Introduction

Future Power Celeron SMP?

Intel has already stated that it won't support Celeron processors that are used in SMP configurations. Intel has made it clear that operating a Celeron processor in a dual setup will void your warranty. This might be the reason why we aren't seeing any OEM dual Celeron systems on the market.

Then again, there isn't exactly a huge demand for dual Celeron systems out there. Most multiple CPU systems are servers, and most companies will chose a dual Xeon or P3 configuration (or something more powerful) over the Celerons because companies are skittish about buying unproven technology.

Dual Celeron systems might be attractive workstations, but are companies willing to risk putting mission critical data on a dual Celeron server? Only small businesses would seriously consider a dual Celeron server. In addition to the small business market, a small portion of the PC and game enthusiast market would also be interested in dual Celeron systems.

Angry Gorilla?

Why risk making Intel angry for such a small market segment? Wait, does Intel even care? Abit got away with making the BP6. If Abit was willing to make a dual Celeron board, that leads us to believe Intel is only mildly annoyed with Celeron SMP. From a spectator's point of view, we can see how releasing the BP6 would probably put less strain on Abit's relationship with Intel than other possible actions such as kicking Craig Barrett in the groin or making an Athlon motherboard.

Whether it's the small market or Intel's disapproval, it doesn't really matter why OEMs have decided to pass on Celeron SMP because there is one vendor that is making a Dual Celeron box: Future Power.

Back in August, Future Power announced two Dual Millennium model PCs based on the dual Celeron configuration. Future power is targeting PC power users, gamers, home networks, and small businesses. That's basically the entire market available for dual Celeron systems right now. You probably won't find any dual Celeron workstations in corporate America until Intel announces official support for Celeron SMP, and you can bet that Intel's not going to back a low margin product in the lucrative server market.

We managed to get our hands on the Future Power Dual Millennium power user/gamer system, and we're putting it up against the firingsquad.