Dual Core opterons upgradeable to quad-core?

[tricky]

Am I right in thinking that if we go for a dual-proc dual-core Opteron based render node, we will be able to easily upgrade just the procs to quad-core when (if?) they come out next year?

[DanielBrew]

I looked into this because our renderfarm uses 270s.

It says here you can:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/..._14309,00.html

but you must buy a system with a socket F motherboard and the new dual core processors (not 270, 275, 280s etc). I don't know how easy it as to get hold of these at the moment though... anyone?

Dan

[crossbow]

Keep in mind that many times manufacturers will state things like...

"Socket F will be compatible with chip X"

But fail to mention that the specific chipset and hardware requirements will be on a board to board basis. Once these requirements are handed off to the board manufacturers, it's up to them to implement them for future board revisions.

ie, just because you have a socket F dual processor motherboard, doesn't necessarily mean it'll run a quad core processor. What generally happens is the board WILL run whatever new processor comes out, but only if you have a particular revision of the motherboard. These revisions occur at somepoint after the manufacturers recieve the final technical data for the processors.

Sometimes you get lucky, and you can upgrade just with a bios flash, but sometimes you're just SOL. Whether its one or the other is usually determined by the amount of changes necessary to support the new processors.

[jujubee]

Usually it's a simple BIOs update just like the dual cores.

[jujubee]

I probably should add that I never had any issues with upgrading Socket 939s when they switched over to Dual Core operability.

[crossbow]

It all depends on the technical requirements. As I said before, you could get lucky, or you could get screwed.

If there isn't a major change, and the motherboard manufacturer followed or exceeded the original specs, bios flash.

If voltage requirements change, and/or the motherboard manufacturer met the minimum original specs, replacement.