Does Windows 2000 properly suppport dual core processors?

[rogue1979]

I have seen several people posting that WinXP SP2 has to be used to get the full benefit of multi-processor support.

Does Windows 2000 SP4 have this same level of support?

 

[John]

Yes. However if you are simply upgrading the cpu and keeping the existing window install please do the following:

[*]Right-click on My Computer and select Properties
[*]Click on the Hardware tab and then on Device Manager
[*]Open the Computer branch and note if it's ACPI or non-ACPI
[*]Double-click the entry under Computer to open it.
[*]Click the Driver tab, then Update Driver and Next
[*]Select Display a list... and then Next
[*]You should see a list of drivers. DO NOT change from ACPI to non-ACPI, but select the Multiprocessor PC for your computer type.
[*]Next/OK everything until you have to reboot.

 

[gwag]

there is a lot of misinformation about this, dual core support is the same XP HOME also as well. xp and 2Kpro would support an additional physical cpu (anther dual core)
Microsoft defines CPU's as sockets basically.

 

[rogue1979]

OK, thanks for the info. I thought Win2K had multi-processor support, just wanted to make sure.

 

[Rilex]

Windows 2000 does not make a distinction between logical (HT), multi-core or physical processors. E.g. licensing-wise, 2 dual core processors would require 2000 Server Standard (4 processors max) where as 2 dual core processors would work just fine under XP Pro or a non-Home edition of Vista.

So basically, post-Windows 2000 Microsoft's licensing model is "per socket". 2000 and previous, Microsoft's licensing model is "per core/CPU".

 

[greylica]

Installed 2000 Pro on quad coreXeon X2 processors to make a simple test, the eight cores do fine as well, only two sockets, the license is OK. Windows 2000 is faster like a rocket compared to XP with eight cores. Intel was doing a demo here of their new Xeon, WOW !! In Linux and in 2000 it rocks.

But if you can, avoid limitations provided by Microsoft with their licensing model. Use Linux.