Linking computer so they share system resources?

[Hardcore J]

This might be a dumb question, but here it goes anyways..

Is it possible to link 2-3 computers together so that they share system resources?

ie.. linking three 1ghz computers with 256 ram results in the processing power of 3ghz with 732 ram?

If it is possible, how difficult is it? Just something I've always wondered about because I frequently use 100% of my system resources on my desktop and have 2 other computers that usually aren't in use...

[ZakAttack]

The whole does not equal the sum of it's parts in a situation like that. Linking them together would get bottle necked by the communication between the two+ computers. There is such a thing as a beowulf system, linking a lot of out dated computers together, but thats only to accomplish high level scientific and mathematical computations, not to play doom 3.

[Hardcore J]

Originally posted by ZakAttack
The whole does not equal the sum of it's parts in a situation like that. Linking them together would get bottle necked by the communication between the two+ computers. There is such a thing as a beowulf system, linking a lot of out dated computers together, but thats only to accomplish high level scientific and mathematical computations, not to play doom 3.

My goal is actually to be more productive in working, not to play games. However, your response sounds like what I had expected to hear.. Didn't think it was possible, just a thought that I had to increase productivity..

[jas0n]

First off, ZadAttack, it's not nice to tease about the long awaited (and occasionally dreamt about) doom 3 as it's release may never happen...... or so it feels like.

Secondly, zak is right. 3 1 ghz machines wouldn't equaly 3ghz because they are still slower, speed wise. You would have to do some serious engineering to break up tasks equally to find much benefit in that.

Thirdly, quit being a food stamper and go buy a PC. There are always wicked little deals on this site: http://www.gotapex.com . You usually have to jump through a couple hoops to get the prices he has on there but the deals are legit. I just bought this deal for my pop:

DellSB - Dimension 4600 2.4Ghz P4 Desktop with 256MB DDR SDRAM, 64MB nVidia GF4MX AGP, 40GB HD, and FREE MS OfficeBasic 2003 (worth $100) for $499 after Rebate with FREE Shipping!


If you aren't a geek go with a dell. Though, I suggest you pick up a system that supports hyper threading (2.66 Ghz +) as they are truly phat as hell.

[Hardcore J]

Originally posted by jas0n
Thirdly, quit being a food stamper and go buy a PC. There are always wicked little deals on this site: http://www.gotapex.com . You usually have to jump through a couple hoops to get the prices he has on there but the deals are legit. I just bought this deal for my pop:

DellSB - Dimension 4600 2.4Ghz P4 Desktop with 256MB DDR SDRAM, 64MB nVidia GF4MX AGP, 40GB HD, and FREE MS OfficeBasic 2003 (worth $100) for $499 after Rebate with FREE Shipping!

My current comp is a 1.7ghz P4 with 768mb ddr sdram .. I don't think upgrading to a 2.4 ghz w/ 256mb ram will help much

[iroc409]

cluster 6 FreeBSD boxes together. but don't use old stuff, get yourself a cluster of p4 3ghz 1gb ram.