Dual Proc Upgrade

[Guest]

Hi all,

I have two servers: a win2k dc that is also a file and print server, and a
win2k member server that runs exchange 2k. There are 100 users, 100
computers and 30 printers.

The servers are P3's and we have the money to add more ram and add a second
cpu to each (the motherboards have the second socket). I'm wondering if
adding a second cpu will benefit these machines.

Thanks for any input!

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "gregski" <[email protected]>

| Hi all,
|
| I have two servers: a win2k dc that is also a file and print server, and a
| win2k member server that runs exchange 2k. There are 100 users, 100
| computers and 30 printers.
|
| The servers are P3's and we have the money to add more ram and add a second
| cpu to each (the motherboards have the second socket). I'm wondering if
| adding a second cpu will benefit these machines.
|
| Thanks for any input!


In short -- Yes.

The OS will handle CPUs but since it was installed on a platform that had but one CPU then
you will have to make changes to the OS to make it multi-processor compliant.

 

[Guest]

Do the OS changes go beyond KB234558 (making the computer change to MultiProc
in Device Manager) and checking the motherboard manual?
Thanks!

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "gregski" <[email protected]>

| Do the OS changes go beyond KB234558 (making the computer change to MultiProc
| in Device Manager) and checking the motherboard manual?
| Thanks!
|

Just make a good backup to maj\ke sure you have a fall-back position in case of problems.

It looks like you have a handle on it.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, just one more thing...
My main question (which I think you answered) is: does Win2k server OS (and
exchange 2k) have the ability themvselves to use dual procs. Are they
designed with the ability to load balance threads? I've seen lots of info
about apps written to take advantage of this, but not about win2k and
exchange themselves.

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "gregski" <[email protected]>

| Thanks, just one more thing...
| My main question (which I think you answered) is: does Win2k server OS (and
| exchange 2k) have the ability themvselves to use dual procs. Are they
| designed with the ability to load balance threads? I've seen lots of info
| about apps written to take advantage of this, but not about win2k and
| exchange themselves.
|

Its in the Kernel (HAL) of the NT based OS. All software then inherit this from the OS.
The OS will delegate the CPU use as needed and that is why it is a symmetrical
multi-processing OS application as opposed to an asymmetrical multi-processing OS
application where a particular function or software application is specifically given a
processor to use.