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Dual Intel CPU setup recommendation

B

babylon5

Golden Member
I want to build a dual CPU Intel Based system (probably P4?). I'll just need to buy the motherboard and CPUs and memory (I got other parts from my old computer).

Which parts would be the cheapest price to get these components? I don't mine if the CPU is just 3.0 GHZ (or even a little less?). The motherboard seems like it's the most expensive part of this picture. For memory, it seems I can have 1 GIG For about $100? And I don't know if I can afford buying 2 CPUs at once, if not, I'll just buy one CPU first. Which motherboard/CPU/memory would you get if you're budget conscious like me?

thanks
 
as far as i know you will need to use the xeons for a dual intel setup now and there is not really a cheap way to do this. is there a particular reason you want to go dually? why not wait for the dual core cpus coming out soon or if it is just for curiosity get a dual p3 or dual amd xp.
 
Perhaps you should just wait for the dual core Pentium D's to become available. You can't use P4's in a dual cpu setup, you would have to use Xeons. If you want cheap, but want the power of dual cpu's just wait for the dual cores to come out and get a dual core 2.8 or 3ghz chip, which will be far more affordable than a dual xeon system. The dual core A64's look really sweet, but are a bit more expensive as well.
 
YOyoYOhowsDAjello , bob4432,

I do 3D graphic design, and dual setup helps my render speed. So I guess there is no cheap-er way to go about getting a dual Intel setup. What is a dual core cpu? When will it come out?

I used to have an AMD based computer, but it runs hotter than Intel. But that was a few years ago, I don't know if AMD made their chip cooler since then. I wonder if dual AMD would cost a lot less? Can I get a dual AMD (motherboard and CPU) for less than $400?

If I were to get a dual P3, I guess it's okay...I don't know how much gain I'd get versus just getting a plain single P4 CPU though.

stevty2889,

Just saw your post while writing above 🙂 Yeah I know Xeons are expensive...so dual core is a lot cheaper (but affordable). I wonder how much about it'd cost.

Thanks guys!

 
Originally posted by: babylon5
YOyoYOhowsDAjello , bob4432,

I do 3D graphic design, and dual setup helps my render speed. So I guess there is no cheap-er way to go about getting a dual Intel setup. What is a dual core cpu? When will it come out?

I used to have an AMD based computer, but it runs hotter than Intel. But that was a few years ago, I don't know if AMD made their chip cooler since then. I wonder if dual AMD would cost a lot less? Can I get a dual AMD (motherboard and CPU) for less than $400?

If I were to get a dual P3, I guess it's okay...I don't know how much gain I'd get versus just getting a plain single P4 CPU though.

stevty2889,

Just saw your post while writing above 🙂 Yeah I know Xeons are expensive...so dual core is a lot cheaper (but affordable). I wonder how much about it'd cost.

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

the dual p3s would be just for curiosity, you would be better off with a single faster p4. are you 100% sure your applications are smp compatable? if they are not then you will just use 1 cpu @ 100% while the other just does normal computing things.

for $400 you will not get a m/b, 2cpus and 1GB of ram, sorry 🙁
 
For $400 that's not going to happen (at least not if you go either Xeon or Operteron). Also, you're going to need ECC RAM, which will cost more than $100 for 1GB. I agree you will probably be better going with a dual core chip.
 
Originally posted by: bob4432
Originally posted by: babylon5
YOyoYOhowsDAjello , bob4432,

I do 3D graphic design, and dual setup helps my render speed. So I guess there is no cheap-er way to go about getting a dual Intel setup. What is a dual core cpu? When will it come out?

I used to have an AMD based computer, but it runs hotter than Intel. But that was a few years ago, I don't know if AMD made their chip cooler since then. I wonder if dual AMD would cost a lot less? Can I get a dual AMD (motherboard and CPU) for less than $400?

If I were to get a dual P3, I guess it's okay...I don't know how much gain I'd get versus just getting a plain single P4 CPU though.

stevty2889,

Just saw your post while writing above 🙂 Yeah I know Xeons are expensive...so dual core is a lot cheaper (but affordable). I wonder how much about it'd cost.

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

the dual p3s would be just for curiosity, you would be better off with a single faster p4. are you 100% sure your applications are smp compatable? if they are not then you will just use 1 cpu @ 100% while the other just does normal computing things.

for $400 you will not get a m/b, 2cpus and 1GB of ram, sorry 🙁
Click to expand...

Not to mention a powersupply for it.

Here's some temp comparisons of the newer Prescott P4s vs A64s.

The retail HS/F on A64s keep it nice and cool and does it fairly quietly too.

I think waiting for dual core A64 would be a very good idea for you. I'm not sure on the date available. Early summer I guess.
 
I highly doubt you still would need dual core processing. All those people, stop saying you do all these multitasking stuff. I mean it's not that you render DVDs while trying to play Half-Life 2. That would be quite stupid wouldn't that. But still, unless you're doing crazy multitasking stuff, just stick with a single core.

