The BeBox Circa 2001

Want to build the ultimate BeOS Dream Machine?

Mr. Palmer would not approve if we suggested anything less than a multi-processor design. BeOS is known for its SMP abilities, so it would be an unforgivable oversight not to take advantage of them. Besides, switching CPU's on and off on the fly - now that's the ultimate geek experience! So, we will go ahead and recommend a dual-Intel Pentium III configuration. Why Pentium III, you might ask? Well, we are going to answer that question in the next paragraph, but if you are growing impatient, feel free to skip it.

Anyway, let's look at all the other CPU options. First of all there are no PowerPC G4-compliant motherboards that are available in retail, so obviously we are stuck with the x86 platform. Secondly, while processors made by AMD generally offer better price/performance ratios than those from Intel, it is still impossible to build a dual-Athlon machine. Hopefully, that will change later this year and perhaps BeOS will start supporting AMD-specific 3DNow! instructions as well. Thirdly, as far as Celerons go, there is currently no easy way to utilize them in a dual-CPU configuration. Due to the fact that the acclaimed Abit BP6 motherboard is no longer produced, you will have to mess around with Slot-1 to Socket-370 "slocket" adapters, but it takes a brave soul to embark upon such an adventure. Lastly, the new Pentium 4 is not only priced sky high, but also does not even support SMP quite yet. All in all, Pentium III is pretty much the only game in town.

Now, there are plenty of motherboard chipset choices that can accommodate two Pentium III's. Options include Intel 820/840, Intel 440BX/GX, ServerWorks ServerSet III LE/HE, and Via Apollo Pro133A. However, of all of these, only the last one is geared for the desktop PC market, provides modern functionality, and works with mainstream (meaning: inexpensive) memory types. We could talk about the issues associated with selecting a motherboard for hours, but that would probably bore you to death. However, if you would like to educate yourself on all the available choices, feel free to click here.

But we are not done yet! There are two distinct kinds of Pentium III CPUs that are being offered. The more "traditional" cartridge packaging for high-end Intel processors is Slot-1, but the chip giant is supposedly doing away with it. Instead, the less expensive Socket-370 configuration is gradually taking over the market, so we are recommending it instead. Luckily, the first Socket-370 dual-processor motherboards based on the Via chipset started to appear on the market a few months ago.

One particular board that just came out is Abit VP6. It has been getting really glowing reviews lately and is being often regarded as the hottest motherboard around. According to StreetPrices, one of these beauties can be had for as little as $152. Alternatively, you could save yourself about $30 if you buy a Micro-Star 694D Pro. The latter is another outstanding offering that foregoes RAID capability, which is not supported by BeOS anyway.

If for whatever reason you still favor Slot-1 processors, cannot live without ISA slots, or strongly prefer to use a motherboard that is officially supported, consider a similarly priced Tyan Tiger 100 (a.k.a. S1832DL). However, you must keep in mind that this board is based on an older Intel 440BX chipset and therefore only supports 100MHz system and memory buses.

As for the processor speeds, they now go up to 1.1GHz, but the price/performance "sweet spot" is still somewhere below the coveted Gigahertz mark. Right now, it is being occupied by Pentium III FCPGA 800MHz, which go for about $168 a piece. However, make sure that you are getting the kind that supports the faster 133MHz front side bus, or else you could be seriously missing out on raw speed. That is of course unless you go for a BX-based motherboard, in which case you should probably pick up a pair of 800MHz SECC2 chips with 100MHz FSB, which sell for about $184 each.

While we are on the subject of performance, let's talk about memory. We suggest a minimum of 256MB PC133 SDRAM. Please note that this memory is supposedly backwards compatible with older motherboards, such as the above mentioned Tiger 100, although it would only perform as if it were clocked at just 100MHz. However, if you really insist on sticking with proper system design guidelines, you must match BX-based motherboards with PC100 RAM.