Dual CPU motherboard??

Well, I was considering building a computer. I would want it to be good. So my question is this: Should I buy a mega-motherboard with 2 CPU sockets in it. I would have only one to start with. Then in a year or 2, I could buy a second one cheaply, install it, and keep my computer current (at this time, I would probably add more RAM, and maybe a better video card, and a DVD burner most likely).

So, what do you think of my plan?

Why would you want, or need a dual CPU setup? It would all depend on what your PC would be used for.

Originally posted by Chris
Well, I was considering building a computer. I would want it to be good. So my question is this: Should I buy a mega-motherboard with 2 CPU sockets in it. I would have only one to start with. Then in a year or 2, I could buy a second one cheaply, install it, and keep my computer current (at this time, I would probably add more RAM, and maybe a better video card, and a DVD burner most likely).

So, what do you think of my plan?

As kb pointed out, it really depends on what you are going to use it for. If its going to be used for games, you probably wont notice much increase in speed at all with 2 chips over 1. Also, most programs aren't threaded (i think thats the term) meaning that they cant make very efficient use of the second processor.

Some newer graphics and video editing apps utilize dual-processors, and it would probably help for mathematically intense operations.

I havent looked at the prices for one, but im sure the motherboard is quite a bit more costly for one with 2 sockets. My suggestion, would be to go with a bit cheaper board and chip for now, and then get a new board and chip in a yr or 2.

Also, I havent done any research, but can you only have 1 processor running in a dual processor board? Im not an expert in this area by any means, but I suggest doing some research on the web to find some prices and info.

Just my .02


feel free to correct me if im wrong here, im not to up-to-date on dual processors.

you can run a dual processor motherboard with one chip only...usually pcs that are used for CAD/solidmodelling, animations make the best of the dual processors......I would rather save the money until I could afford a higher spec normal motherboard and processor.....

just my 0.02 :)

OK, thanks all. I would have assuymed the motherboard would come with software to allow two or 1 CPU to run. I will have to check more into it (I would never expect a 2 fold increase with 2 running, but 50% or so would be good)

at work we got our server running on a dual processor machine....but all the other pcs are single ....even where on Cadstations.......things like the servers benefit from the extra processing power.......

running only one cpu on a dual motherboard will definatley work......I mean if the likes of Dell are selling PCs with dual capabilities but with only one cpu stock....then surely they gotta work :)

The benefits of a dual CPU setup are dependent on many factors.

You look at benchmarks of "dual processor" enabled applications, you see marginal gains at best. DP is usually best suited for high end workstations.


Or, if youre doing some serious multitasking. One thing you do have to put in mind is that currently it's difficult to divy up a single set of instructions between two processors (hyperthreading theoretically will alleviate some of that IIRC...) But if youre running a lot of apps at once, you will see a decent boost.

That said, you're likely better off buying 1 really fast CPU. I'd reccomend either a 2000+ Athlon XP with DDR Ram, or a P4 2.0A with DDR (Actually can be found cheaper than the regular P4 2.0.)

Or, just wait till hammer at the end of the year when the world of Computing will end.

Also, there are certain considerations when adding a cpu later.

There is a little section of a cpu that contains "Bugfixes" called microcode, basically it turns off functions that cause problems, sacrificing a barely noticable amount of performance in exchange for speed. The problem lies in when you get a newer stepping of cpu, thus the microcode versions differ. Incompatabilities can result, causing no DP joy. Sometimes you can get around it by putting the newer CPU in the first socket, but that's no guarantee.

Also, All Intel processors for DP should say they Support DP. Examples include Many speeds of p3's <1Ghz, P3's greater than 1ghz that have 512k of cache (Denoted by a S in the name, theyre Great for Single or Dual processing). AMD cpus are sold under the MP monkier.

The quick answer is if you want to use the machine as a file server or a database server, you'll want the multi-processor setup. I used to have a multiprocessor setup for my development machine. It added some performance gains, but it was pretty minimal. Once I turned that over to be the database server (MSSQL 2000) the real gains could be seen. Now I just use a high end single for everythign else and all is fine.

Originally posted by YogsVR4
The quick answer is if you want to use the machine as a file server or a database server, you'll want the multi-processor setup. I used to have a multiprocessor setup for my development machine. It added some performance gains, but it was pretty minimal. Once I turned that over to be the database server (MSSQL 2000) the real gains could be seen. Now I just use a high end single for everythign else and all is fine.



But chances are, he will only be using it for what the majority of every household uses a PC for, correct Chris? So really a dual setup wouldn't be that practical

Originally posted by kbslacker




But chances are, he will only be using it for what the majority of every household uses a PC for, correct Chris? So really a dual setup wouldn't be that practical

That would be my take on it. Only if you are going to be doing heavy graphics, cad, or audio work you won't see any difference from having two processors. I have two and I will never go back but I do a lot of those types of things that benefit from the second CPU. If you are going to go dual I highly suggest the MSI mobos, but I would say stick with one fast single CPU machine.

dual Processor is useless unless your are running win 2000 or up. nt4 works with dual but who wants to use it. XP should and Linux will if you are using 98 or ME spend the money on a better OS

don't buy what you don't need. most dual cpu motherboards are used in servers b/c of the high amount pof traffic and info that needs to be processed:bandit:

Good thing I did not buy one.I almost bought one with a dual p3 800 for $400.Just for home office work I would stick with a single cpu.

dual cpus would be a waste of money, also if u were to buy a second one in two years, your comp stuff would be obsolete and u would want to upgrade both your procs and perhaps your mobo too....stick with one

Originally posted by jaxle
dual cpus would be a waste of money, also if u were to buy a second one in two years, your comp stuff would be obsolete and u would want to upgrade both your procs and perhaps your mobo too....stick with one

Not in every situation. His yes, but think about it. I have a dual 1.0GHz machine. It will beat out a 2.0GHz P4 system any day of the week. Two processors are better than one.

Originally posted by Polygon


Not in every situation. His yes, but think about it. I have a dual 1.0GHz machine. It will beat out a 2.0GHz P4 system any day of the week. Two processors are better than one.

hmmm i dunno about that because the programs you use have to take advantage of your dual cpu setup. i wouldnt think it would be faster but ive never had dual cpus or have read a lot about them. bla i dunno ill take your word for it ;)

dual cpu's didn't do a thing for my friend, he was better off with just one and save the money