Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Since I shot off my mouth about a 200 dollar upgrade, a private note effectively challenged me to go find it. Now, when I was doing 200 dollar upgrades, I was really paying close attention to the products and the market and so on. This is more like one hour wonder stuff, so there may be some dollars I could remove with more study and in some places (e.g. motherboards) there's really some scope to go find something else -- lots of unexamined alternatives out there. But, asking at a site I trust for this sort of thing, it looks like, if I had to buy it right now, this minute, based on what I know, it would be more like 250 to 300 dollars (mostly depending on what I did about the graphics card). One setup looks like this at, I'm told 275 US Dollars: 1 ASUS M2NPV-VM Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail Model #: M2NPV-VM Item #: N82E16813131014 1 CORSAIR VALUE SELECT 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Unbuffered System Memory Model VS1GBKIT667D2 - Retail Model #: VS1GBKIT667D2 Item #: N82E16820145568 1 AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Orleans 2000MHz HT Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA3500CNBOX - Retail Model #: ADA3500CNBOX Item #: N82E16819103633 another (with a bit less memory and single channel) looks like this: ASUS M2NPV-VM is 82 dollars AMD 64 3200 boxed retail is 100 dollars Crucial DDR2 PC2-4200 CL=4 UNBUFFERED ECC DDR2-533 1.8V 64Meg x 72 . . . is 75 dollars Toss in maybe 30 to 50 dollars if I put in an actual video card (my old one probably doesn't plug in here anymore) instead of doing on-board video. That's the one hour wonder version of it. Any of my betters want to tell me that this won't match my glitch-free P IV 2.4 gig Intel? Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Based on the CPU Charts at tomshardware.com, it looks like the Athlon 64 3500+ would blow the socks off of your 2.4GHz P4. The Athlon 3200+ would be a closer race, but it should at least be comparable. Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] radio.biz] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 3:31 PM To: Flex Radio Reflector Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization Since I shot off my mouth about a 200 dollar upgrade, a private note effectively challenged me to go find it. Now, when I was doing 200 dollar upgrades, I was really paying close attention to the products and the market and so on. This is more like one hour wonder stuff, so there may be some dollars I could remove with more study and in some places (e.g. motherboards) there's really some scope to go find something else -- lots of unexamined alternatives out there. But, asking at a site I trust for this sort of thing, it looks like, if I had to buy it right now, this minute, based on what I know, it would be more like 250 to 300 dollars (mostly depending on what I did about the graphics card). One setup looks like this at, I'm told 275 US Dollars: 1 ASUS M2NPV-VM Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail Model #: M2NPV-VM Item #: N82E16813131014 1 CORSAIR VALUE SELECT 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Unbuffered System Memory Model VS1GBKIT667D2 - Retail Model #: VS1GBKIT667D2 Item #: N82E16820145568 1 AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Orleans 2000MHz HT Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA3500CNBOX - Retail Model #: ADA3500CNBOX Item #: N82E16819103633 another (with a bit less memory and single channel) looks like this: ASUS M2NPV-VM is 82 dollars AMD 64 3200 boxed retail is 100 dollars Crucial DDR2 PC2-4200 . CL=4 . UNBUFFERED . ECC . DDR2-533 . 1.8V . 64Meg x 72 . . . is 75 dollars Toss in maybe 30 to 50 dollars if I put in an actual video card (my old one probably doesn't plug in here anymore) instead of doing on-board video. That's the one hour wonder version of it. Any of my betters want to tell me that this won't match my glitch-free P IV 2.4 gig Intel? Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Any of my betters want to tell me that this won't match my glitch-free P IV 2.4 gig Intel? Larry, Here's the deal of the day. Hurry before they are all gone. Gateway is blowin out last weeks Pent 4 machines, and converted there current product line to all dual core. So you can buy a Tower case BTX tehnology Pent 4 / 3.2 g w/ 1 gig RAM / 80 gig HD / OEM XP Professional/ Microsoft Works/ etc. ready to plug and play for $500 bucks. You can't beat that anywhere. Here's the link: 73s -Dan K6KDK http://www.gateway.com/reman/hm_Desktop_1009085_619_Certified_Refurbished_E2 600_Series.shtml Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition Processor: Intel® 3.2 GHz Pentium® 4 Processor Keyboard: Keyboard Display: Monitor Not Included Pointing Device: Mouse Memory: 1024MB RAM Drive: 80GB Hard Drive Optical Drive: DVD/CDRW Combo Drive Application Software: Microsoft® Works 8.0 Video Card: Integrated Video System Case: Gateway 6-Bay Micro BTX Computer Case Sound Card: Integrated Sound Speakers: Speakers Not Included Floppy: Floppy Drive Not Included Modem: 56k Integrated Modem² Network Card: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 786 