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Should I build a dual AMD system?

A

AMDPwred

Diamond Member
So how are the dual AMD systems these days? I remember awhile back you didn't see alot of them around. Now, with the release of more than just the Tyan board, are there more dual systems around? How are they? I've been debating buying a dual AMD XP 1600+ setup. I have a feeling RedHat would run rather well in the environment. 😉
 
Well I'm in the process of building a dual 1600+ MP system for high end grapics. I just ordered everything and should be done by the end of next week.

Here are the specs:
Mobo: Asus A7M266-D
Processor: Dual 1600+ Mp's
Ram: 512 Crucial Reg. DDR
Video: ATI radeon 8500


I can't wait to get this system done! I have trouble sleeping at night, waiting for the parts to come. So I'll let you know when it's done, but I expect it to be some major droooooolllage like the post above. 😀
 
How is the ASUS A7M266-D? That would probably be the board I would use. Also, are the XP series CPUs 'officially' supported for dual setups?
 
This is something I threw together. Now would this own or would this own...

Case: AntecSX1040B (Black) $100
Motherboard: AMD A7M266-D $225
CPU1: AMD XP1600+ $108
CPU2: AMD XP1600+ $108
RAM: 512MB (1 stick) DDR ECC Registered $200
Hard Drive: 60GB WD $120
DVDROM: Lite-On 16x (Black) $67
CDRW: Lite-On 24x $82
Floppy: Any $5
Monitor: Dell 19? (Black) $279
NIC: Linksys $20
Speakers:
Sound Card: Hercules Gamesurround Muse XL (already have)
Video Card: PNY GF3 Ti200 (already have)
Operating System: Windows 2000 Professional (already have)

Total: $1314
 
If the software your using isn't SMP enabled you want see a big difference between a dual processors machine and a uni processors machine.
 
I'm thinking, now, of the following:

Motherboard (ASUS A7M266-D):
mobo
$230

Promise Ultra133 64-bit PCI card:
controller
(2nd item on page)
$45

Athlon XP 1800+ (Retail) (2 of these)
cpu
(toward the bottom)
$160x2 = $320


Memory (2 of these)
ddr ram
(model #: CM64SD256-2700CX2H - includes the heat spreader)
PC2700 allows overclocking the Front Side Bus (FSB) to 166mhz!
$130x2 = $260

So...we're at:
$230
45
320
260
====
$855

All that's left is a decent case/power supply (along with heatsinks/fans) which will be about another
$200.

Probably get this one (Enermax, FS-981XPSS 11-bay Server Case)

Ooooof...$1000 or so...more than I was hoping to spend but I can cut back on the 2nd cpu for now and only get one stick of the RAM
That'll bring it down to about $700

Oh...video card...still thinking of the ATI Radeon 8500DV but may go to the Matrox RT2500. SB Live! for the sound and I already have the drives:
2 30GB ATA 100 (mirror boot volumes)
2 60GB ATA 133 (RAID for DV capturing/editing)
2 40GB ATA 133 (RAID for final product storage)

Oh yeah! And probably the ASUS iPanel, too!
 
I just put together the system in my system rig link. Its a pretty good setup and so far trouble free. Just be sure to get AMD approved ram and PSU and you will be good to go.
 
I hope that conjur realizes that you need a video card IN ADDITION to the RT2500 Matrox video thingy... its not actually a video card its a video editing system...

And I so wish I could afford a Dual AMD system. Once you go dual, you'll forever look at single CPU systems and giggle at their inferiority. 🙂
 
BTW, Athlon XP 1700+ chips have come down so much in cost that they are only like $5 or so more than the Athlon XP 1600+. In addition, make sure you're getting chips of the same stepping so as to assure stability. I think Newegg or some other stores sell chips on steppings so you're getting the same thing.
 
You guys with the Dually's would kick major booty with SETI@Home for tEam ANandtech if you aren't already crunching.
 


<< I hope that conjur realizes that you need a video card IN ADDITION to the RT2500 Matrox video thingy... its not actually a video card its a video editing system...

And I so wish I could afford a Dual AMD system. Once you go dual, you'll forever look at single CPU systems and giggle at their inferiority. 🙂 >>


Yeah, guess I didn't make that clear. If I go for the Matrox RT2500, I'll just get a low-end, low-cost AGP card for regular stuff (don't do gaming and this will primarily be a DV box). Might go ahead and get a Radeon 7500, though...cross that bridge when I get there 🙂
 
Dual=Pure Waste Of Money!!!. I wouldent use dual unless I was in to some *MAJOR* rendering or using the rig as a server.
 


<< You guys with the Dually's would kick major booty with SETI@Home for tEam ANandtech if you aren't already crunching. >>



They certainly would be great! 😀
 


<< Dual=Pure Waste Of Money!!!. I wouldent use dual unless I was in to some *MAJOR* rendering or using the rig as a server. >>


i disagree with this...i just upgraded from a p3-700@933 to dual 933s...while most of the stuff i do isnt dual proc enabled I see a big difference in performance, i never have a hiccup no matter how many things i have open...i can be doing 10 things at once and everything runs completely smooth...true dual procs arent for everyone but I prefer them so as to avoid those annoying little hiccups and pauses..and when i do use a dual enabled app its all the better
 
see my server in my sig.
the ram is pretty spendy these days, but i feel that its well worth it. Incredible power (replaced two dual 550s and one 1ghz system all at 100% cpu - dual amd never breaks 40%), and stability one would only dream of (2+ months uptime minus a reboot to install a network card).
 
What TheOverlord said...
on my server, i run 11 CS servers, an ftp, apache w/php, sql, and CS stats.
Rarely do I see it reach 40%. Just for kicks, i tried it with one processor, and it reached 100% without reaching its usual load. Must be the cache <shrug>
 
I've been using a dual CPU rig of one configuration or another as my personal box for about 4 years now, and I agree with TheOverlord's statement 100%.
 
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