Virtually Clueless

[VERVE]

When u check my computer details, u will see a P4 2.8 - Intel 865 Pearl.

Now forgive me for my ignorance when it comes to Xeon as its not that famous in this part of the world yet. My question:

To upgrade to a Xeon processor, what will:

1- I have to change in my hardware.
2- I benefit in regards to video editing.

PS: Please include what I can keep from my hardware already available if I want to switch to Xeon.


Intel 865 pearl
P4 2.8 HT
Matrox G550 Millenium
2 GIG RAM
600+ GB Storage
XP PRO (SP1)

Thanx
VERVE

[yoda313]

Hi,

I thought XEON was server only???? Don't you need a physical server unit to use a XEON. From what I saw in commercials and stuff I assume its for those tower server units and not personal computers.

I could be wrong though.

Kevin

EDIT -

http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/processors/index.htm

That link shows all the intel desktop processors. It only shows the different variants of the Pentium 4 and the Celeron.

[thevoelk]

Dell has high end Precision workstations that use Xeons. You would probably have to buy a new mainboard if you're upgrading the porcessor(s), you can run 1 Xeon on a dual Xeon board. I'm not too familiar with them. Depending on the software used, you may see no performance increase or you may make the jump from driving aHyundai to a Porssche. Depends on the software, not all software can/will take advantage of dual processors.

[Soopafresh]

Xeons tend to be configured in pairs - 2 Physical CPUs on your mobo. The regular P4 is single CPU only. Minimally, you'll need a new motherboard (SuperMicro is a big 2x Xeon mobo maker, as is Intel), 2 Xeon Procs, and PERHAPS new RAM. The mobos can be bigger than standard ATX, which means possibly a new case. You might need a more powerful power supply. Again, "possibly" is the operative term here.

The "cheap" Xeon mobos run around $300 and up

Add 2 CPUs, and you're looking at a minimum of $1000 in hardware.

Finally, you'll need to make sure the apps you're running can take advantage of the dual CPU performance - some can, some can't.

If you're doing frame rendering in 3D Studio Max, the dual CPU option will pretty much double the speed of the render.

The other option is Dual AMD Opterons, but the price difference isn't THAT great. You'll save maybe $150-$200.

I'm surprised Rally hasn't chimed in on this one