Buying Linux box in Nov.(need cpu, ram MB)

jasong · 2006-10-22, 02:39

I'm thinking about adding a computer to my arsenal(of one ;) ) that will just be for DCing. Basically, it will be for running any math program not involved in finding primes. The computer can help weed out composites, but I've already got a dual-core Pentium-D for the actual prime finding.

Basically, I'm trying to get best bang for buck, while adding 2 years worth of electrical costs to the price. Actually, one years worth. Since I don't actually pay for the electricity, I'm more concerned about the temperature in my room. I heard that 50%(or 33%, I got confused) of the cost of running a computer is air-conditioning bills.

I'm not asking you guys to do the research for me, mostly I'm frustrated with my Google attempts. "cpu benchmarks" and "distributed computing benchmarks" got me crap. I've got a cpu wattage web page in my benchmarks. Could you guys help me find a website that lists benchmarks for different projects? It doesn't have to be exhaustive.

Thanks in advance.

moo · 2006-10-22, 04:47

dont worry.... i have my room runing with a bunch of comps in it now in the summer its a problem but in the winter you close the vents and you basicly have a huge spot heater.

jasong · 2006-10-22, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasong

I've got a cpu wattage web page in my benchmarks.

Benchmarks should actually read as "bookmarks."

I wish I'd noticed this as soon as I wrote it, as the meaning is totally wrong the way it is.

Basically, I'm looking for a web page that lists how much a processor can do in each project.

axn · 2006-10-22, 21:28

Without actually looking at any benchmarks, I can safely say that Core 2 Duo will be an excellent performer across the board in any and all projects

So that will give you a lot of flexibility to try different projects. They are also much more energy efficient that Pentium 4 / Pentium D.

The only other contender in the performance-per-watt race would be Athlon64 X2's. If you're going for them, go for the AM2 socket models as they are kind of future-proof and supports DDR2 memory.

Since electricity cost is a concern for you, stay away from the higher clocked models (whichever CPU you chose). That'll also save you some money while building the system

jasong · 2006-10-23, 01:31

Thanks axn1, I'll seriously consider a Core Duo chip.

Does anybody know where I can go to get some quick benchmarks of cpus?

I need to learn html so I can make a quick and dirty web page that can help people with this kind of stuff. Maybe I'll be able to get a good Linux utility for that when the time comes.

sdbardwick · 2006-10-23, 06:40

Just to clarify: axn1 is suggesting the new Core 2 Duo, not the older Core Duo. The older model doesn't come close.

jasong · 2006-10-23, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdbardwick

Just to clarify: axn1 is suggesting the new Core 2 Duo, not the older Core Duo. The older model doesn't come close.

Interesting. I know there's a difference between Core Duo and Core 2 Duo, but I could've sworn I read a review that that a Core Duo does more work, work to dollar-wise.

I'd better do a little more research.

2006-10-22, 02:39	#1
jasong "Jason Goatcher" Mar 2005 3·7·167 Posts	Buying Linux box in Nov.(need cpu, ram MB) I'm thinking about adding a computer to my arsenal(of one ;) ) that will just be for DCing. Basically, it will be for running any math program not involved in finding primes. The computer can help weed out composites, but I've already got a dual-core Pentium-D for the actual prime finding. Basically, I'm trying to get best bang for buck, while adding 2 years worth of electrical costs to the price. Actually, one years worth. Since I don't actually pay for the electricity, I'm more concerned about the temperature in my room. I heard that 50%(or 33%, I got confused) of the cost of running a computer is air-conditioning bills. I'm not asking you guys to do the research for me, mostly I'm frustrated with my Google attempts. "cpu benchmarks" and "distributed computing benchmarks" got me crap. I've got a cpu wattage web page in my benchmarks. Could you guys help me find a website that lists benchmarks for different projects? It doesn't have to be exhaustive. Thanks in advance.

2006-10-22, 04:47	#2
moo Jul 2004 Nowhere 1451₈ Posts	dont worry.... i have my room runing with a bunch of comps in it now in the summer its a problem but in the winter you close the vents and you basicly have a huge spot heater. Last fiddled with by moo on 2006-10-22 at 04:48

2006-10-22, 21:28	#4
axn Jun 2003 1010011110111₂ Posts	Without actually looking at any benchmarks, I can safely say that Core 2 Duo will be an excellent performer across the board in any and all projects So that will give you a lot of flexibility to try different projects. They are also much more energy efficient that Pentium 4 / Pentium D. The only other contender in the performance-per-watt race would be Athlon64 X2's. If you're going for them, go for the AM2 socket models as they are kind of future-proof and supports DDR2 memory. Since electricity cost is a concern for you, stay away from the higher clocked models (whichever CPU you chose). That'll also save you some money while building the system Last fiddled with by axn on 2006-10-22 at 21:29

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2006-10-23, 01:31	#5
jasong "Jason Goatcher" Mar 2005 3×7×167 Posts	Thanks axn1, I'll seriously consider a Core Duo chip. Does anybody know where I can go to get some quick benchmarks of cpus? I need to learn html so I can make a quick and dirty web page that can help people with this kind of stuff. Maybe I'll be able to get a good Linux utility for that when the time comes.

2006-10-23, 06:40	#6
sdbardwick Aug 2002 North San Diego County 3⁶ Posts	Just to clarify: axn1 is suggesting the new Core 2 Duo, not the older Core Duo. The older model doesn't come close.