Combined Motherboard (Two pros)

Just wondering if it was possible to run two processors on one motherboard?

If so, would it cost much for the motherboard unit?

Also, is it much more of a security risk having two processors?

Don't want the PC to light one up when I'm away - if you get my drift.

As I said, not at all sure its even possible but thought I'd ask some people who have more an idea than I do.

Cheers.

 

It is most definitely possible. In fact, I think you can run as many as 16 processors on a single motherboard!

(Actually, IBM make a mainframe with 65,536 processors and liquid helium cooling, but thats probably out of your price range )

If you go to this page, it proves that it can be done. Other than that, I don't know what to say!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DELL-POWEREDG...6814908018QQcategoryZ1244QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

No security risk that I'm aware of, better multi-tasking depending on software.

I suggest you go join www.hardwareanalysis.com and post it there. Some proper hardware geeks there!

 

What is it that you are going to use this computer for? Multi-processor systems are really only an advantage for multi-threaded applications. Server software is multi-threaded, and CPU intense video/audio editing programs like Photoshop are also multi-threaded. For gaming, and 90% of all home user applications, dual CPUs and dual core CPUs (two processor cores on one physical CPU) offer very little performance increase for the cost.

 

This'll make your eyes pop harley, why have 2 when you can have 4

http://www.tyan.com/products/html/opteron.html

 

Cheers for the replies, guys.

I just want to basically boost the whole performance of the computer. My pro is "decently" recent (2.8ghz) and instead of going out, buying a 3.2ghz to replace it, I thought;

Why not combine the two?

I wasn't sure if it was possible, but I'm glad to see that it is. Or seems to be.

I can't really be specific on my performance necessities, but I'm under the impression that it would help things along nicely.

I'm only running 512mb DDRAM, hope to whack that up to 1024 and basically keep improving the computer as a whole. With a huge chunk being tore out of my pocket, in the process.

My question is only interest for now, but perhaps somewhere down the line I'll put the 'plan' to action, so to speak.

Thanks once again.

 

Most people could build two separate PCs and run them off a KVM switch for what the cost of a dual processor system would be.

.bh.

 

Finally got a bit closer to the idea of this, although I'm not sure what to go for, motherboard wise...So many numbers...

My current Pro is:

This

I was hoping to go for another one of these, combine them on the dual motherboard and have a bit of fun. However, after looking at several dual pro mbs, I seen that the processor limit was usually 3.6Ghz - I assume this is per processor, as an overall limit of 3.6Ghz doesn't leave a lot of creative room for choosing your processors.

I'm hoping to go for another one of :

These

So I'll have 2 Gigs of Ram.

I obviously wouldn't be getting the whole lot in one go and it will be a gradual process - but if anyone could steer me towards the right sort of MB then it would be another step in the right direction. Furthermore, if someone wants to actually give the money for them - I wouldn't refuse this either.

I'm not very good with bus speeds and all the technical stuff behind the pretty common GHz's, GB's and so on...so this is why I have the problem of finding a good MB. I've specified my current processor and RAM as these are key components of the comp but if there is anything else needed to calculate what Dual MB I would need - then do let me know.

Thanks once again.

 

Just my 2c but apparently 2 x 1.0Ghz processors doesn't necassary equate to a 2.0Ghz sys but something like 1.8Ghz as there is a bit of performance loss because the two CPU's need to communicate between each and undertake the seperate processes, the same goes for quad processing systems. I read that in a comp mag in the local library on this topic. Quite interesting and apparently the way for the future and you won't have one CPU becoming super hot due to super processing.