• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Adding 2nd processor...what do I need to do?

D

Dood

Senior member

I've got a dual processor GW6400 that I'm just now adding a 2nd chip to. What do I need to know about adding this?

- I've read posts about having to re-install XP Pro. Is this necessary?
- Do I need to change any settings or install anything else to make it work?
- How can I tell if the 2nd processor is recognized and working?

Thanks.
 
I dunno, but I'd assume that a re-install of Windows would be required. As for your mobo settings, check your manual.
 
i dont know how XP handles it, just install the second CPU, then boot up windows, then go to task manager, and click the perfomance tab, see if you have 2 cpu meters. if you don't, go to device manager, double click "computer", and right click the thing under that probably says "advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) PC", then go to properties, click the driver tab, go to update driver, tell it to display a list, click "show all hardware", and select "ACPI Multiprocessor", and click through to install it. at least thats how to do it in win2k, it should be similar in XP.

good luck and let us know how it turns out 🙂

edit: just found this in a nearby thread:



<< NOTE : On Windows XP, the UP APIC HALs recognize the existence of more than one processor, and report the MP ID. Plug and Play notices that the computer devnode's hardware ID list has changed, and moves the devnode back through the "found new hardware" detection process. Because of this, when you add a second processor to a UP APIC computer (either ACPI or non-ACPI) the MP files (HAL and kernels) are automatically installed, and you do not have to manually update the driver in Device Manager. Because of this, the only time it is necessary to manually update the driver in Device Manager to change HALs is for troubleshooting purposes, or to work around a hardware problem. For example, some older multi-processor computers do not properly configure the USB controller interrupt in APIC mode. To resolve this behavior so that USB works, you may need to click Update Driver to install the PIC HAL. >>



sounds like it should automatically detect the other cpu and do a "new hardware found" wizard, should be straightforward.
 
You need the professional edition as the Home edition dosen't support it.
But you knew that already.
Let us know how it goes.
 
when you boot up, the POST screen will say

Whatever brand whatever model CPU at XXXXMhz, 2 Processor(s)

(at least mine does)
 

Thanks much!! Yes, it is XP Pro so hopefully it will be very easy. I'll report back later this week when I get the CPU installed.

Thanks again!!

BTW, My reason for adding the 2nd chip is that I've been doing some video work and MPG2 encoding. The encoding process is SLOW (like 3:1...3 hours processing for 1 hour of DVD quality video). I'm hoping to see an improvement, as most encoding programs are supposedly "optimized" for dual processor use.
 

The processor installation was simple other than the fact that the RETAIL heat sink/fan was too large for my GW6400. I had to get a 2.25" sink/fan from BestBuy to fit.

WinXP Pro recognized it, made me reboot, then worked GREAT!!

Apps which used to max out the uni-processor (video stuff) now run about 50% utilization. The apps don't really seem that much faster, however.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top