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Q: SMP & Katmai Slot 1s

G

GeoffS

Lifer
I posted this in Tech Support also, but figured someone here would know also.

I have a pair of P3-500 (SL37D kC0 and SL3CD kB0). Will these two play nice with each other in a dual system? I want to know before I go out and get another dual mobo.

Thanks!
 
Here's Intel's view on it:



<< Mixing Processor Steppings
Even though Intel recommends using identical processor steppings in multiprocessor systems whenever possible (as this is the only configuration which receives Intel's full testing), Intel supports mixing processor steppings, and does not actively prevent various steppings of the Pentium III processor from working together in dual-processor systems. However, since Intel cannot test every possible combination of devices, each new stepping of a device is fully tested only against the latest steppings of other processors and chipset components.

With mixed stepping configurations, all processors must be run at an identical frequency. The workarounds for various errata must take all processors into account. Errata for the Pentium III processor are published in the Pentium® III Processor Specification Update. Errata for all processor steppings present in a system will affect that system, unless worked around.

Due to the variety of motherboard vendors in the market and the number of system BIOS revisions, some system-level issues may occur that lie outside the realm of any mixed stepping evaluation performed by Intel. Recommendations for shipping systems that mix Pentium III processor steppings are as follows:

Choose a motherboard vendor with a history of dual-processor experience.
Contact your motherboard vendor for information on mixed stepping validation performed on your particular dual processor motherboard.
Refer to the Pentium® III Processor Specification Update for information on processor errata, their workarounds, and potential performance issues before integrating dual processor systems. The specification update can be obtained from Intel's Developer Site. >>



http://developer.intel.com/design/PentiumIII/specupdt/

I have done it with no ill effects, but I wouldn't setup a mission critical server with different steppings. For running RC5, no biggie 🙂
 
And would a pair of P3-500@500 running at default do better than a pair of c366@550? I don't know how overclockable this pair of P3-500s is.

Thanks
 
Actually if you get that PDF I linked above, on page 14 it has a dual processor matrix. It listed those two core steppings in the 500 as having no issues (compatible) for dual processing.

The 550's would crank out more in RC5, but the PIII's would be better in everything else. The would be especially better at say, running a UT/Q3 server 🙂

Most dual boards do have the 112 setting thought that would give you 560. Heh, I know somebody who's looking for a pair of PIII 500's 😉

 
I haven't had any problems mixing regular PII cpus or PIII cpus in dual configs, ie. a pair of PIIs or a pair of PIIIs; Pentium Pro and Xeon chips seem to be a bit more picky on the stepping, especially when in a Quad configuration.

As for OC capability, I have a dual PII-266 config that's running stable at 300 each, also a dual PIII-500 config that's running stable at 515 each. Many of my dual boards really aren't set up with over-clocking in mind, though I will have a pair of BP6 combos with each running dual Celeron 366's at 550 each.

The PIII-500's should do better at SETI than the Cel366's@550, due to cache issues and FSB speeds..chipset will also play a part in this.

EDIT: Forgot to note.. both of the above OC'd dual configs have cpus with different steppings.

 
Also, the mobo that I have (GA6BXD) is not terribly OC-friendly to anything other than a celeron. AFAIK, there is no fsb setting above 100 🙁
 
GeoffS,
It really depends on what you want to do with this &quot;combo&quot;.

If you are wanting to build yourself a dualie setup for everyday use, wheather its W2K or Linux, I'd personaly stick the PIIIs in it as long as they are both of the same bus speed.

If your wanting to have a &quot;Crack&quot; board, then that would depend on the project.


 
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