What should you do when adding a second processor to your dual-processor system?

When adding a second processor to a dual-processor system, it is essential to match the speed of the new processor with the speed of the existing processor. This is because processors in a multi-CPU system often work in tandem, and having mismatched speeds can lead to performance issues. The system may default to the speed of the slower processor, which means that the overall performance benefits of adding a second processor could be diminished if the two processors operate at different speeds.

Additionally, in many cases, motherboards designed for dual-processor systems are able to handle this compatibility as long as the processors are of the same family and speed. Ensuring both processors are the same speed can facilitate effective load balancing and improve overall system stability. This attention to detail in matching processor specifications is critical for achieving optimal performance in multi-processor configurations.