Dual Processors

[icallmedan]

I have a quick question...If you have dual processors, do they run together at the combined speed? Say you have dual 2.4 GHz processors, is that the same as having a computer running 4.8 GHz. And also another question, I always hear about dual 2.4 GHz, but could you have (1) 2.4GHz and say (1) 2.0GHz, or do the processors have to be the same speed....Thanks.

[Markoman01027]

Nope, they will still run at 2.4Ghz but it will put a less load on the CPU. You need an operating system that supports Dual Processing(XP Pro).

Yes, they will need to be the exact same speed. Only 75% on that one.

[icallmedan]

What did you mean only 75% on that one???

[Trent Steel]

Both processors have to be the same speed in order to get it to work, in order to get any benifit out of a duel processor setup you need an OS and program that supports duel processors. As for the speed increase the benifit is not equavilent to double of one of the processors but closer to 1.5 times as fast, that is your 2.4GHz setup would be around 3.6GHz equivalent. I am curious are you running a slot 1 processor in your rig or a socket 370 processor with a slocket adapter?

[icallmedan]

I am running it with an "Abit Slocket !!!". This is a really good motherboard, because it says on the Abit site it is only capable at running up to 700MHz, but is now clocked at 1.24 GHz, and running fine!!!

[Nuclear Krusader]

Check the last posts of this thread:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?threadid=20462

[dackerman]

The advantage of dual CPU's is only noticable in programs that are optimized for it, and also servers. For example Photoshop can utilize dual CPU's to perform some of its more strenuous tasks on one CPU, but the other one with just pitch in where needed.

Most applications can only utilize one of the CPU's, which basically means your other CPU is doing nothing and you have a 2.4GHz or whatever system.

Some games like Quake III actually support dual CPU's which is pretty neat.

Dave

[Force Flow]

I don't think there are that many dual-processor optimized progs available.

[icallmedan]

Yeah, someone said Doom 3, but you better have a good graphics card too!!

[TwoRails]

I've read a couple times you can get some benefit from a dually without dually programs, but it's not cost effective. What I've read is that if you do something that loads up one CPU 100%, like rendering a home movie, then the OS will be smart enough to shuttle newly opened programs to the other CPU.

So, if start out making a movie, then want to come to PCM, you won't have the processor lag you would normally have --- at least the theory goes...

Don't know for fact, though....

TwoRails

[icallmedan]

That seems pretty cool.

[Force Flow]

Sure it does.

Isn't it only limited to XP Pro, though? Does 2000 server ed. have the ability to use it?

[Nuclear Krusader]

Supposedly HyperThreading gives you the performance of two CPUs with only one! :eek:

Is that true actually? Intel boasts a lot about it.

[rave]

actually to my knowledge... it ouly gives a 30% speed increasement for programs that are optimized for it

[Force Flow]

Originally posted by Nuclear Krusader
Supposedly HyperThreading gives you the performance of two CPUs with only one! :eek:

Is that true actually? Intel boasts a lot about it.

It does. Again, you need to be multitasking or running dual-processor optimized progs to take advantage of it.

[icallmedan]

There is a nice article on hyperthreading at intel.com..check it out!

[Cpt.Kirk]

Windows NT4, i think 3.5 does not sure though, 2K flavors, and XP can support multiple procs.

[icallmedan]

Yeah, a lot of people have said that already...

[reboot]

XP Pro, not Home.
Just an FYI, a particular dual MP2000+ system (advertised locally) has a slower benchmark than my single XP2000+ and the only difference is the motherboard manufacturer. Everything else is the same, HD, RAM, OS, Video card...

[HAL9000]

Hyperthreading gets confusing tho. Ya, you need Pro if you physically have dual processors, for a hyperthreaded CPU acting as a dual, it is supported in XP Home.