for an app to finish something, then SMP (with
another CPU for another app you use in the meantime) isn't a great solution.
A faster-single-CPU solution can often give the best & economic performance.

In costing out Dual-CPU remember to check some areas:
o What memory is required - special type/spec, specific list, cost?
o What PSU is required - special 24-pin, cost?
o What case is required - simple ATX board, or E-ATX, cost?

I'd also add - do you need it now? BTX is getting nearer and that...
1) obsoletes present ATX case & ATX motherboards
2) devalues any investment in them (investment used loosely :-)
3) provides you with such h/w going cheaper later

Dual P3 (Serverworks chipset) are rarely economic new outside of business,
dual-xeon has generally replaced them in corp end & dual-Athlon in consumer.

Other than that, modern dual bolt-together-ok compared to older systems.
They were very fussy about PSU, cooling, RAM, BIOS, price of fish etc.
--
Dorothy Bradbury
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/panaflofan for fans, books & other items
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dorothy.bradbury/panaflo.htm (Direct)