Which is the best CPU configuration?

Of 4 cores : 2 running at 100% or 4 running at 50% ?

Of 4 cores : 2 running at 100% or 4 running at 50% ?

The i3-380M has 2 physical cores but with hyperthreading can run as 4 logical cores (4 threads per Intel's convention).

The "2 running at 100%" scenario with hyperthreading on would be somewhat different from turning hyperthreading off, though Windows does understand about hyperthreading so would likely keep the 2 processes divided between the physical cores. In either case, "4 running at 50%" would be less productive. The general experience is that hyperthreading can increase productivity by maybe 25 to 30 percent when no other limitations are applied (4 at 100%).

The host also has an "ATI Radeon HD 5x00 series (Cedar) (512MB)" which could be used for AP processing. That's an additional reason to consider the 3 at 100% configuration Mark suggested. Having one logical core free to do the OS stuff and feed the GPU when it's crunching would IMO be best overall.

If there is concern about temperatures, using TThrottle is probably a better solution than BOINC's method of controlling usage.

lol It was late when I wrote that, I forgot that the i3's are only dual core. I was mainly used to demonstrate the point that a less powerful CPU may struggle under workloads that a more powerful CPU would breeze through.

The way I have my i7 2600K setup is that I have 4 physical cores running at 100%, this keeps all cores relatively busy. Using Hyperthreading on the the i7, which simulates 8 cores, leaves 4 virtual cores "free". These are used to run apps and feed my GPU - nVidia 580gtx.

This setup leaves the computer fluid and responsive for general use as we as enabling sufficient data flow to/from the GPU.

If I leave the PC running 24x7 it will reach RAC scores of over 40K, so it seems to work well for me.

Cheers

Mark

I choosed 3 cores at 100%.

I went the other way completely, all GPU and no CPU.

I run a six core AMD Phenom with a GTX460. I run six CPU tasks and two GPU tasks all the time with no response problems - even rotating big Autocad models its smooth enough (but I could do with a faster GPU as even without S@H running it can be a bit notchy - HOW MUCH!!!! for a GTX690, and will I be able to afford it before Nvidia drop the 790 on the market?)
____________
Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?

The other option causes more overhead, it stops and starts the application.

The other option causes more overhead, it stops and starts the application.

Why boinc works that way? Why not always working instead of "start-stop"?

[quote]
Why boinc works that way? Why not always working instead of "start-stop"?

There are many ways to run Boinc......stock....take what you get.
Opti....takes some additional input and upkeep to stay current.
You can choose what you wish.

There are many ways to run Boinc......stock....take what you get.
Opti....takes some additional input and upkeep to stay current.
You can choose what you wish.

With a desk top its is generally best to run all the cores all the time, but with laptops they can get very hot, and some older ones may suffer from battery problems so it is probably best not to run them 24/7 unless you unplug the battery. (Guess who's got to get a new battery for his laptop...).

The exception for desktops is when running a more powerful ATI GPU, or a pile of high end Nvidia where you might find you need to dedicate a core to servicing the GPUs.
____________
Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?