Wolf,

It is true that most apps will run on only one processor. However, it is my
understanding that when a new process is started the OS decides which processor
is less busy... which means that no single process can monopolise the machine.

A couple of years ago I replaced a dual PII-450 with a P4-1.4. Surprisingly, the
P4 is not always quicker... and there are times that the P4 has to pause for
thought (usually waiting for data from a slow device or starting up a program)
where the PII did not.

It depends a lot on your requirements. For game systems the money would be better
spent on a fast CPU and a good videocard. For servers you want lots of fast
memory and HD. For heavy development and juggling computationally-expensive tasks
SMP is an advantage.

It's a bit like comparing a 4x4 SUV with a Ferrari. The red sporty number is
quicker under ideal conditions, but can't handle off-roading in the mud very well


Perhaps that is why I run a Dual 1GHz PIII rig at home.

Prang

Wolf Kirchmeir wrote: