With no GPU tasks running, would it be feasible to run O2AS20-500 GW CPU tasks on all (or nearly all) threads with the latest generation of desktop CPUs?
I have Ryzen 3600's (6 core/12/threads) running them on all threads without any issue. I did some tests when I first got them and found that there isn't much speed difference to running 50% or 100% loaded.
I find the DDR4-3200 memory makes a lot of difference. If I run at 2400MHz (the BIOS defaults to it) they take 12 hours. If I set it to 3200MHz, which is what they're rated for, they come in around 10 and 1/2 hours. In comparison my i7-8700's which have DDR4-2666 take 12 hours when using all threads.
Cecht: Obviously BOINC won't let you run more tasks than you have hyperthreads available, that's the limit. If your question is do I need to leave a thread for the O/S the answer may depend on the O/S -- Linux you shouldn't, Doze which version and who knows**. BUT, the biggest factor, other than heat which has been covered, is how much RAM you have*. Each task takes up its own RAM. A good O/S will only load one copy of the code so that doesn't get duplicated. If possible leave at least 40% headroom, or 40% free that way there is no chance of any page file swapping. The other thing I would strongly suggest is that you have the O/S on a SSD drive. That way when, not if, the O/S needs to swap parts of itself in or out it will happen quick. The other thing you may do is set the checkpoint interval higher - longer - so there is less disk I/O where the O/S puts a thread into wait state until the I/O finishes. Of course you want to make sure any magnetic drives don't go into sleep.
*Obviously RAM speed matters immensely, but that depends on the motherboard limits.
**Assuming the machine is crunch only. If it has to do other stuff then you need threads for the other stuff.
In December, I am looking to acquire a pair of HP Z420 boxes, slated for surplus. One of them will replace my LINUX box for BONIC crunching. These boxes have 8 GB of memory and have Xeon 2.67 GHz Quad core processors. The GPU slot is PCIe 3, which should allow my RX-460 GPU a wider bus to work with. Once configured, I may re-enable CPU tasks on that box and run the above experiment on a single CPU.
two years ago I looked at both the Z400 and Z420. However, I was buying motherboards, not systems, and got concerned about using an ATX power supply with the Z420 after reading this. The 420 is superior motherboard and does not have the spacing problem my 400 had with a pair of GPUs in an NZXT case. I had to buy a hybrid kit to cool the upper gtx1070. I also had to wire up an adapter cable for the ATX and upgrade the BIOS for win7 licensing. The first adapter I wired I used 18 gauge and it melted after a few months. I have built a total of 3 using 16 gauge wire for the ATX adapter. I used 750 to 850 watt PSU for my Z400 systems. I recall a pair of 1070's require min 650 to 750 so your GPU options might be limited due to the 600watt PSU on that workstation. The 420 is an excellent motherboard and probably has the correct licensing for win7 and the free upgrade to 10.
I have Ryzen 3600's (6 core/12/threads) running them on all threads without any issue. I did some tests when I first got them and found that there isn't much speed difference to running 50% or 100% loaded.
Depends on the project. The cpu tasks at Seti get massively extended in crunching time if you overcommit your cpu.
cecht wrote:With no GPU tasks
)
I have Ryzen 3600's (6 core/12/threads) running them on all threads without any issue. I did some tests when I first got them and found that there isn't much speed difference to running 50% or 100% loaded.
I find the DDR4-3200 memory makes a lot of difference. If I run at 2400MHz (the BIOS defaults to it) they take 12 hours. If I set it to 3200MHz, which is what they're rated for, they come in around 10 and 1/2 hours. In comparison my i7-8700's which have DDR4-2666 take 12 hours when using all threads.
BOINC blog
Cecht: Obviously BOINC won't
)
Cecht: Obviously BOINC won't let you run more tasks than you have hyperthreads available, that's the limit. If your question is do I need to leave a thread for the O/S the answer may depend on the O/S -- Linux you shouldn't, Doze which version and who knows**. BUT, the biggest factor, other than heat which has been covered, is how much RAM you have*. Each task takes up its own RAM. A good O/S will only load one copy of the code so that doesn't get duplicated. If possible leave at least 40% headroom, or 40% free that way there is no chance of any page file swapping. The other thing I would strongly suggest is that you have the O/S on a SSD drive. That way when, not if, the O/S needs to swap parts of itself in or out it will happen quick. The other thing you may do is set the checkpoint interval higher - longer - so there is less disk I/O where the O/S puts a thread into wait state until the I/O finishes. Of course you want to make sure any magnetic drives don't go into sleep.
*Obviously RAM speed matters immensely, but that depends on the motherboard limits.
**Assuming the machine is crunch only. If it has to do other stuff then you need threads for the other stuff.
Matt White wrote:In December,
)
two years ago I looked at both the Z400 and Z420. However, I was buying motherboards, not systems, and got concerned about using an ATX power supply with the Z420 after reading this. The 420 is superior motherboard and does not have the spacing problem my 400 had with a pair of GPUs in an NZXT case. I had to buy a hybrid kit to cool the upper gtx1070. I also had to wire up an adapter cable for the ATX and upgrade the BIOS for win7 licensing. The first adapter I wired I used 18 gauge and it melted after a few months. I have built a total of 3 using 16 gauge wire for the ATX adapter. I used 750 to 850 watt PSU for my Z400 systems. I recall a pair of 1070's require min 650 to 750 so your GPU options might be limited due to the 600watt PSU on that workstation. The 420 is an excellent motherboard and probably has the correct licensing for win7 and the free upgrade to 10.
re: MarkJ and Gary C. Good
)
re: MarkJ and Gary C. Good info, thanks, especially on memory speed and size, which I hadn't considered.
Ideas are not fixed, nor should they be; we live in model-dependent reality.
Quote:I have Ryzen 3600's (6
)
Depends on the project. The cpu tasks at Seti get massively extended in crunching time if you overcommit your cpu.
If anyone cares to know: I'm
)
If anyone cares to know:
I'm running all rigs with HT OFF and everything is fine !!