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/flexradio_flex-radio.biz/attachments/20060719/76a61df2/attachment.gif -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 43 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/flexradio_flex-radio.biz/attachments/20060719/76a61df2/attachment-0001.gif ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Larry, I understand your reasoning and the materials list below is a good one, but let's be a little more real world in the pricing and required components. The box actually has to run the PowerSDR software to be functional. This would be, as I assume, a second box dedicated for SDR1K. The parts below for $275 almost get you there, but not completely. So, lets say I have an existing home computer that is running PowerSDR and I want to get a dedicated box. Here is what I'd need to get up and running. You are going to need a keyboard, monitor and mouse. Let's assume you have that on the existing system, so a KVM switch is needed to fulfill that requirement. Right now, you have to have Window$ to run PowerSDR, so that is an expense. I know, Bill has way too much $$, but stealing is still not right so you have to get a legal copy of Window$. You have to load your OS on something, so you need a hard drive and CD-ROM to facilitate that. You need a Flex supported sound card and speakers. This cost could be optional if you already have that specific sound card and speakers used for the SDR1K in the existing machine. You will need a CPU fan or the system will only run for a few hours before the CPU will need replacement. Last but not least you have to put all the parts in something - a case. Using your take the most cost effective way possible, here are the additional costs. You still need: 1.) CD-ROM 2.) A hard drive 3.) A legal copy of Windows XP 4.) KVM switch 5.) Supported soundcard w/ speakers (D44) 7.) CPU Fan 8.) Case with power supply Using your take the most cost effective way possible, here are the additional costs. Here is what can be found at a good barging price: 1.) CD-ROM : $20 2.) A hard drive (80 GB. SATA) : $65 3.) A legal copy of Windows XP (XP Home) : $100 4.) KVM switch (2 port w/ cables) : $70 5.) Supported soundcard w/ speakers(D44) : $155 + $10 7.) CPU Fan : $10 6.) Case with power supply : $30 Total: $460 W/O D44 : $295 Take your items @ $275 and the other additional items @ $295, you have a complete system for $570, which is still a VERY low price for a dedicated machine. I agree that instead of trying to squeeze out a few more CPU cycles for the home computer that the wife and kids use, spend the few extra $$ and get yourself a dedicated machine. For the cost, it will reduce the number of headaches and countless hours tweaking the existing box. -Tim --- Tim Ellison ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) Integrated Technical Services ( http://www.itsco.com ) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 4:31 PM To: Flex Radio Reflector Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization Since I shot off my mouth about a 200 dollar upgrade, a private note effectively challenged me to go find it. Now, when I was doing 200 dollar upgrades, I was really paying close attention to the products and the market and so on. This is more like one hour wonder stuff, so there may be some dollars I could remove with more study and in some places (e.g. motherboards) there's really some scope to go find something else -- lots of unexamined alternatives out there. But, asking at a site I trust for this sort of thing, it looks like, if I had to buy it right now, this minute, based on what I know, it would be more like 250 to 300 dollars (mostly depending on what I did about the graphics card). One setup looks like this at, I'm told 275 US Dollars: 1 ASUS M2NPV-VM Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail Model #: M2NPV-VM Item #: N82E16813131014 1 CORSAIR VALUE SELECT 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Unbuffered System Memory Model VS1GBKIT667D2 - Retail Model #: VS1GBKIT667D2 Item #: N82E16820145568 1 AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Orleans 2000MHz HT Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA3500CNBOX - Retail Model #: ADA3500CNBOX Item #: N82E16819103633 another (with a bit less memory and single channel) looks like this: ASUS M2NPV-VM is 82 dollars AMD 64 3200 boxed retail is 100 dollars Crucial DDR2 PC2-4200 * CL=4 * UNBUFFERED * ECC * DDR2-533 * 1.8V * 64Meg x 72 . . . is 75 dollars Toss in maybe 30 to 50 dollars if I put in an actual video card (my old one probably doesn't plug in here anymore) instead of doing on-board video. That's the one hour wonder version of it. Any of my betters want to tell me that this won't match my glitch-free P IV 2.4 gig Intel? Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Gentlemen, I purchased one of these back when they were a bit more high buck, very solid machine. I use it for my HF SDR-1000. However, it is SLOWWW compared to an identical configured Dell 8400, which you can get cheaper on ebay, etc. Just food for thought, but I was very blown away on how this machine compared with my other machines. 