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More RAM = crunch faster?
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buggsuperstar
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Dec 1, 2005, 05:29 AM
 
Hi Team,

Pardon me if this question has been asked before, but I was wondering if more RAM would allow the BOINC client to crunch faster?

Here's the context, I've just purchased a used iMac G4 700mhz "Lampshade". It comes with 384MB RAM, running 10.4.2

I basically want to add it to my crunch farm, and I was wondering if adding any more RAM to it will let BOINC crunch any faster?

If it won't make much difference, I'll save the money on the RAM upgrade.

Thanks!
     
adream
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Dec 1, 2005, 06:27 AM
 
Originally Posted by buggsuperstar
Hi Team,

Pardon me if this question has been asked before, but I was wondering if more RAM would allow the BOINC client to crunch faster?

Here's the context, I've just purchased a used iMac G4 700mhz "Lampshade". It comes with 384MB RAM, running 10.4.2

I basically want to add it to my crunch farm, and I was wondering if adding any more RAM to it will let BOINC crunch any faster?

If it won't make much difference, I'll save the money on the RAM upgrade.

Thanks!
nope i reckon that it wont make any difference to boinc, but more ram will make other apps nicer to use

adream
     
virex
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Dec 1, 2005, 08:47 AM
 
if you're doing rosetta....get up to 512 at least

     
buggsuperstar  (op)
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Dec 1, 2005, 02:17 PM
 
Originally Posted by virex
if you're doing rosetta....get up to 512 at least
Looks like I'll have to stick to Einstein for now.
     
mikkyo
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Dec 1, 2005, 09:51 PM
 
10.4.X uses quite a bit of ram for the OS and networking to just run and be idle.
I recommend 512Mb minimum for anyone.
For crunching 1Gb is good.
The optimized clients use more RAM than regular clients, and if you choose to keep results in memory while switch between projects, you need even more RAM to avoid paging.
     
Shaktai
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Dec 1, 2005, 10:53 PM
 
My recommendation would be 512mb for any BOINC project. Won't be a huge difference in speed, but it won't hurt, and will allow for changes and growth in projects.
     
buggsuperstar  (op)
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Dec 2, 2005, 01:15 AM
 
Thanks for the helpful feedback (as always ) guys!

Yeah, i set it up last night and gave it a spin. It works ok.... no dramatic slowdowns or anything, but I'm still more comfy if it's packing at least 512MB.

I'll see how my finances this month shapes up and decide. It's happily crunching Einstein as we speak.

My next target is a MDD Dual 1Ghz (2GB RAM) for my crunch farm. heh heh.... I've been lusting after that one for some time but the price the seller's asking is a mite steep for my wallet.

oh well..... crunch on!
     
buggsuperstar  (op)
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Dec 2, 2005, 01:45 AM
 
On the topic of the MDD Dual 1Ghz, anyone has any comments on how it'll do as a cruncher?

Sorry if the question is rather vague.... I'm kinda trying to figure out if it'll be worth plonking the moolah down on it, or spend the money on a 1.5Ghz Mini.

So i guess the question is MDD Dual 1Ghz (2GB RAM) vs 1.5Ghz Mini (1GB RAM). which is a better cruncher?

Thanks fellas!

PS: If it matters any, here's the specs of the MDD
1. Dual 1GHz
2. 2GB RAM - 4 x 512MB DDR333
3. 60 GB hard disk
4. Pioneer DVD-R 108 8x speed - upgraded from stock/original
5. USB 2.0 PCI card
6. 64 MB NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics card - Upgraded from original GeForce 4 MX
     
mikkyo
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Dec 2, 2005, 03:43 AM
 
Mini.
Newer processor, faster RAM, faster bus.

Here is the rule on picking a good cruncher:
1. Newer is better



p.s. Way lower power consumption, noise, size.

pps My old mini(1Gb) and Dual G4(2Gb) do about the same, 100 RAC, in einstein. The mini gets used more but still keeps up.
( Last edited by mikkyo; Dec 2, 2005 at 03:52 AM. )
     
buggsuperstar  (op)
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Dec 2, 2005, 04:24 AM
 
Originally Posted by mikkyo
Mini.
Newer processor, faster RAM, faster bus.

Here is the rule on picking a good cruncher:
1. Newer is better



p.s. Way lower power consumption, noise, size.

pps My old mini(1Gb) and Dual G4(2Gb) do about the same, 100 RAC, in einstein. The mini gets used more but still keeps up.
awesome!

Thanks for the quick reply mikkyo.

I'll give the MDD a miss then, and get the 1.5Ghz Mini.
     
   
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