dual processor setup... how much does identical stepping matter?

[xyyz]

I have two dual setups... I've had nothing but problems with one... and i'm getting ready to finish setting up the other.

I was wondering how much stepping matters? Or how much does the fact that they are really really similar matter? Will it cause problems later on if they aren't of the same stepping and all that jazz?

 

[RedShirt]

As long as you use Win2k or XP it shouldn't matter. They have special coding that allows for more stable operation than previous OS's. However, whenever you can, get the same stepping.

 

[Rand]

Intel's specification sheets cover stepping compatibility in multiprocessor systems.
Let me know which processor your referring to and I'll link up their spec sheet for it.

 

[xyyz]

i'm lookin at P3-700's and a pair of P3-1gigs

 

[GoSharks]

well... my dad has a p3 600eb and another p3 667 running on the same i840 board. no crashes or anything, and win2k is in smp mode....

 

[Rand]

<< i'm lookin at P3-700's and a pair of P3-1gigs >>



You can check compatibility between various steppings at any given clockspeed right here, starting on page 4.

 

[xyyz]

i'm lookin on page 4... but it talks about revisions.... not about compatibilities... :/

 

[Rand]

<< i'm lookin on page 4... but it talks about revisions.... not about compatibilities... :/ >>


Continue on past page 4, it has more.
You'll get to the charts that list compatibility across various steppings.