win2k dual processor help, mixed stepping

[wga22]

Can anyone offer some advice on getting 2 out of step processors to work in multi processor mode, in windows 2000?

Here is my system:
win2k service pack 1 (all latest updates)
gigabyte ga-6bxds motherboard
p2 400 (100 mhz fsb)
p3 600 (100 mhz fsb)
geforce gts
256 mb ram

Here is what I know:
http://www.microsoft.com/HWDEV/desguid/SMP.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWS2000/techenthusiast/tricks/administration/uniprocessor.asp
I have tried having both processors as the boot, with no success. Either way, I make it to the screen before the windows logo (press f8 screen), and can choose safe mode or whatever, but NONE will run.

Here is what I am asking:
Are there any drivers I can get to facilitate this? New bios for gigabyte (I have f1, latest).

Of course it isnt the end of the world if I cant get this to work, I bought the p3 with the understanding that I may not be able to get the p2 in at the same time, but it would be perfect if I could use 2 processors. I wonder if they were in step, would I have the same problem?


[Edited by wga22 on 01-30-2001 at 08:17 AM]

[Blu]

If you get this to work, I really really want to see it. I've never heard of any sucessful attempts to do different steppings. Neither of the articles state that it can be done successfully, and one of them specifically says it probably won't work. Anyways, if maybe there is an adapter that could go between one of the processors and the mobo to clock up or down the speed. That might work. Good luck...


Blu

[Jeffbx]

I'd also be very impressed if you got this to work - I've never heard of this working either.

If you're going to run dual procs, they really should be identical.

[wga22]

My thoughts on the issue are that the motherboard should offer a level of abstraction from the operating system. So as long as the bios recognizes the two processors, the operating system shouldnt care about hte speed which the instructions are being processed?

[Jeffbx]

Good theory - I don't know. I have always heard that dual procs should always be identical, so I guess I never even questioned if it was possible to run different speeds.

Try posting your question here:

http://208.55.28.22/cgi_local/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro

...they might be able to answer you. Please post back here if you get a difinitive answer - now I'm curious.

[wga22]

Thanks Jeffbx. I also found a cool related site; http://www.2cpu.com. The site has been intermittent lately, but want to get my post up there soon as well.

Anyone interested in a p2 400? ;)

[jarfykk]

For reference, you CAN use different processor speeds to make a dual processor machine but the work involved getting it working is not super easy. I've never seen a Win2k or NT instance of this, only under some of our UNIX machines.

My recommendations would be to pull the pentium II out of the machine (replacing any applicable terminators) and going single CPU until funds allow purchase of a second. BTW, what do you need a second processor for?

[wga22]

I pulled the p2 400, and just got a good price for it on ebay! I havent thought a lot about what the second processor would be good for. I know it is up to the OS to determine which processes can run SMP. So I would assume that multithreaded processes would use it, or any multitasking environ?? Do multiple processors help in stuff like games? Is win2k smart enough to divide independent work, such as graphics and gameplay? Or play a dvd while burning a cd? Or even createing a mpeg4 file?

[wga22]

Do you think its a waste for a workstation to have a 2nd processor? I havent ordered it yet, and was thinking I would just wait and see if I decide I would rather get a new MB and go with AMD architecture. I know the second processor is never used that efficiently.

[jarfykk]

In regards to the benefit of multi/dual CPU's. It is worth it of your OS, applications, and system architecture take advantage of it. Now, if all you're doing is web-browsing et al, then no, dual CPU's won't mean much.

However, as you listed this system as a "workstation", I'm going to assume work is being done with it. WinNT4, Win2K, Linux, BSD, and many other x86 compatible operating system take full advantage of two cpu's. Adobe Photoshop really gets going with dual chips (and a boatload of memory). Dual CPU are great if u can afford them and u use them. If not, but a faster single chip (like one 1.1Ghz instead of two 800mhz, etc) and do it that way.

But then again, a new P3 will set you back a good chunk of change while a new AMD 760 board and two T-birds will cost hopefully not much more (plus an extra mobo/cpu). Good luck wga22.

[wga22]

I suppose I will wait then. I dont do any intense graphical work. I am a programmer, but nothing too processor intense. The games on the other hand, I doubt that they support SMP.