I am planning to upgrade my Dell 700mhz desktop to dual processors, and maybe add some more ram. I was wondering, is it possible that, by some twist of fate, my system would become unstable because of inexplicable hardware conflicts, etc., or will I be okay as long as I stick to hardware that got good reviews from reliable sources?
In general hardware upgrades are pretty safe. Adding memory is an especially simple procedure that should have no detrimental effect on your system (you don’t need drivers loaded for memory…it just works). The only thing to watch with memory is getting the right stuff to match what you already have. Error correcting, Mhz speed rating, etc… There used to be a day when memory was memory but it’s no longer so simple.
Dual processors should likewise cause no trouble but one has to ask why you’d spend money on this? Dual processor or greater system are currently relegated for niche uses…generally server class or high-end engineering workstations.
For a dual processor system to work you MUST have Windows NT or Windows 2000. Windows 95/98 will NOT recognize the second processor. It won’t hurt having it in the under 95/98 but it literally won’t do anything.
Also, even if you have Windows NT and dual processors the software you are using MUST be written specifically to take advantage of a second processor. Most general software is not written to take advantage of this. Some heavy duty database programs and scientific/engineering or CAD/CAM programs will use this.
I’m not saying don’t add a second processor but be clear on what you will get out of it.
One last note. Before making ANY serious changes/upgrades to your system BACKUP IMPORTANT DATA (to a removable storage medium)! Chances are nothing will happen but anything is possible and this is a prudent step. I’ve been a computer engineer for 5 years and trust me you only need to get bitten on the ass once before the wisdom of doing that really drives itself home.
Well, actually I use linux, and because I do programming, 3d modeling, etc. I would like to have the added benefit of two processors under the hood. I know that at least one of the programs I have is made to take advantage of dual processors, and it would certainly be nice to be able to compile a program at the same time as playing a game to pass the time, and stuff like that. As for backing up my data, my plan is to add the new motherboard, upgrade everything that I want to, and then format my drives and do fresh installations of Win2000 and linux.