73 Mike - KM0T - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Flex Radio Reflector flexradio@flex-radio.biz Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 4:17 PM Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization Any of my betters want to tell me that this won't match my glitch-free P IV 2.4 gig Intel? Larry, Here's the deal of the day. Hurry before they are all gone. Gateway is blowin out last weeks Pent 4 machines, and converted there current product line to all dual core. So you can buy a Tower case BTX tehnology Pent 4 / 3.2 g w/ 1 gig RAM / 80 gig HD / OEM XP Professional/ Microsoft Works/ etc. ready to plug and play for $500 bucks. You can't beat that anywhere. Here's the link: 73s -Dan K6KDK http://www.gateway.com/reman/hm_Desktop_1009085_619_Certified_Refurbished_E2 600_Series.shtml Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition Processor: Intel® 3.2 GHz Pentium® 4 Processor Keyboard: Keyboard Display: Monitor Not Included Pointing Device: Mouse Memory: 1024MB RAM Drive: 80GB Hard Drive Optical Drive: DVD/CDRW Combo Drive Application Software: Microsoft® Works 8.0 Video Card: Integrated Video System Case: Gateway 6-Bay Micro BTX Computer Case Sound Card: Integrated Sound Speakers: Speakers Not Included Floppy: Floppy Drive Not Included Modem: 56k Integrated Modem² Network Card: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 786 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/flexradio_flex-radio.biz/attachments/20060719/76a61df2/attachment.gif -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 43 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/flexradio_flex-radio.biz/attachments/20060719/76a61df2/attachment-0001.gif ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Tim Ellison wrote: Larry, I understand your reasoning and the materials list below is a good one, but let's be a little more real world in the pricing and required components. The box actually has to run the PowerSDR software to be functional. This would be, as I assume, a second box dedicated for SDR1K. It could be a dedicated box, but my 275 dollar solution, as such, doesn't assume that. It assumes, rather, that you have some aging ATX box with adequate peripherals and an adequate power supply. That means you can reuse keyboard, display, CDROM, hard file, etc. There's no reason to suppose these peripherals need any sort of upgrade in this scenario which presumes that running the SDR console better is the problem. So, we need just the basic horsepower. Recall that I am totally glitch free with my existing 2.4 GHz P IV. So, while a dedicated machine is one option, a simple horsepower upgrade is also an option. and (of course) a bit cheaper. My suggested components, then, would be just enough to get you there if, say, you had an existing 700 MHz or perhaps an even faster MHz Celeron machine that wasn't delivering enough performance for your SDR work today. It assumes you're willing and able to gut the existing box and put a new motherboard in there plus memory and CPU and reattach the rest. Not everyone could do that, but I suspect most people here could, presuming they have a remotely standard desktop. The particular assumptions my friends dug up had a Micro ATX form factor, which would fit the majority of machines that aren't the so-called small form factor machines (in other words, mini towers and anything like one). It would fit all my several surviving ATX machines. I'd have to double check total power consumption, to ensure my power supply cut it, but that would be about it. I also talked about a second machine, however. That would obviously cost more, so we can continue with your note and with your original assumption. I just wanted to clarify that there's really two scenarios here which I may have not clearly distinguished. On to the other. The parts below for $275 almost get you there, but not completely. So, lets say I have an existing home computer that is running PowerSDR and I want to get a dedicated box. Here is what I'd need to get up and running. You are going to need [long list of stuff] Total: $460 W/O D44 : $295 Take your items @ $275 and the other additional items @ $295, you have a complete system for $570, which is still a VERY low price for a dedicated machine. Not to mention the 500 dollar completely assembled machine specials people have found and already mentioned here. It's not too hard to find machines like that. You sometimes have to be ready to buy right now but such machines show up with some regularity. The last time I faced what you suggest, and had to do a whole machine's worth at once, I managed to find a then state-of-the-art machine a friend was selling for about. . . 500 dollars, which is ballpark to what you are dealing with here. The D44 is kind of a don't care in that if you have it, you reuse it in any scenario and if you don't have it, it has to be purchased in any scenario. So, your idea certainly works, also, which makes both of my scenarios whole (presuming, in this scenario, that one wants a dedicated box anyway -- otherwise, see above). But once we hit the 500 dollar range, I would actually start looking for the specials, unless I really wanted particular components. -Tim --- Tim Ellison ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) Integrated Technical Services ( http://www.itsco.com ) Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
