What the best CPUs to multi-thread with?

[djmatix]

Hello,

I'm looking for a better, more effective way to multi-thread; while spending the least amount of money. I was looking into moding two AMD 2400+.

Any suggestions on other CPU/motherboard configurations that aren't AMD or Pentium, but just as good, if not better?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Verdant]

what is the purpose of this machine?

are you developing multithreaded applications?

this is really too vague... if you are looking for a cheap SMP solution you might go for an MP setup, but depending on what you are doing, you might be happy just with an intel HT machine...

 

[djmatix]

I want a super fast workstation, without spending the money on MPs. I've talked to some others, they have suggested Dual Bartons. I thought about moding two XPs, but wanted broaden my scope. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[djmatix]

 

[Verdant]

Originally posted by: djmatix
I want a super fast workstation, without spending the money on MPs. I've talked to some others, they have suggested Dual Bartons. I thought about moding two XPs, but wanted broaden my scope. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

you could get two mobile bartons as i don't believe they require any modding to run SMP... however the money may be better spent on a Nice AMD64 3000+ setup... unless there is a specific reason you want more than one processor

 

[djmatix]

I really appreciate your input. Thanks.

I don't, necessarily, have a need for dual processors. I just want to go the fastest I can, without spending the money. If AMD 64 3000+ plus setup is a better way to go, great. What do you think?

 

[Verdant]

Originally posted by: djmatix
I really appreciate your input. Thanks.

I don't, necessarily, have a need for dual processors. I just want to go the fastest I can, without spending the money. If AMD 64 3000+ plus setup is a better way to go, great. What do you think?

it depends on what i am planning on doing, if you tend to work actively only in one application then the 3000+ will give you a better experience in most cases, but if you like to say, encode a video and work in another intensive app at the same time... or run complex photoshop filters while still maintaining the ability to do other stuff, you probably want smp.

note: that if you go smp with the slower XPs, your "straight-line" (made up term) performance will be lower, meaning when you run a single application, (especially games and most benchmarks) it will run slower.

the reason i asked why you where asking about smp, is because some people want smp for research, say to test applications (some problems arise with smp that might not occur on a single cpu)

 

[djmatix]

I see.

So, If I go with a high Dual Bartons, as opposed to the slower AMD XPs ( 2400+ which is the highest I can mod, right?), will I better my "straight-line" performance? I do plan to run various apps, both high muti-media (Steinberg) and single (Dreamweaver)--with variations thereof (Macromedia Studio MX, Flash, Photoshop, Freehand, etc.) on a 64bit operating system (Windows XP Pro).

 

[Verdant]

Originally posted by: djmatix
I see.

So, If I go with a high Dual Bartons, as opposed to the slower AMD XPs ( 2400+ which is the highest I can mod, right?), will I better my "straight-line" performance? I do plan to run various apps, both high muti-media (Steinberg) and single (Dreamweaver)--with variations thereof (Macromedia Studio MX, Flash, Photoshop, Freehand, etc.) on a 64bit operating system (Windows XP Pro).

yes, the faster the individual processors, the faster a single thread can execute.

as for which XPs will work in SMP i am not too sure, except that many have had success using the mobile chips (2400+ , 2500+, 2600+) without the need to mod.

not sure about your 64bit comment, none of the systems we have discussed will run any 64 bit operating system

note that windows xp pro is not 64 bit

 

[LTC8K6]

XP Pro is not 64 bit, if that's what you meant.

If you mean you are going to run the upcoming 64bit windows when it's released, then you'll need a 64 bit processor like an A64/FX/Opteron.

 

[djmatix]

OK, Good.

I want to make sure I understand? The Dual Bartons are going to be a better buy?faster for running both single app, and multiple? Without slowing down when running fewer tasks.

 

[djmatix]

 

[Soulkeeper]

you have a few options:

dual athlon xp's
P4 setup with HT
dual P4/xeon setup
athlon64/fx (dual)

in no particular order


i suggest trying to find some reviews with benchmarks
google.com should come up with some dual cpu reviews

good luck