Base systems and peripherals for Iris computers

MP 320 Question

      I’m currently looking to upgrade my original dual 350 PII’s to
dual PIII’s…

      From previous posts I understand that the new CPU’s have to be the
same stepping number for one thing, however do they have to have the
same stepping number as the original CPU’s in my 320…i.e. 2  ?     I
called SGI and they said yes, however the tech didn’t seem like they
were totally sure.  After calling around for prices no one yet will
confirm that they could ship a specific stepping number…

   Does anyone know what I’m talking about…?

                   Thanks for any info, Tony

posted by admin in Uncategorized and have Comments (4)

4 Responses to “MP 320 Question”

  1. admin says:

    Tony Kafenhaus wrote:

    >       I’m currently looking to upgrade my original dual 350 PII’s to
    > dual PIII’s…

    >       From previous posts I understand that the new CPU’s have to be the
    > same stepping number for one thing, however do they have to have the
    > same stepping number as the original CPU’s in my 320…i.e. 2  ?

    *Compatible* stepping numbers. From developer.intel.com:

    Can I upgrade a single-processor configuration to a dual-processor
    configuration later?

    Yes. It is recommended, but not required, that the speed, voltage and
    stepping of the second processor match that of the first processor.
    Refer to
    the Pentium III or Pentium III Xeon processor Specification Update
    (spec update) for the latest information on what combination of
    processors
    function properly together. This document can be located at

    http://developer.intel.com/design/pentiumiii/specupdt/


    <standard disclaimer: these are my personal views, not SGI’s>
    Alexis Cousein                  a…@brussels.sgi.com
    Systems Engineer                SGI Belgium

  2. admin says:

    Thanks for pointing me to the FAQ Alexis…  It answered a few questions,
    though not all.  In your opinion do I have to worry about the new processors
    having the same stepping number as my original dual 350′s…?   (i.e. is this
    SGI specific requirement)   Or do I simply (as the Intel data sheet would
    suggest) have to make sure the new processors have the same stepping number,
    whatever that may be.

                     Thanx again, Tony

    - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

    Alexis Cousein wrote:
    > Tony Kafenhaus wrote:

    > >       I’m currently looking to upgrade my original dual 350 PII’s to
    > > dual PIII’s…

    > >       From previous posts I understand that the new CPU’s have to be the
    > > same stepping number for one thing, however do they have to have the
    > > same stepping number as the original CPU’s in my 320…i.e. 2  ?

    > *Compatible* stepping numbers. From developer.intel.com:

    > Can I upgrade a single-processor configuration to a dual-processor
    > configuration later?

    > Yes. It is recommended, but not required, that the speed, voltage and
    > stepping of the second processor match that of the first processor.
    > Refer to
    > the Pentium III or Pentium III Xeon processor Specification Update
    > (spec update) for the latest information on what combination of
    > processors
    > function properly together. This document can be located at

    > http://developer.intel.com/design/pentiumiii/specupdt/

    > —
    > <standard disclaimer: these are my personal views, not SGI’s>
    > Alexis Cousein                  a…@brussels.sgi.com
    > Systems Engineer                SGI Belgium

  3. admin says:

    To tell you the truth I don’t think there are that many different
    steppings with the P2 and even P3s when compared with original PPro.

    Oh and you know something.. you want to upgrade from P2 -> P3!!! on BOTH
    of them right?? of course the stepping number would be different..
    stepping are analogous to revision numbers..

    Just make sure that your pair of P3s are the same stepping numbers it
    would be fine. the CPU*s*’ has to be the same stepping number. (note where
    the ‘ is)

    godwin
    Tony Kafenhaus (to…@pacbell.net) wrote:

    :       I’m currently looking to upgrade my original dual 350 PII’s to
    : dual PIII’s…

    :       From previous posts I understand that the new CPU’s have to be the
    : same stepping number for one thing, however do they have to have the
    : same stepping number as the original CPU’s in my 320…i.e. 2  ?     I
    : called SGI and they said yes, however the tech didn’t seem like they
    : were totally sure.  After calling around for prices no one yet will
    : confirm that they could ship a specific stepping number…

    :    Does anyone know what I’m talking about…?

    :                    Thanks for any info, Tony

  4. admin says:

    Tony Kafenhaus wrote:

    > Thanks for pointing me to the FAQ Alexis…  It answered a few questions,
    > though not all.  In your opinion do I have to worry about the new processors
    > having the same stepping number as my original dual 350′s…?

    Not more than with any other Intel machine — the URL included at the
    end the Intel blurb I gave you *is* the authoritative source for info
    about stepping compatibility from Intel, if you care to actually *read*
    the pdf referenced.

    >  (i.e. is this
    > SGI specific requirement)

    No.

    >  Or do I simply (as the Intel data sheet would
    > suggest) have to make sure the new processors have the same stepping number,
    > whatever that may be.

    The Intel data sheet "recommends" this, but there’s a URL at the end for
    people who’re interested in pursuing different paths (finding the exact
    same stepping for an older Pentium II/III is nontrivial).


    <standard disclaimer: these are my personal views, not SGI’s>
    Alexis Cousein                  a…@brussels.sgi.com
    Systems Engineer                SGI Belgium