can a dual cpu computer be built to run like a single cpu computer?

Question

can a dual cpu computer be built to run like a single cpu computer?

Answer 1

windows xp can run on top of a four independent processors so it should be no problem. The server end OS from Microsoft can handle around 8 processors. For even more processors you'll need to use something like Linux and OpenMP or MPI etc. to create a Beauwolf cluster.



However, the cost of the hardware is going to go up the more processors you want to put on the motherboard.

Answer 2

no, applications cant use more then one cpu at at time but more and more are be being made to use 2 or more cores at once...especially games. not to mention the older cpus wont have the latest instruction sets, FBS or L2 cache.

Answer 3

i didnt even know that they still sold mother board that support 2 cpus?

when i use to use them it acted more like how a dual core cpu is whichever is stronger it will do most of the work on.

so say you have a 1.5ghz and a 1ghz then the max would be about 1.5 and the 1ghz one would just act as a back up and when it starts slowing down it will use all the programs open in the background.

Answer 4

What? That is entirely dependent upon the software. As long as the OS recognizes both CPUs, it's largely up to whatever you're running to utilize them, just like a dual core system. You can't just flip a switch and make all of your software take full advantage of both CPUs.



That I'm getting downvoted is a testament to the utter stupidity of this site's userbase, as are the other answers.

Answer 5

A computer, built with 2 weaker CPUs is likely to run better than a faster computer with a single CPU. This is because where as a single CPU can only do X number of things at once, a dual CPU computer, even with slower CPUs can do X times 2 things at once.



And yes, there are still computers with multiple processors. I installed a computer earlier this year at a customer site with 2 separate quad-core CPUs. For those of you who can't add, that's 8 cores in a single computer.