Dual Quad core build questions
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Dual Quad core build questions
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JAMC Send message Joined: 2 Jan 07 Posts: 71 Credit: 9,521,522 RAC: 0 |
So my budget system is up and crunching 24/7 and all is well... next project- Dual quad core... Does anyone have such a beast crunching? Will BOINC software recognize the 8 cores and function properly? Will the OS ( XP if possible) operate properly with this set up? There are new quads coming later in the year and I would probably wait a bit to build. I have noticed that not all dual socket server MB's support QUAD core CPU's- Intel has some, and this Tyan- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813151033 with these Xeon quads- http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=203383111&SearchEngine=PriceGrabber&SearchTerm=203383111&Type=PE&Category=Comp&dcaid=15890 Any thoughts? Thanks, Jon ID: 523846 ·  |
Richard Haselgrove  Send message Joined: 4 Jul 99 Posts: 14690 Credit: 200,643,578 RAC: 874 
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So my budget system is up and crunching 24/7 and all is well... next project- Dual quad core... I can't help you with the build, but I can start you off with some answers. Yes, host 2901600 is such a beast, and BOINC uses all 8 cores. Windows XP is fine - that's what I'm running - but it's important that you load the Professional version: XP Home only supports 1 processor. Other people have suggested the X64 version, but I've got no experience with that. Mine is a Dell OEM workstation motherboard, based on the Intel 5000X chipset and board. The important thing with this one is to get the RAM right - the memory controller is optimised to work with 4 DIMMs, or a multiple of 4: I started with 2, and it was really slow. My quads are the relatively slow 5320s (1.86Ghz), but it was heading for a RAC of around 4,000 and (briefly) made it on to the top 20 page - I think it maxed out at about #15 before I joined it on to other projects. So it'll be a grand cruncher if you get it up and running - keep us posted how you get on. ID: 523856 · |
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JAMC Send message Joined: 2 Jan 07 Posts: 71 Credit: 9,521,522 RAC: 0 |
Richard- Thanks for the XP Pro and 4 DIMM tips... how big of a power supply on your machine? ID: 523945 · |
zombie67 [MM]  Send message Joined: 22 Apr 04 Posts: 758 Credit: 27,771,894 RAC: 0 
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So my budget system is up and crunching 24/7 and all is well... next project- Dual quad core... Yep! Lots of them in the top computers list. However.... If you want the fastest (and maybe the cheapest), check out the #1 machine. It's a Mac. =;^) Dublin, California Team: SETI.USA 
ID: 524002 · |
 Martin P. Send message Joined: 19 May 99 Posts: 294 Credit: 27,230,961 RAC: 2 
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So my budget system is up and crunching 24/7 and all is well... next project- Dual quad core... JAMC, here is the top-list: Top computers. The number 1 computer is a Mac Pro with Dual Quad-Core processors and a RAC of more than 6,800 credits running the alexkan-client! 
ID: 524006 · |
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Richard Haselgrove Send message Joined: 4 Jul 99 Posts: 14690 Credit: 200,643,578 RAC: 874
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Richard- The whole machine is by Dell (Precision 490), so I was in their hands for components like this. Their choice was "750 Watts Power Factor Correcting (PFC) power supply", from the tech specs. ID: 524028 · |
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JAMC Send message Joined: 2 Jan 07 Posts: 71 Credit: 9,521,522 RAC: 0 |
So my budget system is up and crunching 24/7 and all is well... next project- Dual quad core... I'll never switch over to the dark side! :) ID: 524035 · |
JohnAlton  Send message Joined: 28 Aug 01 Posts: 54 Credit: 164,417,653 RAC: 369
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So my budget system is up and crunching 24/7 and all is well... next project- Dual quad core... Apple makes terrific hardware, but I would never describe it as cheap... ID: 524203 · |
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Clyde C. Phillips, III Send message Joined: 2 Aug 00 Posts: 1851 Credit: 5,955,047 RAC: 0
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One must be cautious of the significant possibility that some of the top computers are up there artificially - because of computation by other computers and then transfer of their results to the one with the artificially high score. Checking computation times of workunits with diverse angle ranges or credits-per-unit and multiplying by the number of cores would verify the power of the machine but that job is kinda tedious. Also one must worry about overclocking and percent devotion to project (compared to other projects). The workunit times would avert both of these problems. ID: 524209 · |
Reuben Gathright  Send message Joined: 8 Mar 01 Posts: 213 Credit: 14,594,579 RAC: 0
