The Future of Multi-Processor Motherboards

[SooperFlye]

Hey Folks,
I'm a 3D modeling/animation hobbyist and I was wondering what the future holds for dual processor motherboards? I use to see "quad-processor" motherboards, but not anymore or at least none that I can find. In 3D modeling, dual-processors do have a place, especially when you're rendering one project, while working on another. However, when you're not rendering, the second processor is doing absolutely nothing. So with the advent of dua-core processors, hyper-threading, and faster CPU's, are multi-processor motherboards on the way out? I would love to see "everyones" opinion on this subject.

SooperFlye

 

[GuitarDaddy]

No way double double

It will become common to run 2 x dual cores and have 4 virtual CPUS, and in the server world people will even run 4 x dual cores for 8 virtual CPUS. Quad socket boards are still around, newegg sells the Tyan quad board

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
No way double double

It will become common to run 2 x dual cores and have 4 virtual CPUS, and in the server world people will even run 4 x dual cores for 8 virtual CPUS. Quad socket boards are still around, newegg sells the Tyan quad board

Not 8 virtual CPUs. 8 logistical CPUs. They do exist.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Opps! virtual is Intel HT speak Kensai is correct, 8 real CPU cores.

There is supposed to be a rare 8 socket AMD board, thats basically two quad boards stuck together. That would be 16 cpus

*edit*

Just for fun I priced out the following quad D/C combo from monarch

Tyan S4482UG2NR-D Quad socket dual core motheboard $1449
4 x Opteron 875 Dual-Core 2.2ghz and 1mbl2 per core $2599 ea
16 x 1gb DDR400 Patriot registered ECC 18 chip signature $229ea

This little beast would only set you back $15,509. Throw in a nice case, couple of power supplies, and a few SCSII hard drives etc.. and make it a cool $20k and I eased up on the ram, the board will support 16 x 2mb = 32gb, I only priced it out with 16gb.