How to Add Support for Multiple Processors in Windows

Increase computing power with multiple processors.

Of the Microsoft Windows operating systems typically installed on home computers only Windows XP Professional with Service Pack two or higher, Vista Business, Vista Enterprise, Vista Ultimate, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, and Windows 7 Ultimate, support two physical CPUs and support multi-core processors. All other home use Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems also support multi-core processors, but do not support multiple physical CPUs and cannot be made to support multiple processors. Adding an additional processor to Windows is not difficult, but you must use an operating system that has support for multiple processors.

Things You'll Need

• Windows-based PC with Windows XP Professional Service Pack two or higher, Vista Business, Vista Enterprise, Vista Ultimate, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, or Windows 7 Ultimate installed.

Instructions

1. Determine if the Windows operating system running on your computer has support for multiple processors by reviewing the list above. If your operating system supports multiple CPUs proceed to step 2. If your operating system does not support multiple processors you must install an operating system that does.

2. Determine if the computer motherboard supports multiple processors. The motherboard will need to have a slot to add the additional processor. If unsure, check with the manufacturer. If your motherboard supports multiple processors proceed to step three. If your motherboard does not support multiple processors you will need to purchase a motherboard that does.

3. Determine the speed and stepping of your current processor. Click on the Windows "Start" button. Click on "Settings" and choose "Control Panel" from the menu presented. The control panel will open. Click on "System" and the "System Properties" window will open. Click on the "Hardware" tab and then click the "Device Manager" button. The device manager window will open. Expand the "Processors" entry in the tree display. Right click on the displayed processor and click "Properties" from the displayed menu. The processor information will be displayed. Multiple processor configurations in Windows require that if more than one CPU is installed that all of the CPUs be the same speed and the same stepping.

4. Purchase a processor with the same speed and stepping as your currently installed processor.

5. Install any BIOS updates or driver updates to the motherboard, if desired, before the new processor is installed.

6. Turn off and unplug the computer.

7. Open the computer case by removing the screws that hold the side panel to the case. Remove the side panel to expose the motherboard.

8. Install an additional processor. Add thermal grease to the bottom of the new processor and seat the processor in the available CPU slot on the mother board.

9. Install cooling device on processor. Install a new fan and heat sink, or a liquid cooler, on the new processor.

10. Close the computer case by reattaching the side panel to the case with the screws removed in step seven.

11. Plug in and restart the computer. When the computer restarts Windows Plug and Play will detect the new processor and complete the installation automatically. The computer processing power has just been significantly enhanced by adding an additional processor to the system.

References

• Microsoft: How to Add Processors to a Computer that is Running Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
• Microsoft: Microsoft Volume Licensing; Multicore Processor Licensing
• Microsoft: Multiple Processors (Windows)