Member Avatar for teradost

I have a Full Tower case, and my system is already built with a Core 2 Duo E6600. I had ordered another E6600 for a client who backed out, and now I'm stuck with the bill.

Instead of building another system with the leftover CPU, I am thinking about using it in my existing system IF I can find a dual-processor motherboard which supports Core 2 Duo processors.

I have looked all over, and most of the mobos are for Xeon CPU's. Please let me know if you are aware of a motherboard which fits the bill.

Thank you

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Chaky

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Short answer: there are no mainstream motherboards that will run two desktop Core 2 Duo (LGA775) processors as a true dual‑CPU SMP system. Desktop Core 2 parts are desktop SKUs validated for single‑socket platforms; multi‑CPU systems are implemented with Intel's server Xeon product line and matching server sockets/chipsets.

Why: dual‑CPU boards require specific electrical pinout, chipset support and BIOS microcode for SMP. Server motherboards and Xeon CPUs are designed and tested together for that purpose. Desktop boards and desktop CPUs use a different platform and are not validated for multi‑socket operation, so you will not find a supported two‑Core2Duo motherboard from major vendors.

Practical alternatives that achieve similar results:

  • Replace the single CPU with a Core 2 Quad (Q66xx/Q93xx family) if the board and BIOS support it — that gives more cores in the same socket without a second CPU.
  • Build a second single‑CPU system (use the spare E6600) or put it into a small home server / test rig.
  • Buy a dual‑socket server board and two matched Xeon processors if true SMP is required (more cost, different socket/chipset).
  • Sell or trade the spare CPU if none of the above are attractive.

Checklist before any upgrade or purchase: verify the motherboard CPU support list (QVL) and required BIOS version; confirm VRM/power capability for higher TDP parts; on multi‑CPU boards always use matched processors recommended by the vendor. — given the parts you already have, replacing with a compatible quad‑core or building a second machine will usually be the fastest and cheapest way to make use of the extra E6600. — thanks for digging around; the platform segmentation you found is exactly why a dual‑Core2Duo option does not exist.

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Member Avatar for Chaky

Intel D975XBX (BIOS 1181)


Alos couple of them .

Member Avatar for teradost

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, but I am looking for a motherboard which support Two Core2Duo processors.

Thanks again

Member Avatar for Chaky

Sorry, I thought you were looking for another mobo. My bad.

I've looked around, and (like you said) no dual processor mobos for Core2duo. As I was browsing the net, I remembered a news flash from some time ago. During the PIII era, there I read somewhere that Intel finally released PIII processor that is capable of working in parallel with another CPU(s). Until then the CPUs were deliberately unable to work in multi-processor surroundings. That way Intel ensured it's position in the market as the pace maker. Otherwise, mobo manufacturers would start making dual, triple, quad... CPU mobos and there will no longer be a need for Intel to make bigger-faster-better-CPUs (and sell them, off course).

I wouldn't be too surprised if the history repeated it self here and now with Core2duo processors, however contradictory it may sound.

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