Two dual core cpu's vs. a single dual core cpu?

[pseudocajun]

what are the pros and cons of the following: installing an Asus L1N64-SLI mobo that accepts TWO FX-74 CPU's (dual core) vs. installing a mobo that only accepts a single dual core cpu?

 

[AmberClad]

Con: Two FX-74s consume an obscene amount of power.

At full load, system overall power consumption:
2x FX-74 system: 510W
QX6700: 262W

You may want to read some reviews before you delve into this. Another review here.

 

[pseudocajun]

thanx for the info, but wouldn't that just require a 1000 watt power supply or a little larger? I'm not concerned about power so much as if you see significant increased benefits?

 

[AmberClad]

Personally, I just don't see the benefit justifying the cost.

Weighing in the cost of the two chips, the kilowatt PSU, and power cost over time, I think you could do better performance-wise as well as cost-wise by exploring some different options, including possibly a whole new platform and ditching the old motherboard.

 

[pseudocajun]

you may be right. just read the reviews. The first review really loved the two dual core system, but really highlighted the power issue. they did however, say that the two dual cores would really benefit someone like myself who renders alot of videos... Thanks for the information.

 

[AmberClad]

You might want to look into getting a Q6600 (only slightly more expensive than one FX-74), an overclocking motherboard, and overclocking the Q6600 to at least the speed of the QX6700 that you see in the first review.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: pseudocajun
you may be right. just read the reviews. The first review really loved the two dual core system, but really highlighted the power issue. they did however, say that the two dual cores would really benefit someone like myself who renders alot of videos... Thanks for the information.

Two words: Render Farm

As far as the Asus mobo is concerned it's an interesting but impractical solution. Because of the IMC of AMD CPUs in a 2P rig each processor needs its own bank of memory to operate at max proficiency and eliminate page faults. Tyan has several 2p solutions in ATX form factor with dedicated cpu dimm banks but they are socket 940.

When the 790fx chipset matures I'm sure you will see 2p (or 4p!) solutions from Super and Tyan - let's hope they become available with the new K10 spins!

Depending upon your software, a desktop render farm over a GigaLAN is clearly to your advantage in cost/performance - there is a good thread here at AT with an excellent guide ...

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: AmberClad
You might want to look into getting a Q6600 (only slightly more expensive than one FX-74), an overclocking motherboard, and overclocking the Q6600 to at least the speed of the QX6700 that you see in the first review.

:thumbsup:

And all on a 500W PSU .

 

[0roo0roo]

dual socket amd is weak.
their 4x4 thing flopped. so much power for so little performance

 

[Throckmorton]

Buy an Intel quad core CPU....

 

[jonmcc33]

Originally posted by: pseudocajun
what are the pros and cons of the following: installing an Asus L1N64-SLI mobo that accepts TWO FX-74 CPU's (dual core) vs. installing a mobo that only accepts a single dual core cpu?

There is no pro to using that AMD setup. AMD has abandoned it already. They just made it in desperation to compete with Intel's quad cores. It's a real waste of money.

 

[jkresh]

Go with a quad core cpu (q6600 is best in price/performance) (or if you really need rendering power go with dual quad core xeons or dual quad core opterons).