How important is match cpus for a dual sys?

[TheOverlord]

I realize that it is preferred but how necessary is it to have matched chips? I have a p3-700@933 and want to go dual with it, but do I have to find antoher SL3XX or can I use something else? will any cB0 work? will any p3-700 work? i've seen this debated but never a definitive answer set forth....

 

[Richardito]

The dual mobo manufacturers recommend matched CPU's for stability. Using different stepping CPU's isn't good.

 

[DieselMan]

Matching the stepping is recommended; HOWEVER, the stepping code DOES NOT NEED TO MATCH (ie SL3XX), AS LONG AS THE CORE STEPPING IS THE SAME (cb0 and cb0). Even if the stepping is not the same, you will rarely run into problems (it might happen, but I have never had a problem myself).

I've even run two cpus of completely different speeds on a dual system successfully. You do run into timing problems when the OS tries to allocate different threads of a program between the two cpus (ie 3dmarks 2000 - the screen would sometimes flip, and everything just skips frames but in fast motion). As long as you assign one program to just one of the two cpus, (and of course you can assign other programs just to the other cpu), smp works fine with cpus of different speeds! Not recommended, but fun to try!