Adding a Second Xeon 1

[RITE1]

Hello all,

I am going to add a second xeon processor to my server and am having problems making sense of the matching processor issue.

First, how close do my processors have to match. I have heard people on forums seemingly brag that their xeons are "matched". Because of their embellishment, I am wondering if "matched" means more than just getting a second identical processor since I’m sure there are updates and slight version changes, etc. What’s the deal here?

Second, I have a 2.8 533 fsb xeon and my favorite online store sells 2.8 800 fsb for like $40 cheaper than the 533! Can I install the faster fsb version instead of another 533?

Thanks for the help!!

Rick

 

[fizzak]

This is what I think I know, I've always just ordered matching procs.

The processors must have a matched "stepping" number for the best odds of running together correctly. I have heard of mixed steppings running but I don't think they were off more than one number.

I believe this is because of the manufacturing process of CPU wafers. A wafer is like a thin-crust pizza of CPU's before they are etched out as individuals. The matched procs come from the same wafers. I Assume that there are small differences in the circuitry of every other wafer of CPU's. This is why you can't just pick a 2nd one up from another source.
Rumor has it that the best overclocking procs come from the center of the wafer.

Find a processor with the same Spec#. This is printed on the heatsink and the offical sticker on the box. Mine is
"QRB4ES Malay"

The stepping can be checked using the WCPUID app. This is what needs to match or be no more one number off.
Family 15, Model 2, SteppingID 7

If you do manage to find a even a close match, make sure the proc with the lower SteppingID sits in the #1 proc socket. AKA "Bootstrap Processor".

 

[fizzak]

No you cannot install 2 procs with different FSB's

 

[RITE1]

Thanks for the help fizzak, good background info too!

Rick