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I have been reporting on the benefits of the new Dual Core 2 Xeon systems for a few months now. I have one that is overclocked to 2.727Ghz from 1.86Ghz. The system runs cooler than my two dual Xeon Irwindales! First: You can buy a quad Xeon chip for less than $360 now:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819117112 Building a dual Quad Xeon system would almost cost as much as a single cpu quad! Overclocking has been proven by me and others on http://www.2cpu.com Second: Here is a review of my experiences with a dual Xeon 771 motherboard http://www.epinions.com/content_304338931332 Here is a case that was proven to work with the afore mentioned Supermicro motherboard: http://www.epinions.com/content_259545140868 I do not recommend it in my review... but it does have good airflow with two 120MM fans. Finally: I have also proven that you do not need two cpus in a socket 771 motherboard! Just buy one quad core now and purchase the other later. I use my system as a development box at my software firm. Visual Studio 2005 operates so smoothly, we actually use this box to compile buggy projects! Here is the link to my box in SETI: http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/show_host_detail.php?hostid=2722436 Overclock with the MSI G31M3-L and Intel E8600 3.33Ghz Intel D865GLC Socket 478 Motherboard ~How To Overclock The Eee ASUS 1005HA Netbook To 1.9Ghz~ ID: 524243 · |
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zombie67 [MM] Send message Joined: 22 Apr 04 Posts: 758 Credit: 27,771,894 RAC: 0
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Significantly cheaper than Dell, in any case. When the Mac Pro came out, it was $1000 cheaper than Dell. It's still several hundred cheaper than Dell (comparing 2x dual-core. Mac Pro doesn't have 2x quad core yet). However, you can get a Mac Pro for $2200 (referb for $1900), add 2x E5345 @ $900 each, and you have a 8-core cruncher for $4000 (3700 referb). Dublin, California Team: SETI.USA
ID: 524249 · |
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JAMC Send message Joined: 2 Jan 07 Posts: 71 Credit: 9,521,522 RAC: 0 |
I have been reporting on the benefits of the new Dual Core 2 Xeon systems for a few months now. I have one that is overclocked to 2.727Ghz from 1.86Ghz. The system runs cooler than my two dual Xeon Irwindales! Excellent info Reuben, thanks!... I will check out the overclocking link and I like the fact that you can run one socket now and add a second later. Jon ID: 524274 · |
OzzFan     Send message Joined: 9 Apr 02 Posts: 15691 Credit: 84,761,841 RAC: 28
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Excellent info Reuben, thanks!... I will check out the overclocking link and I like the fact that you can run one socket now and add a second later. Yes, but be careful when adding the second processor later. In dual socket systems, the stepping of each CPU must be the same or no more than one higher step up from the current stepping in order to work properly. In other words, if you buy a CPU now then add a second one a year later (even at the same speed) but two steppings higher, they won't work together and can cause problems. When you buy the second one later, you'll have to specify the steppings you need to get them to work right - and good luck finding someone that's willing to look up all the steppings for you. ID: 524290 · |
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Reuben Gathright Send message Joined: 8 Mar 01 Posts: 213 Credit: 14,594,579 RAC: 0
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Newegg.com will provide stepping help, you must email or call sales. Overclock with the MSI G31M3-L and Intel E8600 3.33Ghz Intel D865GLC Socket 478 Motherboard ~How To Overclock The Eee ASUS 1005HA Netbook To 1.9Ghz~ ID: 524309 · |
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ML1 Send message Joined: 25 Nov 01 Posts: 21727 Credit: 7,508,002 RAC: 20
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I have been reporting on the benefits of the new Dual Core 2 Xeon systems for a few months now... How do the Xeons compare to the Core 2 Duo/Quad CPUs for performance? There's lots more motherboards for the Core 2 series than for Xeons. Much better onboard peripherals also. Happy crunchin', Martin See new freedom: Mageia Linux Take a look for yourself: Linux Format The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3) ID: 524320 · |
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zombie67 [MM] Send message Joined: 22 Apr 04 Posts: 758 Credit: 27,771,894 RAC: 0
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How do the Xeons compare to the Core 2 Duo/Quad CPUs for performance? ...And you can OC Core 2s via BIOS. You can't do that with Xeons. Dublin, California Team: SETI.USA
ID: 524437 · |
Pilot  Send message Joined: 18 May 99 Posts: 534 Credit: 5,475,482 RAC: 0 |
How do the Xeons compare to the Core 2 Duo/Quad CPUs for performance? I have also noticed that systems with 4 and 8 cores seem to suffer deminishing return for the extra processors. I do not have the resources to do a apples to apples check between Core 2 duo/Core 2 Quatro or Xeon 2, 4, or 8 processor configs all clocked to same speed. It would be intresting study though. A well OCed Core 2 with quality memory, video etc. will outperform it's comperable Xeon of like number of CPU's by a fair margin, but if both systems are restricted to their stock CPU speed, the Xeon will win hands down. When we finally figure it all out, all the rules will change and we can start all over again. ID: 524450 · |
TimeLord04  Send message Joined: 9 Mar 06 Posts: 21140 Credit: 33,933,039 RAC: 23
