What 2nd processor should I buy to match my p3 600, kC0?

[wga22]

I have a GigaByte GA-6BXDS dual processor MB. I am currently running it with
just one cpu, but would like to unlock its potential.
In pricing an identical cpu to my
a p3 600, with core stepping kC0 and 512 L2 cache, core voltage 2.0
slot 1 SECC2, I have learned that this is one of the more expensive chips.
About $170(www.pricewatch.com). I would prefer to match it with
a Coppermine chip($100), which would have a different stepping and smaller cache.

I have read some of the forums, like http://www.2cpu.com and carefully studied this page from
Intel:

http://support.intel.com/support/processors/sspec/p3p.htm

But still am not sure,
1)if I purchase a Coppermine, what kind of risk
am I taking that it wont match?

2)Is spending $70 more for an extra 256k of cache worth the money?
70% more!!!


More CPU info:
Cpu Vendor GenuineIntel
Cpu Name Intel Pentium III
Family 6
Model 7
Stepping 3
Brand ID 0
Package Slot 1 SECC2
Core Stepping kC0
Technology 0.25µ
Core Voltage 2.000 volts
Cpu Clock 596.9 MHz
Clock multiplier x 6.0
Front Side Bus Frequency 99.5 MHz
Expected Cpu Clock 600 MHz
Expected FSB Frequency 100 MHz
L1 Data Cache 16 Kbytes, 4-way set associative, 32 bytes line size
L1 Instruction Cache 16 Kbytes, 4-way set associative, 32 bytes line size
L2 Cache 512 Kbytes, 4-way set associative, 32 bytes line size
L2 Latency 1
L2 Frequency 298.5 MHz
L2/CPU ratio 1/2
L2 Location On Cartridge
L2 ECC Check enabled
L2 Bus Width 64 bits
Supported Instructions Sets MMX, SSE
OS supports SSE yes
OS handles SSE exceptions yes

[spigidygak]

I personally think it would be worth the extra $70 to match it with the same chip. I think you would see some difference in performance. That extra 256 can go a long way.

[OC]

I'd go with a second identical CPU. Also, don't forget that you'll need to reinstall the OS.

-o

[wga22]

I had read that a reinstall wasnt required. All you have to do is set the "device manager" property to "multiprocessor pc". I am trying to keep this upgrade as cheap as possible, becuase I just want to make it until the dust settles on the p4. Certainly AMD is the market leader now, but if code is optimized for the p4 instruction set AND the p4 truly has high MHz potential, then p4 may be my next system. For $250 I could get an AMD 900 with a new motherboard, so spending a lot on just a chip doesnt make sense.

[Razz]

You could just go out and buy two new identical CPU's and not sweat the "what if" thing. Make you another system and pop the old CPU in it. $30 more for an extra CPU...hummm....I like the sound of that. But then again I heard somewhere that those 512k L2 Cache CPU's overclocked nicely...."heard" is the key word, don't know if it is true.

[OC]

I found these articles in MS's knowledge base:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q234/5/56.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=cpu&rnk=23&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=WIN2000
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q234/5/58.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=cpu&rnk=24&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=WIN2000

[cruelpupet]

is the kC0 stepping even SMP compatible

I thought the cB0 stepping was the first p3 that was SMP compatible

or did the kC0 come out afet the cB0

[wga22]

Thank you, everyone.

overclocked, I like your point. Like many on this board, I have an addiction to upgrading my machine. It is likely fast enough right now, but what is $100 when I lose it in 10 sec's in the stock market these days? My $9000 Inktomi stock is now worth less than a new TV.

I digress. I have to balance the trouble of two new processors, and ebaying the current one, to doing a system overhaul with AMD. I know what to do though when I commit to dual processors. Thank you all.