How to ensure processor is identical when upgrading to dual processor?

[lordfsa]

My HP Workstation XW6000 is currently running on a single Intel Xeon processor 2.8 GHz/533 MHz front side bus, 512 KB L2 cache; I am trying to get hold of another identical processor to upgrade my system to a dual-processor set-up as cheaply as possible...(that means im looking around on a particular online auction site....)

I am aware both processors have to be identical, but to what extent is that applicable? ie, if I find another Intel Xeon processor, which is also 2.8 GHz, has same FSB, cache, voltage and socket type, is that enough to declare it identical?

Or is the process more intricate and will i have to be meticulous enough to hunt around for another processor from the same manufacturing batch as the one currently in my system?


Thus, will I be able to find a processor that is identical, without having to go for an official HP upgrade package?

 

[lordfsa]

One final thing, if i may add...on intel's processor finder website, i found a list of all the intel xeon processors the one in my system could possibly be:

SL6VK 2 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron D1 512 KB Micro-FCPGA
SL6RQ 2 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron C1 512 KB Micro-FCPGA
SL6NP 2 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron C1 512 KB Micro-FCPGA
SL73K 2 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron M0 512 KB Micro-FCPGA
SL72C 2 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron M0 512 KB Micro-FCPGA
SL6YM 2 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron D1 512 KB Micro-FCPGA

But i dont understand what the practical difference between SL6VK & SL6YM, SL6RQ & SL6NP and SL73K & SL72C could possibly be when each pair seems to share the same parameters. To be precise, all six have exactly the same CPU Speed, Bus Speed, Mfg Tech, Cache Size and Package Type, except the three pairs i listed have three different stepping....but each pair has the SAME stepping. Are my eyes too untrained to notice the differences?

 

[ATLMatt]

To run 2 CPU's, you have to match type, frequency, bus speed, and cache size, as well as have compatible stepping. I would try to find the same sSpec code (The SLxxx code mentioned in your post above) as what you currently have. The bad part about this, is that I believe it is printed on the underside of your Xeon CPU so it will be hard to find if you don't have the sticker from the CPU box. (Check inside your case, it might be there if the system builder was a pro.)

You can find alot of good info on Intel's site, this artical has some good info on matching CPUs:

http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-007878.htm

 

[kmcferrin]

If you run CPU-Z (Google it) then it will provide you with the stepping info. It won't be the SLxxx code, but it will be the C1/D1/M0 code.

Same model, clockspeed, cache, and voltage are definitely required. Having the same stepping is a good idea, but it may not be strictly necessary.

 

[lordfsa]

Here is what it had to say:

Intel Xeon
Prestonia Brand ID 11
socket 604
0.13um 0.272v

Intel Xeon 2.80GHZ
Family F Model 2 Stepping 7
extFamily F extModel 2 Revision C1
MMX, SSE, SSE2

multiplier x21
bus speed 132.9 mhz
fsb 531.6 mhz

L1 data 8kb
L1 trace 12 ku
L2 data 512kb





So it has confirmed the stepping revision is C1, so does that mean the processor in my system is either one of the following:

SL6NS 2.80 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron C1 512 KB Micro-FCPGA
SL6GG 2.80 GHz N/A N/A 533 MHz 0.13 micron C1 512 KB Micro-FCPGA



Those articles were informative....they seemed to indicate same stepping may not be necessary, as kmcferrin said....where can i find out which models would be compatible? I cant seem to google copies of those matrix look-up tables for my processor.....

 

[kmcferrin]

Note the difference between stepping and revision. I suspect that if you get to another stepping 7 CPU you'd be set. I don't know if you're hitting eBay, but a lot of times they will post more detailed info (or have a picture where it is readable on the chip).