Q: Upgrading machine with single core to dual core cpu

[Satyrist]

I was looking at upgrading my single core AMD CPU to a dual core CPU, I was looking to see if there were any problems I might see? (aside from possible hardware re-activation)

Currently I'm using an Opteron 144, I had thought about moving to a dual-core X2 or Opteron. I do know that the HAL might freak out upon trying to boot that first time...Might a /repair install be necessary in this case? Reinstalling patches again wouldn't be an issue, I've got the majority of them via autopatcher.

 

[Markbnj]

You shouldn't need to reformat or reinstall. You might need to install the AMD Dual Core Optimizer driver (it synchs timers between the two cores and prevents some specific software issues), but that's about it. You may also need the AMD processor driver for Windows XP. Both are available on their site.

 

[nerp]

Just did it myself, Vista detected the second core, installed some stuff, rebooted, done. It was quite painless and made a huge difference in general performance.

 

[Satyrist]

I'm currently running XP sp2...Don't know if that makes a difference or not.

I had attempted to do something similar some years back, also under XP, and ended up having to reformat in the end....Only reason I'm asking now.

Sure, it was moving from an AthlonXP to a P4 Northwood, but I had taken steps to remove drivers/making the drivers all generic, didn't matter in the end...Appeared to take initially, but then I kept getting freezes/instability, so I ended up reformatting.