Dual Processors?

[Jixor]

ok i heard somewhere that when you have dual processors it's not much better than 1 processor because only 1 processor can use the system bus at once

is 2 processors really better than 1?

[awwall]

I can't really comment to much about dual processors, except for one case.

At work we have a Dell machine which does performance monitoring on a Gas Turbine. This machine is a dual 1.7gig Xeon processor system with SCSI raid. We replaced a Dell single processor 1.7gig pentium system because the single processor system was to slow (true!!too slow). With the new dual processor machine, it cadilacs..no slow downs, no hesistations. This machine is pulling data real time from a DDS control system and doing some serious number crunching. In a home system you may or may not see much improvement, unless you are into some high level cad or graphic work.

my observations on dual processors

aw

[Jixor]

how about running games, game servers and high bandwidth usage? (i know bandwidth usage is greatly affected by processor speed)

[daveleau]

You won't get any extra speed form a dual processor system. At least in your use, you won't.

Dual processor systems are faster than one processor, but not equal to a single processor 2x as fast (single 2GHz system is faster than a dual 1GHz system). All of this is of course dependent on whether you are set up for dual processors. You must use an OS that can use both processors. No versions of 9X windows (95, 98 or ME) will see more than CPU #1. Windows 2000 will use it and so will Linux.

The application must be able to utilize both processors as well. The only ones that I know of that will use both are high end graphics programs (3D Studio Max, Photoshop, Poser, Maya, etc) and server apps (database programs and such). Games are not built to utilize dual processors.

I would suggest a high end Athlon for games right now. The P4 IS looking more promising, but I wouldn't touch it until the price is great and until they get away from Rambus RAM. Later, when Rambus is obsolete because noone uses it, it will be extremely expensive. Either way, go with DDR and not SDRam for your system for optimal performance.

Good luck
Dave

PS: I have a Dual PIII 750 at home for my fiancee's graphics work. She is the art director for a .com (www.sailnet.com). I use a T-Bird 1.2 at 1.41 for my games and other uses.

I need to take an English refresher course I think...Geez!!!

[This message has been edited by daveleau (edited 09-01-2001).]

[Sizume]

for hardcore gaming, 1ghz is the most you really need you won't notice much of a difference unless you play chess games

your setup is done pretty well, good job with the ddr, i doubt you would have to upgrade that to 512mb unless you were running pc133

as for everything else its ok, dual processors are only needed for work systems or thinking pc's such as chess computers

[NDC]

Unless you going to be using applications that utilize multiple processors or you work in an environment that requires heavy multi-tasking, I would say that it would be a waste of money to build a multi-processor system. If you primary use for the system will be games, build yourself a system with a fast single processor and a fast video card. Keep in mind that dual 1Ghz processor does not equal 2000Mhz. Games will run much faster on a single 1.4Ghz system Vs. a Dual 1Ghz system. The reason for this is because most popular games nowadays don't support SMP.