You make a good point for retro fitting an older clunker PC. Either way one decides to make their computer related acquisition decision, there is a cost effective way to retro and old computer (~$300) or hombre your own low cost system (~500). I did the cost analysis and made my decision this way. The SDR1K was ~$1500. If I spend ~$1000 for a PC, that make this a ~$2500 rig. That is what I paid for a 756 Pro II. So I splurged on the PC. You take that $500 base PC, upgrade to a dual core faster than a jaguar CPU, put in a little more extra RAM, buy a case that is RFI quiet (a good P/S and lots of steal), two hard drives for hardware RAID I peace of mind and you have that ~$1000 PC. It's a screamer! That is what I love about this rig. One size fits none. Options, options, options -Tim --- Tim Ellison ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) Integrated Technical Services ( http://www.itsco.com ) -Original Message- From: Larry Loen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 3:56 PM To: Tim Ellison; flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization Tim Ellison wrote: Larry, I understand your reasoning and the materials list below is a good one, but let's be a little more real world in the pricing and required components. The box actually has to run the PowerSDR software to be functional. This would be, as I assume, a second box dedicated for SDR1K. It could be a dedicated box, but my 275 dollar solution, as such, doesn't assume that. It assumes, rather, that you have some aging ATX box with adequate peripherals and an adequate power supply. That means you can reuse keyboard, display, CDROM, hard file, etc. There's no reason to suppose these peripherals need any sort of upgrade in this scenario which presumes that running the SDR console better is the problem. So, we need just the basic horsepower. Recall that I am totally glitch free with my existing 2.4 GHz P IV. So, while a dedicated machine is one option, a simple horsepower upgrade is also an option. and (of course) a bit cheaper. My suggested components, then, would be just enough to get you there if, say, you had an existing 700 MHz or perhaps an even faster MHz Celeron machine that wasn't delivering enough performance for your SDR work today. It assumes you're willing and able to gut the existing box and put a new motherboard in there plus memory and CPU and reattach the rest. Not everyone could do that, but I suspect most people here could, presuming they have a remotely standard desktop. The particular assumptions my friends dug up had a Micro ATX form factor, which would fit the majority of machines that aren't the so-called small form factor machines (in other words, mini towers and anything like one). It would fit all my several surviving ATX machines. I'd have to double check total power consumption, to ensure my power supply cut it, but that would be about it. I also talked about a second machine, however. That would obviously cost more, so we can continue with your note and with your original assumption. I just wanted to clarify that there's really two scenarios here which I may have not clearly distinguished. On to the other. The parts below for $275 almost get you there, but not completely. So, lets say I have an existing home computer that is running PowerSDR and I want to get a dedicated box. Here is what I'd need to get up and running. You are going to need [long list of stuff] Total: $460 W/O D44 : $295 Take your items @ $275 and the other additional items @ $295, you have a complete system for $570, which is still a VERY low price for a dedicated machine. Not to mention the 500 dollar completely assembled machine specials people have found and already mentioned here. It's not too hard to find machines like that. You sometimes have to be ready to buy right now but such machines show up with some regularity. The last time I faced what you suggest, and had to do a whole machine's worth at once, I managed to find a then state-of-the-art machine a friend was selling for about. . . 500 dollars, which is ballpark to what you are dealing with here. The D44 is kind of a don't care in that if you have it, you reuse it in any scenario and if you don't have it, it has to be purchased in any scenario. So, your idea certainly works, also, which makes both of my scenarios whole (presuming, in this scenario, that one wants a dedicated box anyway -- otherwise, see above). But once we hit the 500 dollar range, I would actually start looking for the specials, unless I really wanted particular components. -Tim --- Tim Ellison ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) Integrated Technical Services ( http://www.itsco.com ) Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Larry, please forgive me, but I strongly disagree with the throw more hardware at the problem to fix it. There is a three letter mega-company who has made 50+ successful years by following that schematic :-) and correspondingly cost it's customers mega-bucks!. I can build, pretty much from scratch, a perfectly fast, fine, usable SDR computer system for 200 dollars, probably including case but not including the D44 card. Toss in another 90 bucks, max, for a copy of Windows and you're