Dual Xeon, Different Steppings

[Rizzlar]

Hi,

I have a Tyan Thunder 7520i motherboard
I am looking to buy two processors form a firend, but they have different steppings is this a problem?
one is a
Intel Xeon 3.0ghz 800mhz, 1mb L2, stepping SL7TC
the other is
Intel Xeon 3.0ghz, 800mhz, 1mb L2, stepping SL7PE
Are they compatible with eachother?

Thanks
James

[Marcin]

I think there is problem. In my mind only identical stepping two CPUs can work correctly.

[CPUShack]

Only identical steppings are validated as working by Intel.

Others may work (I have done it with older systems, but no guarentees)

[Marcin]

Like CPUShack said in old systems there is chance to work. Example : my server Compaq Proliant 5000 work with 4 x Pentium Pro 200 MHz. I used two different pairs. System see 4 CPUs, performance at work stand as with 4 CPUs. In new server CPUs there is no chance

[Rizzlar]

Thanks for your advice!

and for your really speedy replys

Thanks again
James

[gshv]

If I'm not mistaken both processors have the same CPUID (0F41h), so they should work together. Download specification update from this page on Intel site:
http://www.intel.com/design/xeon/specupdt/302402.htm.

You'll find information about mixing different steppings of Xeon processor on page 10.

Gennadiy