What kernel to use?

[AndreL]

Should one use a "smp" kernel with dual core processors?

Thanks.

[xmixahlx]

YES!


apt-cache search linux-image-2.6|grep smp
linux-headers-2.6.16-2-686-smp - Header files for Linux kernel 2.6.16 on PPro/Celeron/PII/PIII/P4 SMP machines
linux-headers-2.6.16-2-k7-smp - Header files for Linux kernel 2.6.16 on AMD K7 SMP machines
linux-image-2.6-686-smp - Linux kernel 2.6 image on PPro/Celeron/PII/PIII/P4 SMP machines - transition package
linux-image-2.6-k7-smp - Linux kernel 2.6 image on AMD K7 SMP machines - transition package
linux-image-2.6.16-2-686-smp - Linux kernel 2.6.16 image on PPro/Celeron/PII/PIII/P4 SMP machines
linux-image-2.6.16-2-k7-smp - Linux kernel 2.6.16 image on AMD K7 SMP machine

[AndreL]

YES!
Thanks!

[kmoffat]

Are these dual core processors worth the $$? Any caveats with linux?

[AndreL]

Are these dual core processors worth the $$? Any caveats with linux?I guess that if programs would also be compiled for it, then it could really make a difference... But only the OS? I don't know.

[uteck]

Applications do not need to be compiled for SMP, but they need to be written to thread properly. Many of the key Linux apps are written to thread properly, (Apache, MySQL, PostgreSQL, X.org), but even on a single cpu, threading can improve performance since different instructions can be processed simulatiasly.
Otherwise, it mainly depends on your usage. I would like a dual cpu, but I hardly push my current unit, so it would not do much but inflate my ego and deflate my wallet. If your system is regularly running at near max capacity then you will see an improvement.

[xmixahlx]

look at the AMD 64 X2 processors: the WINDSOR (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=50001028+2010340343+1050921012&Subcategory=343&description=&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=) core is what you want. [NEWEGG]

AM2 Socket, Dual Core, 4200+ is the sweet spot


later