there. Last time I did this was: CPU 80 Motherboard 50 Memory 50 Salvage keyboard, mouse, case, hardfile, graphics card (surely, everyone can do this much), and I was done for a Linux box. Everyone else add Windows and stir. Case and power supply is 50 or less, by the way. An adequate hardfile, another 50. But, odds are, you won't need some of this, so about 200 is right. We've been on ATX so long, it's exceedingly unlikely that you'd have to get a new case and power supply, not with an ordinary desktop at least, nor would you have to get a hardfile (I presume everyone reading these words has one). It wouldn't be a Pentium IV at 2.4 GHz, or the absolute spiffiest available box, but it would be AMD at the same basic performance level that I use today for my SDR. The chips and boards to do this at these kinds of prices have been around for a while, now. I did this last maybe two or four years ago, but surely, prices haven't gone up in the interim, have they? Many of us have been more than willing to throw that much money at sound cards (some of us, more than once). I'm Mr. Solder Phobe and I can do this much. How many on this list can't do this? **You DO NOT need to REMEMBER what to turn ON or OFF** but rather use the method suggested by Cecil KD5NWA called Profiles. You missed the part of my critique when I actually wanted to run a full, integrated, internet-connected system with my SDR, not some sort of crippled SDR-only thing. That renders the Profile argument irrelevant. I agree the Profile thing would be a nice way to go if you want to run that way, but I don't. Some of us, probably many/most of us, want to run everything. That's what I want to do for sure. So, for my money, you upgrade or you add. Because, I, at least, want it all. This whole thing reminds me of dual booting. Sure, people actually do it. But, most don't because they want all the function all the time. Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
I noticed that Larry did not tell you which big blueish three letter company he works for. ;-). Bob [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Larry, please forgive me, but I strongly disagree with the throw more hardware at the problem to fix it. There is a three letter mega-company who has made 50+ successful years by following that schematic :-) and correspondingly cost it's customers mega-bucks!. -- AMSAT VP Engineering. Member: ARRL, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP/AMQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. ARRL SDR Wrk Grp Chairman An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field. Niels Bohr ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
On 07/18/06 05:19 pm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Larry, please forgive me, but I strongly disagree with the throw more hardware at the problem to fix it. There is a three letter mega-company who has made 50+ successful years by following that schematic :-) and correspondingly cost it's customers mega-bucks!. I can build, pretty much from scratch, a perfectly fast, fine, usable SDR computer system for 200 dollars, probably including case but not including the D44 card. Toss in another 90 bucks, max, for a copy of Windows and you're there. Last time I did this was: CPU 80 Motherboard 50 Memory 50 Salvage keyboard, mouse, case, hardfile, graphics card (surely, everyone can do this much), and I was done for a Linux box. Everyone else add Windows and stir. Case and power supply is 50 or less, by the way. An adequate hardfile, another 50. But, odds are, you won't need some of this, so about 200 is right. We've been on ATX so long, it's exceedingly unlikely that you'd have to get a new case and power supply, not with an ordinary desktop at least, nor would you have to get a hardfile (I presume everyone reading these words has one). It wouldn't be a Pentium IV at 2.4 GHz, or the absolute spiffiest available box, but it would be AMD at the same basic performance level that I use today for my SDR. The chips and boards to do this at these kinds of prices have been around for a while, now. I did this last maybe two or four years ago, but surely, prices haven't gone up in the interim, have they? So what do you make of the second QST review, where the author expressed regrets that they had settled for the Celeron (2.4GHz??) rather than going for the P4 (2.8GHz to 3.2GHz??)? He found the performance with only a 2.xGHz Celeron disappointing. Alan NV8A ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
