Hey everyone here is the deal. I am now with 2 good AMD processors from when my primary system died. This is because it was a MB that died and not the processor as it had appeared. One is an Athelon XP 2600+ and the other is a Semperon 2600+. My question is which is a better processor or are they exactly the same. They both do run on the same bus speeds and all. I am assuming Semperon being the new name for the 32bit processors because Athelon is AMD's name for their premier processors and those are 64bit.

The reason why I am asking is I want to update my firewall / router / web/ mail system to not only work as that but also as my primary linux system. This is opposed to dual booting on one good system seeing I can't completely get rid of Winblows for some valid application issues such as certain development environments I am still required to code in along with the fun reasons like games that only run in that crappy buggy virtual memory hogging rip off of a rip off.

I want to retire this system, my current firewall, etc to just a file server on the network along with an occasional testing server. It is a PII 266 overclocked as a 333 and has been running now constantly for well over 7 years. It is time to give light duty to the old girl and put her out to pasture serving in a lot lighter capacity.

I was possibly thinking about picking up one more of either processor and make an smp setup as a linux box any suggestion on MB and which processors out of the 2 would be appreciated as well. I would definitely think under those multiple demand the smp setup would be better due to all of the services and their demand. Just my reasoning on this question.

I want to thank anyone and everyone for input and help ahead of time on this one.

Oh another thing I did do a little research into finding a smp board and here is the deal. I have found a couple of boards but they only have support listed for Athelon MP or XP no mention of Semperons. I am building two very high end system, well one is already minus a MB. It is just a matter of 2 single processor or 1 single and 1 multiprocessor.

Both will have:
1.5GB of ram (1 does already Athelon that MB died)
Already have Radeon 9000 All In Wonder for one
Another Radeon All in Wonder for the other system that I am going to choose by the hcl, Newer model ofcourse .
Both, 1 already has 2 120GB Seagate UDMA 133 due to my storage needs (Too early for SATA for me)
Upgrade sb live 5.1 and 1 new to SB live audigy for both.

Alright dude, I've done some research and hear's what I've found.

Six in one half a dozen in the other. With the exception of the Sempron 3100+ The Semprons are the Athlon XP processors with a name change. The Athlon XP series is being removed and the semprons are taking their place in the 32-bit processor market while the Athlon name is being placed on the 64-bit systems. Also from what I read (once again with the exception of the 3100+) all semprons will work in the Athlon XP Motherboards.

Now your probably wondering what makes the Sempron 3100+ so special. The 3100+ is an Athlon 64 3100+ without the 64-bit instructions, but has all of the other features. The 3100+ is good if you build a computer but don't have the money to buy a 64-bit processor because it can swapped out for the Athlon 64 3400+ and 3700+.

The reason for the name change is to get rid of the aging (and failed) Duron series. Since most upper-middle and high end AMD machines now use the 64-bit processors which can be fairly expensive they need a processor for lower-middle and budget machines. The Sempron is basically AMD's answer to the long standing Intel Celeron series.

If you want more info check out this article

jchance; while u r at it, check with amd for nitty gritty on those processors & what ever else they would have as far as preformance on new mb with ur devices.
after all they have avested interest in thier product , should shed some light on ur quest? worth the try.

Zuggy I want to thank you for giving the info. From what I had read about a month ago on AMD's site it lead me to believe this but I wasn't sure. I figured someone would have a better grasp on the low down.

Penguin4 very good point I should drop them an email about it. I am hoping to get everything lined up asap for this and they would definitly be able to give me the run down in more detail answering anything I am curious about. I am looking to get the sweetest of sweet linux boxes set up and running, better then what I would use for Winblows anyday.

JC; that would make a nice xmas gift 4 U!

Penguin4 I know man. The only reason why it isn't built yet is due to me getting laid off for a couple of weeks. Now that i am employed again for more $$$ then the job that laid me off I should be caught up bill wise and ready to build right before or after christmas. I think after so I can try to get a bit more for my buck.

I went looking at cnet in the hardware section of the site. There are surprisingly quite a few smp boards for Athelon and Opteron 64bit processors. Most interchangable between them. It takes a bit of weeding out for the Athelon 32bit and Semperons. Nothing listed as workable with the Semperon but that could be a lack of information updates on these products seeing that they are supposed to be totally interchangable.

I am going to go to a few shops in the area who specialize in AMD for their systems of choice and t6alk to them about the board situation. I am sure they will be able to help me find one. Let them lay them infront of me and then go online to see how much here I can get it for. If it is close to the shop just get it at the shop. Although 64bit is in my future.

The findings of all these smp AMD 64bit boards definitly got me thinking for a system before summer. Well that depends if I have my 55 shot of nitrous before then. That is a top priority for the drag track this summer. I am trying to get some sponsors who showed interest at the track signed up, a better top speed and time I know will take care of that. They were shocked what I am getting out of my stock, fully loaded, and heavy 3rd gen Eclipse GT. All the bells and whistles of the premium package add a lot of weight. I don't want to get rid of the bells and whistles to save weight so spray is gonna be the way....lol