I want my new computer to do the most work it can as most people would. I am trying out the Boinc 5.10.8 for x86_64-pc-linux-gnu. It is running fedora7 linux with latest updates. Processor is AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual core 5600+ and memory 3gig. Computer ID 571115. I would hope to get good performance from this setup. When I look at the cpu resource use in system monitor it shows both cpus at 100%. When I look at the Processes running it shows rosetta_beta_5.76_x86_64-linux-gnu 2 processes but the are only using 17 to 16 % of cpu. When I compare that to my other computer beside it running BOINC client version 5.8.17 for i686-pc-linux-gnu on amd64 4600 with 2 gig memory running fedora core6 xen, the processor usage % is running 48 to 47. The 4600 computers benchmarks are considerbly higher than the 5600 and as such recieves more credit for work done. I haven't done much except set the new computer up download boinc and let it go to work. Is there some tweaking I need to do to get this to use its full potential?

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I want my new computer to do the most work it can as most people would. I am trying out the Boinc 5.10.8 for x86_64-pc-linux-gnu. It is running fedora7 linux with latest updates. Processor is AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual core 5600+ and memory 3gig. Computer ID 571115. I would hope to get good performance from this setup. When I look at the cpu resource use in system monitor it shows both cpus at 100%. When I look at the Processes running it shows rosetta_beta_5.76_x86_64-linux-gnu 2 processes but the are only using 17 to 16 % of cpu. When I compare that to my other computer beside it running BOINC client version 5.8.17 for i686-pc-linux-gnu on amd64 4600 with 2 gig memory running fedora core6 xen, the processor usage % is running 48 to 47. The 4600 computers benchmarks are considerbly higher than the 5600 and as such recieves more credit for work done. I haven't done much except set the new computer up download boinc and let it go to work. Is there some tweaking I need to do to get this to use its full potential?

It depends, the latest kernels (apparently) with the PowerNow stuff added ignores anything with a lower priority nice. So BOINC project will sit at the CPU lowest speed. (for instance my Pentium-M sits at 600MHz and not the 1600MHz)
I have to do some bodging to get it to not use this behaviour. At least that is what happens in Ubuntu Fiesty 7.04 and later versions.
It could be different for you and could be many other things :s

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Team mauisun.org

You may want to check if anything else is running on the computer as well.
Whem I loaded Fedora Core 6 onto a new AMD Opteron 285 it also loaded a programme called 'Beagle'. This programme I found out was to help keep track of what you do on the computer or something like that.
What I found was it was running constantly, using quite a bit of CPU resources and my 4 cpu's were only running similar to what you are showing. It also was creating Gigabytes of data on the hard drive and in 2 weeks almost filled a 250 GB hard drive.
I had to delete the programme. This gave me my computer back and it actually now performs better than my other Opteron 285.

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You are on to something Fluffychicken. When I manually change the nice value to zero the % CPU use goes up to where it should be. On both pcs the nice value for rosetta is 19 by default. On the amd4600 with nice value 19 it is running 45-47 CPU % use but on the 5600 with nice value of 19 it runs only 16-17% CPU use. When I run the boinc CPU benchmarks it also runs with a nice value of 19 and uses only 17% cpu to caluculate the benchmarks. Anyone no exactly how to chance the default nice value. To conan all the other running processes are sleeping and using 0 cpu % except gnome system monitor and Xorg and firefox bumping on for a few as I am using the computer now.

What windows manager are you using, if it's gnome there should be a taskbar applet/widget or whatever they call them for CPU Frequency.
gtg back later.

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Team mauisun.org

Thanks. Yes it is gnome and I found the widget and added it to my taskbar. Simple as that change from on demand to performance and now my benchmarks are where they should be.

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Yep, so you got hit by the same thing as I did. Took me ages to figure it out, and many many tasks crunched at 600MHz :D

When I get back on my linux laptop i'll have a look for how to get there but there should be a System databse editor (something like that) and you tick a box and it revert back to the good old behaviour where nice values do not determine if the processor stays at 100% or runs at the slower speed.

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Team mauisun.org

Just to finish this of an maybe to be used if this crops up again, (probably will btw)

Looking in Gnome Version 2.19.6 for the location
Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor (aka Gconf-editor)
find /apps/gnome-power-manager/cpufreq_consider_nice

cpufreq_consider_nice is the offender here, so untick it.



or if you prefer go edit it manually.

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Team mauisun.org

Hello:)
May I post to this thread regarding my newly built Quad Q6600 box in asus P5K-E MB. Tried to run it full load with Rosetta work units. My cores temp is high at core#0=63C, core#1=62C, core#2=60C, core#3=62C. I run rosetta 14hrs daily. Got scared of high temp reading using CoreTemp0.95.
I replaced stock fan with Zalman CNPS9700.Now at 50% cpu usage, it's temp goes downt to:core#0=56,core#1=55C, core#2=54C, core#3=56C.I feel comfortable. But I am afraid to run it at full load. I researched intel document. It say you must have a inside chassis case temp at 38C for Quad Q6600. My case temp reading is 29C using thermostat placed inside the chassis case with cover on.
Any thoughts from you guys about this? THANKS
joseps :)

