slot 2 xeons and cache-to-price-to-performance question

[pwnt by pat]

I'm looking to get my server running. A while ago I found an old supermicro super s2ld3 at an expo for 5 bucks and to my amazement, it works. I am looking to get a nice set of cpus for it that are within price reason. What I have found is that a 550 cpu with 2mb cache will run $80 a piece and I can bump the bus from 100 to 133 via jumper netting 731.5mhz. However, two 450's with 512k are $16 a piece and can be made to run at 598.5. I could also get two 933's with 256k cache for about $60 a piece but they won't be able to be overclocked (133 bus stock).

NOW, my question is does the extra $20 per cpu justify the performance boost from 933 to 550 (or 731.5 if the jumper overclocking actually works)? What about the $74 or $44 difference from 450 to 550 or 933 repsectivly?

I am planing on runing multiple game servers, a file server and maybe a small website off of this comp.

[teezer]

well i've played with a few slot 2 xeons ~~~ most fsb i've been able to run is 110 (no post at 112 on any) also have tried with es xeons (multiplier adjustable)~~~ the 550mhz with the 1mb cache is probably the most optimal for the cost and using the p3 instructions ~~~ the 2mb should have an active cooling (fan) and the 1mb and lower can be run with just heatsinks ~~~ rumor has it that doubling your l2 cache adds up to about a 10% speed increase in the system

if your board supports them, and can find a deal .... 900mhz/2mb 100fsb or 700mhz/2mb 100fsb

first dualie?

[pwnt by pat]

Indeed, my first. The board and 450mhz 256cache xeon has been sitting on my dresser for the past four or five months simply because I can't afford ram to even get it running. When I got it, registered pc133 ecc 1gb sticks were over $200 a piece but now they're down to $175.

The 2mb 700's are crazy expensive, being $170 a piece, the 900s - $600...

[teezer]

might want to check your bios as to what ram it will except (1 gb stick?)
also which cpus it'll take ~~~ slot 2 boards are picky

to just play, i'd look for a pair of 450/512k (can find on ebay for under 30$, or less, a pair) and a smaller stick of ram just to bring to life

[pwnt by pat]

The board has four slots and supports upto 4gb of registered ecc pc133. One gig of ram would work for a while until I could upgrade to even more. HMM, apparently the Super s2dl3 requires a special type of registered sd ram which costs about 250 for a gig. I'll email them.