Dual XP system - Anyone using one?

sporkpimp · Jan 2, 2003, 10:22 AM

It's more or less common knowledge that XP processors can be SMPed by joining the L5 bridges... I know "joining" isn't the right word, but it's 2:22 AM, and the cosmic powers of the number 2 repeated 3 times is messing with my head.

Anyway, I was wondering if any of the 1337 DH boyz were using such a system? Any stability probs or anything?

The reason I ask is, because at this time of night, the ArsTechnica forums make blood spurt uncontrollably from my nose, but at the same time I've been seriously considering a dual XP system for a while now, and would like to hear... oh, I'm rambling. You know what I'm getting at.

-SporkPimp

UberLord · Jan 2, 2003, 01:06 PM

A friend of mine used to run dual XP's without any probs

DriveEuro · Jan 2, 2003, 06:28 PM

I heard that you actually don't get that great of performance out of it. I hear it is just a waste of money.

WyreTheWolf · Jan 3, 2003, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DriveEuro
I heard that you actually don't get that great of performance out of it. I hear it is just a waste of money.

They are only a waste of money if you dont use the multi thread. Personally I could really use multithread.

DriveEuro · Jan 3, 2003, 05:38 PM

But wouldn't you just see the performance in things like encoding and dealing with extremely large files?

WyreTheWolf · Jan 4, 2003, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DriveEuro
But wouldn't you just see the performance in things like encoding and dealing with extremely large files?

ANY program that is optimized for multi thread will have huge benifits. Not just large files (that has more to do with the I/O interface), and encoding... Although Video encoding is very fast on Dual or Quad processors.

Imagine you are using a dual processor system... One processor is at 100% and the other is only at 5%... You are running a non-SMP enabled program... But, if you are using Windows 2000 Pro, or XP Pro.... The OS will be able to use the other processor... and any other programs will be able to run at the same time...

It does make a difference in the real world... It is expensive... Most Dual processor mobo run around 200-500 dollars.

Necrosis · Jan 4, 2003, 09:50 AM

The one Asus board is just a little over $200.00. If I knew I could run dual 2600's at 333MHz fsb I might just do it. The MP's are not up to spec. as the XP's are. I also can't imagine the hassle of trying to keep one of these systems cool.

Zardon · Jan 4, 2003, 10:37 AM

dual cpu is great for rendering. i used to have a dual processor setup on a tyan tiger board. of course if all you do is play games or use office, its going to be a waste of time.

if you are into 3d, rendering etc, its certainly a benefit.

im not really up to date on the modern dual processors to be honest as its been quite a while since I had one, but I did run into some weird quirks with mine, such as the system wouldnt even boot if I didnt have the agp aperture set at 256 ram, with my 8500.

so my opinion is, if you are into 3d/rendering and can get a good deal on a mobo,cpus, take it into consideration. but if you arent, use the extra money and get the fastest single CPU you can afford.

WyreTheWolf · Jan 4, 2003, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zardon
dual cpu is great for rendering. i used to have a dual processor setup on a tyan tiger board. of course if all you do is play games or use office, its going to be a waste of time.

if you are into 3d, rendering etc, its certainly a benefit.

im not really up to date on the modern dual processors to be honest as its been quite a while since I had one, but I did run into some weird quirks with mine, such as the system wouldnt even boot if I didnt have the agp aperture set at 256 ram, with my 8500.

so my opinion is, if you are into 3d/rendering and can get a good deal on a mobo,cpus, take it into consideration. but if you arent, use the extra money and get the fastest single CPU you can afford.

I agree with this... But, you also need to take into consideration that there are only 3 microsoft OSes that can handle dual processors.

Microsoft Windows NT 4
Micorosft Windows 2K Pro
Microsoft Windows XP Pro

That is it.... If you dont have a copy of 2K Pro, or XP Pro ... you will need one. Also... I would not suggest using NT4 w/ new Hardware...

Only bad things can come of this!

Good Luck!

Jan 2, 2003, 10:22 AM	#1
sporkpimp DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CA, USA Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Dual XP system - Anyone using one? It's more or less common knowledge that XP processors can be SMPed by joining the L5 bridges... I know "joining" isn't the right word, but it's 2:22 AM, and the cosmic powers of the number 2 repeated 3 times is messing with my head. Anyway, I was wondering if any of the 1337 DH boyz were using such a system? Any stability probs or anything? The reason I ask is, because at this time of night, the ArsTechnica forums make blood spurt uncontrollably from my nose, but at the same time I've been seriously considering a dual XP system for a while now, and would like to hear... oh, I'm rambling. You know what I'm getting at. -SporkPimp

Jan 2, 2003, 01:06 PM	#2
UberLord A Legend in Underwear Join Date: May 2002 Location: Unknown Posts: 5,255 Rep Power: 0	A friend of mine used to run dual XP's without any probs __________________ Gentoo Linux - Developer (baselayout) Read my blog "I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours." Stephen Roberts

Jan 2, 2003, 06:28 PM	#3
DriveEuro HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gurnee Illinois Posts: 4,677 Rep Power: 0	I heard that you actually don't get that great of performance out of it. I hear it is just a waste of money. __________________ [color=orange]ASUS P4P800 Deluxe [color=black]-[/color] 2.4C --> 3300mhz [color=black]-[/color] Mushkin PC3200 at 220 5-2-2-2 (cpu limited) [color=black]-[/color] BBAti 9800Pro at 430/375 [/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]01[/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]03[/color] 16001200 12801024

Jan 3, 2003, 05:38 PM	#5
DriveEuro HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gurnee Illinois Posts: 4,677 Rep Power: 0	But wouldn't you just see the performance in things like encoding and dealing with extremely large files? __________________ [color=orange]ASUS P4P800 Deluxe [color=black]-[/color] 2.4C --> 3300mhz [color=black]-[/color] Mushkin PC3200 at 220 5-2-2-2 (cpu limited) [color=black]-[/color] BBAti 9800Pro at 430/375 [/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]01[/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]03[/color] 16001200 12801024

Jan 4, 2003, 09:50 AM	#7
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	The one Asus board is just a little over $200.00. If I knew I could run dual 2600's at 333MHz fsb I might just do it. The MP's are not up to spec. as the XP's are. I also can't imagine the hassle of trying to keep one of these systems cool.

Jan 4, 2003, 10:37 AM	#8
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	dual cpu is great for rendering. i used to have a dual processor setup on a tyan tiger board. of course if all you do is play games or use office, its going to be a waste of time. if you are into 3d, rendering etc, its certainly a benefit. im not really up to date on the modern dual processors to be honest as its been quite a while since I had one, but I did run into some weird quirks with mine, such as the system wouldnt even boot if I didnt have the agp aperture set at 256 ram, with my 8500. so my opinion is, if you are into 3d/rendering and can get a good deal on a mobo,cpus, take it into consideration. but if you arent, use the extra money and get the fastest single CPU you can afford.