[snip] So what do you make of the second QST review, where the author expressed regrets that they had settled for the Celeron (2.4GHz??) rather than going for the P4 (2.8GHz to 3.2GHz??)? He found the performance with only a 2.xGHz Celeron disappointing. Alan NV8A MHz isn't everything, especially these days. I had hypothesized before (based on my sample size of two) that Celeron's crippled cache hurt more than the MHz issues. I still suspect that to be true, until my betters, correct me (or maybe recorrect me -- getting to be a while since I mentioned this). My 1.3 GHz lappy is a Celeron and, at double the recommended MHz it ought, by all precedent, to be plenty fast enough. It mostly is, but there are the odd glitches that my 2.4 GHz P IV never sees. But, on modern CPUs, cache can matter and Intel has used it (or, the lack of it) to differentiate models. It would not surprise me to find our code is sensitive to cache -- not hard to do with the state of today's art -- my unscientific observations sure seem to suggest it. It could be my USB Creative Sound Card too, somehow, but I'd bet first on the cache unless/until I or someone else measures it and correct In any case, my rather ordinary, aging (at least 2 year old) P IV 2.4 GHZ is totally, totally solid with the D44 and I'd expect the corresponding AMD to be solid also. Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Ken, N9VV, is correct. He has done us all a real service with his notes on XP optimizations on his web site. Number 15 on the instruction list may be the most helpful. http://www.n9vv.com/XP-optimization.html If that is the approach people feel the need to perform, I recommend purchasing a dedicated PC and having done with it. Real human beings turning all that stuff on and off are going to make mistakes and become virus ridden et. al. Me, I'm not going to give up my Mix2 or N1MM and their integration with DX spotting networks, just for openers anyway. Even in Belize, we were connected to the Internet, full time, all CPUs. IMHO, this is too draconian. Upgrade to 2.4 GHz instead where (at least I) have had no trouble running any level of console with XP whatever, without any change to the defaults and firewalls, virus checking, etc., all fully enabled. And, I got lots of junk you don't, because I do the odd bit of telecommuting, so I have a variety of corporate things going on as well. It would certainly be useful to turn off [EMAIL PROTECTED] and like programs if you use them. You should also learn about component services so you can go in and turn off some of the optional services, but beyond that, if you are even thinking about following this advice, just upgrade your CPU or else dedicate the box and get another slow one at a garage sale so you can do normal stuff. Either way ought to be enough. Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Larry, please forgive me, but I strongly disagree with the throw more hardware at the problem to fix it. There is a three letter mega-company who has made 50+ successful years by following that schematic :-) and correspondingly cost it's customers mega-bucks!. **You DO NOT need to REMEMBER what to turn ON or OFF** but rather use the method suggested by Cecil KD5NWA called Profiles. They are built in to Windows and have been there ever since NT. You log in with one ID (say your personal lloen ) and you get everything you want to use on the internet. You log in with your callsign (w0oz) and that personality or user profile AUTOMATICALLY turns OFF all the junk and leaves you optimized and protected for your PowerSDR Console (with or without fancy drivers and so on). Now, if only someone knew how to implement the Profiles! Cecil is out of town, but when he gets back, maybe we can persuade him to help us :-) It sounds like a great Teamspeak topic, eh? all the best, de ken [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ken, N9VV, is correct. He has done us all a real service with his notes on XP optimizations on his web site. Number 15 on the instruction list may be the most helpful. http://www.n9vv.com/XP-optimization.html If that is the approach people feel the need to perform, I recommend purchasing a dedicated PC and having done with it. Real human beings turning all that stuff on and off are going to make mistakes and become virus ridden et. al. Me, I'm not going to give up my Mix2 or N1MM and their integration with DX spotting networks, just for openers anyway. Even in Belize, we were connected to the Internet, full time, all CPUs. IMHO, this is too draconian. Upgrade to 2.4 GHz instead where (at least I) have had no trouble running any level of console with XP whatever, without any change to the defaults and firewalls, virus checking, etc., all fully enabled. And, I got lots of junk you don't, because I do the odd bit of telecommuting, so I have a variety of corporate things going on as well. It would certainly be useful to turn off [EMAIL PROTECTED] and like programs if you use them. You should also learn about component services so you can go in and turn off some of the optional services, but beyond that, if you are even thinking about following this advice, just upgrade your CPU or else dedicate the box and get another slow one at a garage sale so you can do normal stuff. Either way ought to be enough. Larry WO0Z ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Core Optimization