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I turned off my 5computers when I went on vacation. When I return today, I can not upload work. Need work units to run computers.
joseps

Hello:)
May I post to this thread regarding my newly built Quad Q6600 box in asus P5K-E MB. Tried to run it full load with Rosetta work units. My cores temp is high at core#0=63C, core#1=62C, core#2=60C, core#3=62C. I run rosetta 14hrs daily. Got scared of high temp reading using CoreTemp0.95.
I replaced stock fan with Zalman CNPS9700.Now at 50% cpu usage, it's temp goes downt to:core#0=56,core#1=55C, core#2=54C, core#3=56C.I feel comfortable. But I am afraid to run it at full load. I researched intel document. It say you must have a inside chassis case temp at 38C for Quad Q6600. My case temp reading is 29C using thermostat placed inside the chassis case with cover on.
Any thoughts from you guys about this? THANKS
joseps :)

Hi Joseps

I don't think there are any problems with your temps, but lower is always better!

Here are my recommendations:

Make sure there's a good airflow in the case so the air isn't recirculating - more fans doesn't always mean lower temps where you need them.

Make sure your heatsink and CPU are making good contact and use good quality thermal compound.

Undervolt the CPU - if you're not overclocking it you can probably reduce the voltage significantly which makes a huge difference to the temperature.

lap your heatsink and/or cpu - they're often not very flat and so don't make great contact.

I don't think you have anything to worry about with those load temps though.

HTH
Danny

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I haven't worried about my cpu temps but I looked at them after reading your post. Running 100% on both computers highest core temp I see is 144 or 62 c and lower. I don't have the cover on mine so it is open to room which is air conditioned.

Hello:)
May I post to this thread regarding my newly built Quad Q6600 box in asus P5K-E MB. Tried to run it full load with Rosetta work units. My cores temp is high at core#0=63C, core#1=62C, core#2=60C, core#3=62C. I run rosetta 14hrs daily. Got scared of high temp reading using CoreTemp0.95.
I replaced stock fan with Zalman CNPS9700.Now at 50% cpu usage, it's temp goes downt to:core#0=56,core#1=55C, core#2=54C, core#3=56C.I feel comfortable. But I am afraid to run it at full load. I researched intel document. It say you must have a inside chassis case temp at 38C for Quad Q6600. My case temp reading is 29C using thermostat placed inside the chassis case with cover on.
Any thoughts from you guys about this? THANKS
joseps :)

Thanks Danny:)
I am happy with your comment. And I feel good that my concern is gone. I will let my box run as is for now. I feel scared retampering with the Zalman HS/F at this time. It is running good and wish to relaxfor a while. Again, many thanks for all your comments.
joseps:)

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I turned off my 5computers when I went on vacation. When I return today, I can not upload work. Need work units to run computers.
joseps

If you get really scared then find a program that allows you to adjust the temperature offset. Then when you look at the temp it could say 40C and you'll feel much happier.

The only time to worry is when the computer locks up due to over temping (or shuts down).
Given you have an intel Chipset, load up RMClock http://forum.rightmark.org/topic.cgi?id=6:1217 for the current beta version which works perfectly well and check it;s not throttling the CPU.
If the CPU is throttling then your temps are running too high, in which case the Zalman is not doing it's job properly (in association with the PSU / case fans)

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Team mauisun.org

Just a few notes in case they haven't been covered yet....

On FC7, the file /etc/sysconfig/cpuspeed contains the configuration for the cpufreq daemon. Look for the line IGNORE_NICE and set it to zero.

IMHO, it is wise for all CPU's to run under 60 C. If yours run hotter than that when under 100% cpu load then I would invest in better cooling.

GNOME has the CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor applet that you can use to monitor the CPU speed. You can have one for each CPU if you wish.

Just a few notes in case they haven't been covered yet....

On FC7, the file /etc/sysconfig/cpuspeed contains the configuration for the cpufreq daemon. Look for the line IGNORE_NICE and set it to zero.

IMHO, it is wise for all CPU's to run under 60 C. If yours run hotter than that when under 100% cpu load then I would invest in better cooling.

GNOME has the CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor applet that you can use to monitor the CPU speed. You can have one for each CPU if you wish.

I've often had mine runnig at 70+C and they've been quite happy.
It just depends on the tpye of CPU you have, not all are equal. AMD's Athlon64 tend to not like the high temps, my old PIIIm really doesn't mind it.


C2Q'a I have no idea BUT
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/221745-29-core-temperature-guide
will give you insight to what your really measuring.

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Team mauisun.org

I haven't worried about my cpu temps but I looked at them after reading your post. Running 100% on both computers highest core temp I see is 144 or 62 c and lower. I don't have the cover on mine so it is open to room which is air conditioned.

It is nice to have airconditioned room. My computer room is always at between 28C and 31C. One of my older Box (Asus A8S-X wirh Opteron 165) is now booting up abnormally longer, 6 to 9 minute, rebooting 2 or 3 times before running normally. It's core temp : core#0=50C, core#1=50C at 60% cpu time crunching rosetta. I am just waiting until it conkout on me.
joseps:)

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I turned off my 5computers when I went on vacation. When I return today, I can not upload work. Need work units to run computers.
joseps