Just installed - Very high CPU usage

ThelemechThelemech Victoria Icrontian
edited February 2006 in Folding@Home
:canflag: I have recently installed FAH. and have noticed that regardless of computer use the program uses 95 to 100% of the CPU- how do you alter the settings that were offered at install?

Compaq Deskpro EN
933 MHz Pentium 3
320 Mb Ram
Windows XP Pro
20 GB HD

Comments

  • Shadow2018Shadow2018 Northwest Missouri
    edited February 2006
    The F@H client uses whatever resource isn't being used by the system. Your CPU usage will be 100% as long as the client is running. There is no way to change this that I am aware of. Is this any help?
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited February 2006
    Your computer normally uses only very little of the full potential of the CPU per cycle. F@H uses the "leftover" CPU power every cycle. None of your performance will suffer, since F@H will use only what is left. Say browsing the web uses 10% of your CPU - F@H will use 90%. When you are encoding a video or playing a game that is using 95% of your CPU, F@H will use 5%. :)
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2006
    In the rare event that you have a problem, it is possible to limit the CPU usage. For the vast majority of users that is not necessary.

    Thanks for joining in the fight! :cheers:
  • csimoncsimon Acadiana Icrontian
    edited February 2006
    You and also start and stop the service at will. I like to stop 1 instance when I game and then I just turn it back on when I'm done.
  • QCHQCH Ancient Guru Chicago Area - USA Icrontian
    edited February 2006
    I have tons of problems with running at 100% but that is because of the software that my company uses to remotely patch PC's. The remote patching service runs at the same priority level as F@H and they fight. So all my PC's at work run at 90%, which allows the two applications to co-mingle on the systems.

    On my home PC's - 100% all day!!! They have been for years...
  • ThelemechThelemech Victoria Icrontian
    edited February 2006
    :cool: Thank you for the replies. I have noticed a slight performance loss but nothing drastic so far. How about the effect of running a processor at 100% all the time - any extra cooling considerations etc?

    Also if the computer needs to reboot will the work in progress be saved?
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2006
    Thelemech wrote:
    ...How about the effect of running a processor at 100% all the time - any extra cooling considerations etc?
    It will definitely run warmer than it would at idle. Are you monitoring the temperature with MBM5 or something like that?
    Also if the computer needs to reboot will the work in progress be saved?
    For a normal reboot, the answer is yes. If it's due to a glitch in the system or power loss then it's anybodys call.
  • ThelemechThelemech Victoria Icrontian
    edited February 2006
    profdlp wrote:
    It will definitely run warmer than it would at idle. Are you monitoring the temperature with MBM5 or something like that?
    :confused: Not familiar with that programm but I do understand the implication - I shall seek out a temperature monitor!

    -How about wear and tear on the CPU?:zombie:
    Just curious.
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2006
    Your CPU will be obsolete long before it burns out. When I moved a couple of years agoo I threw a couple of old rigs in the trash because they weren't worth the cost of hauling them 500 miles. They were Folding right up until the point I pulled the plug on them.

    You can find MBM5 right here. :)
  • ThelemechThelemech Victoria Icrontian
    edited February 2006
    Thank you for the link! You are probably right - but this P3 is strong quick and reliable when well maintained!

    I know this might create a stir but I really question ( for myself ) what computing potential was lost with the fascination with the highest CPU numbers. I actually would like to hear actual users (experienced {programmers/developers/IT tech spec.} users) describe the ACTUAL benefits of increased processing speed and "power". I am not saying that I do not believe in progress or advancement, quite the contrary( I own what was considered less than 4 months ago top of the line-will not put on the net for security reasons) I believe that is one of the ways that the computer industry validates itself.
    My question is then - ( perhaps a topic for a new thread?) What are the "real" benifits of increased clock speed eg. 2.4GHz to 3 GHz( not including game enhancement)
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2006
    I have people ask me all the time if they should upgrade their computer. My answer is always the same: If your computer is working properly and does everything you want it to do, why spend the money?

    Gamers and hobbyists always seem to think of something more they'd like their computer to do, though. :vimp:
  • bikerboybikerboy PA
    edited February 2006
    profdlp wrote:
    Gamers and hobbyists always seem to think of something more they'd like their computer to do, though. :vimp:

    very true. the upgrading process never ends for me.

    bikerboy
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