Performance optimizations for DC?

[tbates757]

Are there any tweaks to make crunching faster? Any particular OS (currently running XP Pro) that is most efficient? Linux? Win 9x, 2000? Any tips would be greatly appreciated to crank out Cands!

 

[Baldy18]

I've heard Linux is 25-75% faster. Other than that make sure power saving functions and screensavers are off and RAM timings are set as fast as they will go reliably.

 

[MereMortal]

And don't run with the java agent open!

 

[tbates757]

is that true? linux runs d2ol 25-75 percent faster? where can i find a d2ol linux installer?

 

[GeoffS]

:Q 25-75% faster?!?! :Q

/me searches for that Linux distro CD! 🙂

Geoff

 

[MereMortal]

Well, yes, how do think I keep up with GeoffS with only 7 nodes? 😉

 

[tbates757]

which distro is the best? or does it really make a difference?

 

[m0ti]

Well, if it's pure performance your after, you should probably go Gentoo.

You can compile nearly everything and optimize it for your compiler in a very intuitive manner (once your system is up).

Installation isn't the easiest, though.

I wouldn't recommend it for a newbie.

 

[tbates757]

Well I guess I'll buy a small hard drive and install Linux then, does the hard drive speed (rpm's) make a difference in DC or is it strickly CPU driven?

 

[ProviaFan]

As long as you have enough memory (128MB or more should do well), the hard disk won't make a whole lot of difference. Just get a cheap one; 10GB at 5400RPM with ATA/66 would probably be plenty.

Concerning a Linux distro to get you started, I'd suggest either the latest version of Redhat or Mandrake. Use one of those until you get comfortable with the command line (it will take a while, so don't get discouraged and give up), and by then you'll be wanting to move to something like Debian or Gentoo.

 

[GeoffS]

Okay... so if I install Linux on all my WinBlows boxes and reinstall the engine, does this mean I will have to use new node numbers?

Geoff