Dual processors

[Nancy]

I have a computer with two 300 mhz processors, a SCSI HD,
and 296 megs of RAM, currently running Windows ME. It is
hooked up to cable internet via a built-in Ethernet
connection.

I want to upgrade the operating system to take better
advantage of the dual processor and to manage the RAM more
efficiently. The notes on the MS site for Windows 2000 say
specifically that it supports dual processors. The notes
for Win XP say nothing whatever that I could find.

So my questions are:

--Would there be a significant difference between my
present WinME and Win2000?
--Does Win XP support or even recognize dual processors?
--Would either 2000 or XP be significantly better than the
other for my setup?

Would appreciate any insight on this.

Nancy

 

[Alvin Brown]

Hello

XP Pro supports Dual Processor somewhere along the line
you did not not look in the correct area.

Windows XP and Hyper-Threading
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810231
Cannot Run Certain Programs on Hyper-Threaded or Dual-Processor
Computers with a CPU Speed of Greater Than 2 GHz





Alvin

 

[Jim Macklin]

Windows XP Professional is dual processor capable. XP is
much more stable than ME, I have never had a BSOD in over a
year and a half.

You will need at least 2 GB of free hard drive space just to
install XP and that does not include applications. Your
present applications should run on XP.

Br sure to run the XP upgrade advisor (it is on the XP CD or
run the check from MS web or at www.pcpitstop.com The 300
MHz processors are on the slow side for XP and I think you'd
be well advised to upgrade to the maximum RAM your mobo
supports, 256-512 per CPU is a good idea to limit pagefile
access time.

If you can upgrade the CPU's on the mobo it would be a good
idea.

Windows XP is a second generation of NT/2000 and it is
probably a better choice for an ME upgrade.


message | I have a computer with two 300 mhz processors, a SCSI HD,
| and 296 megs of RAM, currently running Windows ME. It is
| hooked up to cable internet via a built-in Ethernet
| connection.
|
| I want to upgrade the operating system to take better
| advantage of the dual processor and to manage the RAM more
| efficiently. The notes on the MS site for Windows 2000 say
| specifically that it supports dual processors. The notes
| for Win XP say nothing whatever that I could find.
|
| So my questions are:
|
| --Would there be a significant difference between my
| present WinME and Win2000?
| --Does Win XP support or even recognize dual processors?
| --Would either 2000 or XP be significantly better than the
| other for my setup?
|
| Would appreciate any insight on this.
|
| Nancy

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Nancy;
No to Windows XP Home.
Windows XP Pro supports dual processors, #5 on this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing.asp

 

[Bob]

XP Home seems to recognize HT chips emulating two processors ok.....

 

[Pete Baker]

That's true Bob

but XP Home won't utilise 2 physically separate processors.

Only XP Pro will.

Pete

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Bob;
Hyperthreading yes, two physical processors no on windows XP Home.
The OP was referring to "two 300 mhz processors".

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/

 

[Cerridwen]

XP Home seems to recognize HT chips emulating two processors ok.....

Think about it - a HT CPU doesn't magically create a second physical CPU,
now does it?