MP vs. XP

[Colin]

In terms of real world performance the processors would be the same speed!<BR><BR>No prob man! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

[Comixion]

Can someone shed some light on these 2 CPU's for me. I'm a little..no alot illiterate to the facts.<BR><BR>Other than multi-processors capabilities, what advantage does the Athlon MP have over the XP? I see it $50- to 60 more.

[Colin]

AthlonMP's are certified to work in MP modes while XP's haven't. <BR>There are also physical differences, but they're all packaging differecnes more. XP's have the L1's laser cut while MP's don't. Also, on the L5 which controls the dual capabilities of the CPU is different. On the MP, it looks like this... "| : : |" while the XP is "| : : :" apparently if you connect the last bridge on the XP, it'll turn it into an MP! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

[Comixion]

Oh I see.<BR><BR><BR>so relatively speaking, not really a performance advantage huh?<BR><BR>Thanx Colin.

[bigchin]

I have never worked with MP. I wonder if I can put the MP into a regular XP mb without any modification. Does the BIOS recognize it as MP or XP?

[Colin]

Yes, if you put an MP into a regular motherboard it'll work fine. I think the processor will be detected as an XP, but I'm not sure.

[bigchin]

Well if BIOS think this is MP, it might not boot up at all.

[Colin]

I plugged a MP1900+ into my Abit KR7A-RAID and it was detected as an MP. Apparently the ID string of the processor is different, but in the benchmark test I did quickly the performance was the same as a XP1900+.

[ohsgaston]

Then, there's no point in using MP rather than XP in single processor platform?

[Comixion]

Not unless someone GIVES you one for christmas.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

[Colin]

If you're an overclocker, the MP would be a lot better to use in a uni processor system because they're multiplier unlocked. No unlocking crap. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[IFMU]

<br><br><< <i>If you're an overclocker, the MP would be a lot better to use in a uni processor system because they're multiplier unlocked. No unlocking crap. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"></i> >><br><br><BR><BR>Are the MP's unlocked? I didnt know that... hmm.. Now thats kinda interesting. heh.<BR><BR>Was everyone aware that some XP's area actually MP's, (basiclly) just sold as XP's? <BR>Well, kinda at least.. heh..<BR>There were alot of XP's that were MP capable. The way to tell was if the L5 bridges were cut or not, no cut, MP capable.<BR>If so, and more than likely so.. then just ignore me.. heh..

[Colin]

Don't forget the XP's that ARE MP lockec can be switched over simply by connecting the last L5 bridge! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">