As we know, for dual-processor servers and workstation Intel has specially developed a whole Xeon CPU line. However, this fact hasn’t prevented Intel from allowing Pentium III and some Celeron to be used in dual-processor configurations, though without Intel’s "authorization".
A similar situation now exists with Pentium 4. As we wrote in our Pentium 4 (Northwood) review, modern Pentium 4 2.0A GHz and 2.2 GHz CPUs are equipped with all the necessary units to support duality. Apart from the on-chip APIC hardware, they support Hyper-Threading technology, which is theoretically intended for servers only. Here arrives a natural question: how come there are no mainboards with two Socke478 or at least with a possibility to enable Hyper-Threading in the BIOS Setup. The answer is really simple: yet there are no chipsets for Pentium 4 CPUs, which would support duality or Hyper-Threading technology. The only chipset which boasts both these qualities is i860, but all the i860 based mainboards are equipped with Socket603 and are non-compatible with Pentium 4 CPUs.
However, there are some hopes for the better. It’s quite possible that in spring we’ll see Dual Socket478 mainboards. As we learnt, VIA is now developing a chipset with Dual Pentium 4 support. This is a DDR333 chipset known as P4X333. The specifications of VIA P4X33 read: "Support dual P4 CPU". The new chipset is expected to be announced this March at CeBIT.
Speaking about the other characteristics of VIA P4X333, we can add that it will support 400/533MHz Quad Pumped Bus, DDR266/333, AGP 8x and V-Link bus with double bandwidth of 533MB/sec. P4X333 will comprise a new South Bridge (VT8235) supporting up to six USB 2.0 ports and ATA133 protocol.
However promising the above given news sounds, the situation with Dual Pentium 4 support can change any moment. VIA has once tried to launch a chipset disfavored by Intel, the notorious P4X266. The claims that followed are yet not settled. P4X333 with Dual Pentium 4 support will be another product of the kind to be disliked by Intel again. So, if VIA and Intel come to an agreement before P4X333 arrives, dual-processor support in this chipset will be disabled. Otherwise VIA won’t miss another chance to irritate Intel and we’ll meet a really smart product.