Thoughts On New PC Build

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Message 1796273 - Posted: 15 Jun 2016, 6:27:26 UTC - in response to Message 1796253.  



It has been proven in the past that hosting a smaller number of GPUs on multiple computers will give better results due to better CPU support of those GPUs.



You and I both know this to have been absolutely true. I'm wondering if you have done any tests in the past couple of years like we did so many years ago on different cards using different drivers to crunch different applications.

I haven't.

No, I haven't gotten that far down into the nitty gritty bits either.
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Message 1796341 - Posted: 15 Jun 2016, 12:49:30 UTC - in response to Message 1796253.  
Last modified: 15 Jun 2016, 12:54:22 UTC



It has been proven in the past that hosting a smaller number of GPUs on multiple computers will give better results due to better CPU support of those GPUs.



You and I both know this to have been absolutely true. ...


To jump in, I agree also.


In the past when I've looked to support multiple GPUs for running some intensive compute jobs, I've found the best price-performance was always to run a standard motherboard with a mid-range CPU and at most two GPU cards.

All other options of using super-duper top-of-the-range specials for the CPU, GPU or motherboard, or of going to multiple CPU sockets or of using external GPU card enclosures: They all unacceptably jumped up the cost or compromised performance, or both!


The only time you might want the extra expense or reduced overall performance is if you have some task that does not fit well on the size of your individual separate systems.

Boinc by design fits well on present consumer-grade PCs/GPUs. Hence keep with that sweet-spot for Boinc.


There was a "Skulltrail" consumer level two CPU sockets system that did burst upon the scene a few years ago that was aimed at hard-core gamers (hence the Marketing name?). Looking at that, it looked to be far too expensive all for little gain.

Here's hoping the next big jump will be with the newer more general GPGPUs becoming more open for parallel number crunching...


Happy fast crunchin'.
Martin
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Message boards : Number crunching : Thoughts On New PC Build


 
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