dual cpus vs single cpu systems

[max105]

I'm just wondering how much of a difference a dual cpu system has over single CPU systems. For example, what would be a single processor system equivalent of 2 p3-500's. I'm just wondering how well it can get the processors to handle threads efficiently, etc.

 

[lifeguard1999]

Well, it depends on what you are running as an OS. Win98/ME cannot handle dual CPUs. Win2K can. Linux SMP support was immature the last I heard - but that may have changed.

If the O.S. can handle it, then you have to worry about the program itself. Most programs do not support it. Those that do support SMP are not very efficient.

Then again, I do my own programming on large machines where parallel efficiency is a must.

 

[max105]

yea...i don't think i'm gonna actually get a dual processor system, but under ideal circumstances...are the advantages of dual-processors great? Seems that under most circumstances, the dual processors aren't used very efficiently. WHat if we compared a normal single p3-500 vs a dual p3-500 system under normal environments? Is there much gain with the dual processors?

 

[DarkMajiq]

Under normal environments, the gain is very minimal, you need applications specifically designed and programmed to really take advantage of dual processors... Although it is good if you run SETI@Home, 2 WUs at once, double your fun!

 

[esung]

you'll not be able to get 100% gain on processing power.. maybe 70-80% MAX. and the software have to be SMP aware as well in addition to the OS.

 

[Punamo]

I have a dual Intel 233MMX system and I'm not seeing much performance increase due to memory bandwidth, software, and other limitations not relating to the CPUs. It feels cool to own a dual system, but the price/performance is not very good.

I'm gonna built a 1.2GHz Thunderbird system and I bet it'll beat the crap out of my dual 233MMX

If you have the extra money to spend and have SMP aware software then go ahead, otherwise get a higher clocked system.

 

[max105]

hehe...I"m sure that 1.2ghz Tbird will kick the living crap out of the dual mmx . nah, i'm not really thinking about getting a dual processor setup, but I was just wondering how well it performs out of curiosity since I've seen quite a few people looking for dual setups in the for sale/trade forums.

 

[DarkRipper]

Ask again here: 2CPU.com

They will be better able to answer this question.


DR

 

[Dually]

Dual systems are great, you will notice that everything runs smooth.