Too Many F@H Cores Running on Core2Duo Machine

[pradeep1]

Misconfigurations with pk's utility to install FAH cores into services has three instances of FAH running on my C2D machine. In idle, the FAH three cores eat up 33% of the total cpu power each. Both CPU cores are maxed out 100% all the time.

I could uninstall and reinstall, but will this make a difference overall?

Are 3 FAH cores shared by 2 CPU cores slower or less efficient than 2 FAH cores shared by 2 CPU cores.

 

[Alyx]

Are you running the SMP version of folding at home? This version is intended for quad core CPUs, so it has 4 processes. It will stilll work the same on a Duel core to my understanding (I use it).

I was also wondering if I'd be better off using 2 standard processes or 1 SMP install for best performance though. I've never tried.

 

[GLeeM]

Three instances on two cores is not recommended. You will not get extra work done and work that is done takes longer to complete.

About the only time there would be an advantage is if the computer is not connected to the internet and you sneakernet WUs back and forth and you will not be able to get back to service the computer for a week, then maybe it would make sense to run more than one to one (so the computer would not sit idle)

The SMP client is still in beta testing, there are some bugs to be worked out yet. If you can closely watch it (several times per day) you could try it. It is a little trickier to set up though and it is a pain to use if you don't have a permanent stable internet connection.

Be warned though: It is not final software yet! I lost two days production yesterday when it errored out after 100% done
I lost 1,148 points!

[19:47:46] Completed 1000000 out of 1000000 steps (100 percent)
[19:47:46] Writing final coordinates.
[19:47:51] CoreStatus = 7B (123)
[19:47:51] Client-core communications error: ERROR 0x7b
[19:47:51] Deleting current work unit & continuing...

It gives so much better points per day that I am still ahead then if I was running two regular clients.

 

[pradeep1]

Yeah, I played around with the SMP version, but could not get it to work properly. In the FAQ, they recommend using it for quad cores right now until the bugs get worked out of it.

 

[Uppsala9496]

I've had it error out a few times myself. Lost 1,523 points on Saturday. oh well. I think I still get more ppd's with the SMP than with running two instances.
Give the SMP a try.

 

[CupCak3]

I haven't tried the windows version yet but the linux smp client has 4 "threads" running at all times even though I only have two cores. Its always worked great for me