One last question on this topic. Are you running the dual processor in Windows or Linux? I find that Linux is far superious in utilizing the dual processors over Windows. I use both in my environment, and I find that alot of Windows application have difficulty or is impossible to fully utilize the second processor.
The dual processor environment I had experience with was a Win2k3 dell blade server. But my friend's reasearch was all unix-based and using x86 compatible chips. And 50% was the best case scenario. The real-world usage was much less. Even with advances in chips, designs, and software, I would think we're only closer to that 50% for real-world usage. But again, if the costs are only 50% more and you're getting 50% more gain, then the price/performance ratio is fine. And I believe that a dual setup would work in your case, but what I'd be afraid of is for how long. The cost and headache of upgrading the hardware is much more than the hardware itself for a high usage site like yours. A dual setup wouldn't be worth it if it only lasts a year before another major upgrade.
09-06-2004, 05:34 AM
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