Linux Vs. Windows

[DR_D]

Has anybody tested the perfomance difference between the windows client and linux clients running on the same spec machine?

I'm hoping linux provides more power even if just by a gnats whisker.

 

[oceaness]

Lol

Well given the fact that linux can run the SMP client and Windows can't, I'd say Linux is probably about 2 or 3 times better than Windows for points at the moment

 

[A.N.Other]

Lol

Well given the fact that linux can run the SMP client and Windows can't, I'd say Linux is probably about 2 or 3 times better than Windows for points at the moment

Pretty much!

Depending on the spec of the machine, if you can get an SMP client going, there's no contest. If it's a P4 or something, I think Linux gives the better ppd by the smallest margin possible, really not enough to warrent going over to Linux, if you don't use it already.

 

[Mr. Brightside]

I always thought Linux was ever so slightly slower for the non SMP client. Didn't stop me converting a dual PIII box of mine to Linux though.

null

 

[oceaness]

Basically if your machine is dual core and 64-bit then install Linux and the SMP client, as not even the GPU's produce as many points I think.

If it's single core or 32-bit then as A.N.Other said it makes so little difference that you should just use whichever OS you like the most.

 

[A.N.Other]

I always thought Linux was ever so slightly slower for the non SMP client. Didn't stop me converting a dual PIII box of mine to Linux though.

null

Possibly, I'm not totally sure. Either way, it's insignificant, so it doesn't really matter.

As oceaness said, it gives much more than the GPU client - C2D will get you circa 1200 ppd, a heavily overclocked GPU will get you 700-800 or so. No comparison, especially as some people's GPUs are dropping out and fans getting noisy etc from running fully loaded.

 

[oceaness]

No comparison, especially as some people's GPUs are dropping out and fans getting noisy etc from running fully loaded.

Where as a C2D will cruise at 100% for years, especially if it's not overclocked

Viva La CPU!

 

[VeNT]

Possibly, I'm not totally sure. Either way, it's insignificant, so it doesn't really matter.

As oceaness said, it gives much more than the GPU client - C2D will get you circa 1200 ppd, a heavily overclocked GPU will get you 700-800 or so. No comparison, especially as some people's GPUs are dropping out and fans getting noisy etc from running fully loaded.

exactly
current graphics cards are not designed to be ran at 100% all of the time. its as simple as that.
the fans can't take it, the GPU can't take it. thats why they give them 2 clock speeds, one for when in game, another for out of games!

 

[simon255]

For non-Linux People then

OK, I know the Linux fans will not be impressed with my lack of Linux knowledge, but I am going to ask anyway

How do I get Linux? Is Ubuntu the best free option?

Can I install it on my spare/empty 20Gb D: drive without trashing Windows running on my C:?

Will installing ubuntu automatically give me the option of dual boot at start up?

As I have an AMD XP2800+ - will I get much on a speed improvement? I am currently running BOINC with SETI.

My C: drive is in NTFS format. Can I access my C: when I boot up on Linux? Can I get ubuntu to continue running the SETI WU which is installed on my C: Drive?

Thanks for any assistance.
Si

 

[BillytheImpaler]

How do I get Linux? Is Ubuntu the best free option?

I reccomend Ubuntu for both rookie and veteran users. It's a great system. YOu'll get it by going to their web site and downloading it or by grabbing the torrent there and using a BT program to download it. You'll want to be sure to get the 64-bit version as that's what the SMP client needs. I don't know if SETI will care about the bit level as my experience was only with the Classic client.

Can I install it on my spare/empty 20Gb D: drive without trashing Windows running on my C:?

Certainly. The partitioner is graphical and easy to use. You'll tell it which hard drive to use and it'll take care of the rest. If you wnated you could also manually edit the partition table to make as many partitions as you like.

Will installing ubuntu automatically give me the option of dual boot at start up?

It will.

As I have an AMD XP2800+ - will I get much on a speed improvement? I am currently running BOINC with SETI.

Maybe.

My C: drive is in NTFS format. Can I access my C: when I boot up on Linux?

It will auto-mount it for viewing. You'll be able to read from it but not write to it unless you want to install FUSE later on.

Can I get ubuntu to continue running the SETI WU which is installed on my C: Drive?

I don't know. I imagine that the WUs are the same for both clients so an educated guess suggests that it will, though perhaps not with a WU that's already been started with one client or another.

 

[oceaness]

Erm XP2800+ is single core and 32bit?

Surely 64bit unbuntu is not very compatible and you wont be able to run the SMP with one processor?

Simon225 will you be installing it on the XP2800+ or are you asking with regards to another dual core 64bit rig?

 

[fumbles]

Erm XP2800+ is single core and 32bit?

Surely 64bit unbuntu is not very compatible and you wont be able to run the SMP with one processor?

Simon225 will you be installing it on the XP2800+ or are you asking with regards to another dual core 64bit rig?

What he said, you will only see a performance drop if you go with Linux (apparently)...

Linux64 + SMP >> Windows > Linux

 

[simon255]

I reccomend Ubuntu for both rookie and veteran users. It's a great system. YOu'll get it by going to their web site and downloading it or by grabbing the torrent there and using a BT program to download it. You'll want to be sure to get the 64-bit version as that's what the SMP client needs. I don't know if SETI will care about the bit level as my experience was only with the Classic client.Certainly. The partitioner is graphical and easy to use. You'll tell it which hard drive to use and it'll take care of the rest. If you wnated you could also manually edit the partition table to make as many partitions as you like.It will.Maybe. It will auto-mount it for viewing. You'll be able to read from it but not write to it unless you want to install FUSE later on.I don't know. I imagine that the WUs are the same for both clients so an educated guess suggests that it will, though perhaps not with a WU that's already been started with one client or another.

Thank you BillytheImpaler. I consider my self educated!

 

[simon255]

Erm XP2800+ is single core and 32bit?

Surely 64bit unbuntu is not very compatible and you wont be able to run the SMP with one processor?

Simon225 will you be installing it on the XP2800+ or are you asking with regards to another dual core 64bit rig?

I am running my XP2800+ at the moment, but considering switching to a Intel Core2 Duo very soon.

Does anyone think there will be a price cut soon, or will the prices remain stable for the near future?

Thanks,
Si.

 

[oceaness]

There releasing some new Conroes shortly I think?

Which should either be fairly cheap or at least push some of the other prices down I think.

Intel Core 2 Duo 4300 will be shipped out on January 21 and will then be the new entry model of Intel's dual-core series

 

[rincinDub]

Ok, ive just installed unbuntu. I can't find any drivers for my network card. Can i download some work on another pc, and then transfer it to my pc with unbuntu. Then reverse the process to upload the work.?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Ok, ive just installed unbuntu. I can't find any drivers for my network card. Can i download some work on another pc, and then transfer it to my pc with unbuntu. Then reverse the process to upload the work.?

Yes you can but it's more interesting that there aren't drivers for your NIC. What kind of card do you have?