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So my budget system is up and crunching 24/7 and all is well... next project- Dual quad core... hmmmm... I always thought that Microsoft was the Dark Side, and that Apple was the Force of Light and Truth. ;-D Anyway, I am building a Dual Quad Capable system for a Teammate. It consists of: ASUS DSBF-D/SAS Server Board. In my research of the MAC Quad Core Pro System; I wanted to locate specifics on a PC equivalent system. The above MOBO is DEFINITELY the core to building just such the animal, and the price of this MOBO is around $700. It is capable of 32GB RAM on PC2-5300 DDR2 Server RAM. I found this RAM from Kingston, (two 2GB sticks for a total of 4GB RAM, approx $700 for the matched pair package), that is matched specifically to the ASUS Server MOBO: KVR667D2D4F5K2/4G Description: 4GB 667MHz DDR2 ECC Fully Buffered CL5 DIMM (Kit of 2) Dual Rank, x4 Detailed Specifications: Standard 256M X 72 ECC 667MHz 240-pin Fully Buffered DIMM (SDRAM-DDR2, 1.8V, CL5, FBGA, Gold) Mfgr's System P/N's: N/A Form Factor: Memory Module Pieces/Unit: 2 Warranty: Lifetime My goal is to locate and obtain the new Intel XEON "Cloverstown" X5355 Processors, (listing at around $1300 each Processor), for the Dual Quads; however, these are proving difficult. We most likely will start with the "Woodcrest" Dual Core Xeon 5160 to complete the system build, and then upgrade later to the "Cloverstown". I will be installing a 1000 WATT Power Supply for the system in plans for the upgrade to the "Cloverstown" Processors; as well as needing room for the other items going into the system... Listed System Components will include: ATI Radeon X1950 XTX 512MB PCI Express (2x dual-link DVI), Part Number: 100-435843 $429 ...and if the Server Board will be compatible with, (still looking into this), Win XP PRO X64 then we will be using one of the following Sound Card Packages: Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro, PN: 70SB055000002 - $299.99 X-Fi Platinum, PN: 70SB046000012 - $199.99 Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatality, PN: 70SB046600002 - $199.99 Unfortunately, I am getting conflicting information as to the OS that will work for the ASUS Server Board. My initial research showed that Win XP Pro X64 is preferred by many people, and handles the number of cores that we want to use; however, I am being told that if "...you are using a Server Board, you MUST use a Server OS." If this is true, then we would need to use a "Flavor" of Server 2003 X64 that handles 8 Cores and beyond... Also, the Sound Cards listed above apparently do NOT have drivers for Server 2003; therefore, we would need a different sound card package solution. I am working with someone to have a case custom built for this beast. The case will be a Pyramid. Also, we will have sufficient cooling put into this case for this monster of a system. I hope that someone here; maybe Zombie67, can clarify the issues and conflicts of information that I am getting as to the OS. If it is possible to successfully run Win XP Pro X64 on the above mentioned Server Board then this is the OS that I would prefer to use. I hope that all of this info. helps and proves useful to you. Later, TimeLord04 Have TARDIS, will travel... Come along K-9! Join Calm Chaos ID: 524511 · |
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Reuben Gathright Send message Joined: 8 Mar 01 Posts: 213 Credit: 14,594,579 RAC: 0
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I have been reporting on the benefits of the new Dual Core 2 Xeon systems for a few months now... Martin, The memory architecture for the 5000 series chipsets has to manage ECC memory. As a result I am seeing a 10% reduction in memory speed vs a comparable Core 2 Duo motherboard. However, as of this morning my humble Core 2 Xeon is sitting at 40th on the top computers list. Another member of SETI.USA just built a quad Xeon (8 cores). His computer is 3rd in the top computers list, right behind the expensive Apples. Blackjack has not overclocked his system yet either. Martin, I encourage you to sift through the results of the top computers and compare WU's from Core 2's vs Xeon 5XXX. Blackjack has noticed a slowdown with 8 cores though. I think this is because the 8 processes are frequently requesting OS file time. Running only 7 processes, could speed up processing by reducing memory bandwidth needs and giving the OS a cpu to manage file operations. As far as peripherals go, I will repeat my earlier statement: "I use my system as a development box at my software firm.". I have audio and a cheapo PCIX video card plugged in. When I get bored, I play Weird Worlds. The game runs good on a Nvidia GE Force 7300 LE, however in large custom maps my video gets jumpy. The audio is sharp and clear on headphones as well. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/digital_eel/Weird_worlds/1.htm One should never buy a Xeon 5XXX series motherboard for strictly gaming use, but it will do the job when asked. Overclock with the MSI G31M3-L and Intel E8600 3.33Ghz Intel D865GLC Socket 478 Motherboard ~How To Overclock The Eee ASUS 1005HA Netbook To 1.9Ghz~ ID: 524563 · |
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zombie67 [MM] Send message Joined: 22 Apr 04 Posts: 758 Credit: 27,771,894 RAC: 0
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His computer is 3rd in the top computers list, right behind the expensive Apples. You left out a word... It should say, "His computer is 3rd in the top computers list, right behind the less expensive Apples. Dublin, California Team: SETI.USA
ID: 524564 · |
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