Joe, I just built a new machine a week ago, so I'm somewhat current on what's out there. My first question is: Why 2.4 GHz? Is this an old processor that you're putting into a new mobo? For music, especially for real-time, you need balanced speed (speed everywhere). As far as I could determine, the 2.4 GHz processor has a 400/533 MHz FSB whereas the 2.6 GHz processor has 400/533/800. The 800 MHz FSB requires two sticks of memory (inserted properly), but it would be significantly faster than what you are considering, not because of the 0.2 Hz clock speed increase, but due to the FSB speed. The 2.6 GHz processor can also use the 865PE or 875P chipset-based mobo's to full advantage. If you can do it, I would highly recommend that you reconsider choice of processor if at all possible (and assuming that you're serious about music apps --- or gaming or anything that requires speed). The reason I mention this is that you brought up dual-CPU mobo's. You can almost get that performance increase compared to what you are asking about by reconsidering the processor and memory. If you need to stick with the processor, then I'll have to let someone else help out, not being familiar with other combinations. Good luck! Dave.