Dual System Question: Do both P3 CPUs need to be the same stepping in order to work?

[LiLxJohnny]

I'm trying to setup a dual p3 system to act as my new game server (my old one is in a need of an upgrade). However, the problem has always been trying to get 2 p3 cpus with the same stepping at a reasonable cost which is hard.

I understand that in order for the best stability, it is recommended that both cpus need to be of the same stepping however, will a dual system work with 2 p3 cpus with different steppings but are of the same speed?

I heard conflicting information that it will work and some say it will not. Can someone here help me?

 

[mechBgon]

My understanding is that NT-based operating systems will refuse to install on systems where the CPU steppings are more than one stepping apart. Could be wrong on that. I've always used matched steppings in the three dualies I've had. If you're in the market for matched-stepping P3's, you might touch base with networkman, an ace trader who has an unbelievable fleet of dualies in his basement crunching SETI@home on a 24/7 basis (for the AnandTech team, naturally ). Sometimes he sells some off to make room for faster ones

 

[mechBgon]

I'll also suggest simply getting a shiny new AthlonXP as another option. Heck, if you're building a dedicated game server, consider an ECS K7S5A. Onboard LAN, takes AthlonXP's up to at least 2200+, has slots for both PC133 and PC2100 (one or the other, of course, not both at once). I tested mine with my Thunderbird 1.4GHz and both PC133 and PC2100, and PC133 performance was within 10% of PC2100 performance.

 

[Vette73]

From all I have read that P3's MUST be matching.

When I went looking for a dual setup, the Amd 760MPX setup came to be the winner for speed, cost, performance, and upgradability.

You can get 2 XP 1600+'s for around $100 and a board from $200-260.

I am on my second 760MPX setup and I love them. Fast, and VERY Stable, I mean ROCK Stable!!!
And theres a reason why people compare Dual Athlon's to P4's, NOT P3's.


If you have any Q's about a AMD setup I can help. But dual P3's cost to much(dang matching chips) and intel is getting out of P3 chips, old.

 

[Aboroth]

No, they don't, although it is a good idea. Even Intel's dual processor specification doesn't require the steppings to match. The only real problem you may have is if the voltages differ because of different steppings and the motherboard can't handle it. I have run the steppings cC0 with cB0 with no problem.