Not everyone can afford to keep upgrading the hardware everytime Microsoft comes out with the next even more bloated OS. Multiple profiles is very simple, while I'm on my trip I will try to write an example, but I can't make any guarantees. I have to socialize with the other companies crews otherwise they will think I'm a snob, mind you I rather go back to the hotel than go out with these guys, all they want to do is drink themselves under the table, I usually don't drink so it's no fun hanging out with a bunch of drunks. Getting started; 1. Right click on My Computer select properties. 2. Select the Hardware tab. 3. Click on the Hardware buttom towards the bottom of the screen. 4. Highlight the present profile by clicking on it once. 5. Click on the Copy button 6. Give the new profile a new name, mine is called SDR-1000 but call it something meaninfull 7. At the bottom of the screen select First profile listed 8. change the time to 4 seconds Your PC has now two profiles, one the default usually called Profile1 and an identical one you just created called SDR-1000 or whatever name you selected. When you PC boot is will wait for 4 seconds to let you choose the profile that you want, if you don't pick anything then the default profile will be used, it's the first one on the list. Now you you can reboot you PC, when it ask you to choose a profile select the new one. You will still be booting as yourself but you are now running in the brand new identical profile. At this point you can start making changes to that profile. There are two things you can change, the services that are running and what hardware is functional. Since in this profile you want maximum performance you will be turn things off that you do not need such as anti-virus, firewalls, networking and other uneeded services. To be on the safe side you will want to turn off the network card so it is not functional while you have no firewall or anti-virus. You can turn of devices; 1. go to the device manager 2. right click on the network adapter, select properties 3. At the bottom is a pull down window called Device Usage 4. Click on the down arrow and select do not use this device in the current profile You now have set you profile so if you select the SDR-1000 profile the network card will be disabled, if you select Profile1 or ignore it then the network card will be functional. The services can be turned of for this profile in a similar manner. To be continued later. On Mon, 2006-07-17 at 13:22 -0500, Ken N9VV wrote: Larry, please forgive me, but I strongly disagree with the throw more hardware at the problem to fix it. There is a three letter mega-company who has made 50+ successful years by following that schematic :-) and correspondingly cost it's customers mega-bucks!. **You DO NOT need to REMEMBER what to turn ON or OFF** but rather use the method suggested by Cecil KD5NWA called Profiles. They are built in to Windows and have been there ever since NT. You log in with one ID (say your personal lloen ) and you get everything you want to use on the internet. You log in with your callsign (w0oz) and that personality or user profile AUTOMATICALLY turns OFF all the junk and leaves you optimized and protected for your PowerSDR Console (with or without fancy drivers and so on). Now, if only someone knew how to implement the Profiles! Cecil is out of town, but when he gets back, maybe we can persuade him to help us :-) It sounds like a great Teamspeak topic, eh? all the best, de ken [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ken, N9VV, is correct. He has done us all a real service with his notes on XP optimizations on his web site. Number 15 on the instruction list may be the most helpful. http://www.n9vv.com/XP-optimization.html If that is the approach people feel the need to perform, I recommend purchasing a dedicated PC and having done with it. Real human beings turning all that stuff on and off are going to make mistakes and become virus ridden et. al. Me, I'm not going to give up my Mix2 or N1MM and their integration with DX spotting networks, just for openers anyway. Even in Belize, we were connected to the Internet, full time, all CPUs. IMHO, this is too draconian. Upgrade to 2.4 GHz instead where (at least I) have had no trouble running any level of console with XP whatever, without any change to the defaults and firewalls, virus checking, etc., all fully enabled. And, I got lots of junk you don't, because I do the odd bit of telecommuting, so I have a variety of corporate things going on as well. It would certainly be useful to turn off [EMAIL PROTECTED] and like programs if you use them. You should also learn about component services so you can go in and turn off some of the optional services, but beyond that, if you are even thinking about following this advice, just upgrade your CPU or else
Re: [Flexradio] [Dual-Core optimization
you might want to check out my XP optimization webpage where I have pointers to some great Load assignment and affinity utilities. http://www.n9vv.com/XP-optimization.html de ken n9vv Rick Markey, KN3C wrote: John, No, don't have any idea how the load is split between the cores. My dual core is an AMD3800 and is used as a High Definition Television home personal video recorder system. I can be recording or playing back an HD program while surfing the web to look something up or downloading a driver, or whatever else I want to do and the system never breaks a sweat. It's kind of cool when you bring up the task manager in XP and go to performance. You get two windows, one for each core. My plan is to upgrade one of the hamshack computers to a dual core, get it running, work out the bugs, and then buy the SDR1000. Just waiting for AMD to drop the price on their dual cores that's been promised for the end of July. de Rick, KN3C ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
