Abit BP6, User Manual

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Introduction of BP6 Features 1-7
User’s Manual
1-5. Dual Processor Knowledge You Should Know
The dual processor function of BP6 is a special design for Socket 370 CPUs. The BP6
supports Intel
®
SMP (Symmetric Multiple Processor) specs. It is equipped with two PGA
370 sockets with which you can install two Socket 370 processors. Of course, you can also
install only one Socket 370 processor if you like. A single Socket 370 processor can be
installed in either PGA 370 socket, and no specific boot processor socket needs to be
selected.
To install two Socket 370 processors, we strongly recommend you to use the same speed
CPUs. Otherwise, your system may not operating properly.
For best performance, you should use an OS (Operating System) that supports multi-
processors. The following OSes can support multi-processor functions: Microsoft
Windows

NT (3.5x, 4.x and 5.x), SCO Unix, FreeBSD 3.0 or later, Linux, etc.
Of course, you can use Microsoft Windows

3.1, Windows

95 or Windows

98 but they do
not support the SMP specs, therefore; using two processors will yield the same result as
using a single processor.
Important Notice
!
Based on peripheral specifications and other considerations, the BP6 SMP
(Symmetric Multiple Processor) function is designed for testing only. The BP6
motherboard can’t manage the SMP function alone. It must co-operate with the CPU
and OS that support the SMP function. Therefore, any damage caused by employing
an improper or OS will void the warranty.
!
If you only want to install one socket 370 CPU we suggest you use the CPU1 socket.