And why Intel? AMD Athlon 3200+ ALL THE WAY.. maybe 3500+. Oh I love the 3700+ San Diego core.
 
Originally posted by: DLeRium
I highly doubt you still would need dual core processing. All those people, stop saying you do all these multitasking stuff. I mean it's not that you render DVDs while trying to play Half-Life 2. That would be quite stupid wouldn't that. But still, unless you're doing crazy multitasking stuff, just stick with a single core.

And why Intel? AMD Athlon 3200+ ALL THE WAY.. maybe 3500+. Oh I love the 3700+ San Diego core.
Click to expand...

3d rendering is one of the few instances when dual core really shines. I think the OP is totally justified in wanting a dual CPU setup for that task, but if it's a budget rig, it's not going to happen.
 
Just get as fast a P4 as you can afford and enable the Hyper Threading.
Your budget is too low for any good modern dual Xeon system. You might be able to pull off a dual 1.4GHz Tualatin combo. But the RAM may be what pushes you over the $400 limit.
Remember, with many dual CPU configurations, you'll need "Registered" memory. An exception would be an 875PE based dual Xeon outfit. But the prices of the CPU's & MB would push past $400.
 
the cheapest dual is that pc-dl mobo @ 190 ish.. 2 xeon will push you over.. old xeon can be bought at 90 bucks but for that price, as said, the fastest p4 can run faster..
 
Yeah, I am one of the few that does 3D rendering 😀, so dual processor would really help my work. But as all of you point out it cost a lot more to set up a dual processor machine at this point.
I think I"d either just get the fastest P4 I can afford, or wait for AMD dual core to come out in summer.

Thanks for all the suggestion 😉
 
Also, keep in mind, should you get a Xeon server mobo, it won't fit very well in a normal csae (they are E-ATX format mobos). Best thing to do, is get what you can, and when it comes time for rendering, leave the machine alone and let it do it's thing. I use 3DS Max R5 on a dual Xeon 2.66, and having 4 logical processors helps a lot with the rendering process. Also, having a rendering card (Quadro line) helps with the setting up of the scenes, but they suck for gaming...
Tas.
 
Originally posted by: babylon5
I used to have an AMD based computer, but it runs hotter than Intel. But that was a few years ago, I don't know if AMD made their chip cooler since then. I wonder if dual AMD would cost a lot less? Can I get a dual AMD (motherboard and CPU) for less than $400?
Click to expand...

You're a couple months too late to the party (I think). There was a guy on eBay selling matched pairs of Intel Xeon 1.6LV chips that would overclock to 2.8-3.5GHz for $120 shipped. Combine that with an ASUS PC-DL and you would've made your $400 budget.

If you want to try and track down a pair, the S-Specs are SL6GV (C1 stepping, ~2.8GHz) and SL6XK (D1 stepping, ~3.3GHz). Both are Hyperthreaded and great processors. They're Prestonias, which are roughly Northwood cores.

I will also warn you that you'll probably still end up busting your $400 budget, but probably not by much. Incidentals eat you alive, especially with Xeons. A $10 HSF for a normal desktop becomes a $25 HSF for a Xeon system. That said, I highly recommend this rig if you can line it up. I ended up with two of these, and price/performance nothing else approaches it.
 
If you get the Xeon's, I'll ship you my HSF's that came with the Xeons. They are the wind tunnel type that came with my Xeon 2.66s. If you need em, and you pay the shipping. Anything to help out someone else running server setups! ;-)
Tas.
 
Originally posted by: tasburrfoot78362
Also, keep in mind, should you get a Xeon server mobo, it won't fit very well in a normal csae (they are E-ATX format mobos). Best thing to do, is get what you can, and when it comes time for rendering, leave the machine alone and let it do it's thing. I use 3DS Max R5 on a dual Xeon 2.66, and having 4 logical processors helps a lot with the rendering process. Also, having a rendering card (Quadro line) helps with the setting up of the scenes, but they suck for gaming...
Tas.
Click to expand...

pc-dl is standard atx size.. its cramp but it fits.. I just built 2 pc-dl workstations for home the past 2 days.. and its pretty much the cheapest workstation with AGP and no pci-x slots on.. for rendering, this is perfect..
 
Dual AMD Opterons are much a better solution if you are on a budget. P4 Xenons have sky prices while the performance is less than Opterons. AMD CPUs are cooler than Intel CPUs now everyone would agree.
Opteron 2xx series which support a maximum of 2 Opteron CPU (2 stands for 2way) are not expensive; But still way over $400.
Really $400 is not even adequate for a good gaming PC.


 
I agree with Blain - A Fast P4 with hyperthreading is your best bet for your budget. It's the only thing that makes sense. Not un less you multi task like a gipsy.
 
Originally posted by: modedepe
For $400 that's not going to happen (at least not if you go either Xeon or Operteron). Also, you're going to need ECC RAM, which will cost more than $100 for 1GB. I agree you will probably be better going with a dual core chip.
Click to expand...
There are Xeon boards that can use normal DDR, and Opteron requires registered not ecc ram.



 
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