Dual Cel800s--what do I need?

[Keegan]

I've decided to upgrade my Celeron 433 to a pair of Celeron 800MHz processors (1.6GHz total power). I've already selected an ABIT VH6 dual-S370 motherboard and two ThermalTake Volcano III coolers. Do I need to worry about my 250watt ATX power supply? I never thought Celerons drew that much power, and my case should provide more than adequate cooling. Am I all right? Or is there anything else I should do before trying this upgrade? What should I do to my software before installing the new hardware?

[otheos]

hmm,

The celerons are castrated and cannot do SMP, so if you want to go dual you need P3's (or athlons in a few months time though).

Also in multiprocessor environment, 2x800 is definetly NOT equal to 1600. If you need the speed of 1600, you'll have to get a CPU that clocks at 1600.

The dual setup will allow more room to multitask. Think of it as a wider pipe taking twice the amount of water but obviously the water still runs at the same speed.

Also, you'll need Win2K or NT (not to mention Unix) to take advantage of multi CPU systems. Win98/Me will NOT see one of the CPU's.

I hope I didn't spoil it for you. Before you spend a fortune make sure you need such a multitasking system. If gaming and speed is your goal the highest clocked athlon will give you faaarr better performance at half the price.

What are you going to use the system for?
Server? 3D workstation?

others will advise as well.

All the best.

[otheos]

lol, double post (or should I say... DUAL?)


[This message has been edited by otheos (edited 06-26-2001).]