Win2K and F@H

[blert]

I have the opportunity to purchase very cheaply a few cpu/mobo combos from some upgrades a client is doing at work that have the following:

ASRock ALIVENF6G-VSTA mobo
X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz AM2 cpu
1 GB of DDR2667 or DDR2800 mem
I can get 3-4 of these for way less than the cost of a good quad core set up.... reason I am considering them is the cpus have decent performance with very low wattage (65W).

The bundles include a legit/legal copy of Win2K/ SP4 with COA for each one that is bound to the motherboard....

Question is, would I be better off running with a version of Linux (say- SUSE 10.3 or another recommended version) on this setup or will the Win2K be fine. Personally I would like to stick with the windoze OS as it is pretty much click, click and go... but if there is a significant amount of PPD I can gain I'll attempt the switch.

Would be running the SMP client on these of course.

FYI- I am a totally frustrated noob when it comes to Linux- have attempted to use Ubuntu and other versions of Linux, tried to run different several versions of folding clients with no success at all on my other Folding rigs, so at this point the MS OS's are definitely my comfort zone...

Willing to try to change if the PPD are worth it!

Team rank #318 and climbing!!

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[Markfw]

I went from 1000 ppd to 1275 ppd, not a great increase. Up to you, win2k is a fine OS.

 

[Insidious]

I'd try the win2K first. Linux really isn't worth the trouble unless you are running SMP clients on multicore PCs

-Sid

(I got very frustrated with Ubuntu also)

 

[GLeeM]

Originally posted by: blert
Team rank #318 and climbing!!

I've noticed, you're doing great!

biodoc (and others) have done some guides to Linux. I would guess you could get lots of help here, seems our Linux gurus are tireless :beer:

Should be able to set up dual boot so you can always go back to W2K if Linux seems like too much trouble. Maybe try on one first?

Or you could wait for the first electric bill after adding 3-4 computers to see if the extra points might make you feel better.

 

[biodoc]

Originally posted by: GLeeM

Originally posted by: blert
Team rank #318 and climbing!!

I've noticed, you're doing great!

biodoc (and others) have done some guides to Linux. I would guess you could get lots of help here, seems our Linux gurus are tireless :beer:

Should be able to set up dual boot so you can always go back to W2K if Linux seems like too much trouble. Maybe try on one first?

Or you could wait for the first electric bill after adding 3-4 computers to see if the extra points might make you feel better.

The real advantage of linux is on Quads. Others have report marginal gains on dual cores or slightly slower with one SMP client running when compared to Windows. Ubuntu is a challenge to install whereas Debian is much easier. Debian is the free version of RedHat. If you decide to try, make sure you download the x86-64 bit version so you can run the 64-bit SMP client.

If these are dedicated crunch boxes and you don't care about sound, printing, etc., then linux is a good choice because the linux SMP client is very stable IMHO. Borked WUs are extremely rare.

Scottv67 runs Debian, I believe so maybe he can relate his experience.

I'd be glad to help & nice job crunching for the TeAm!!
:beer:

 

[blert]

Thanks everyone for your input!
I'll be building a dedicated quad core cruncher after the first of the year and will use that as a test box for all of your suggestions, especially installing Debian... I've heard nothing but good things about it's ease of use for noobs such as me. Windows it is I guess until I can figure out the vocabulary for using these types of OS's.

But it pains me so to see potential research (and points ) dribble away.....