Look at the # cores they list. I would say they used the same motherboard and disabled one processor to run the test. Not a fair test. They did not mention what motherboard they used either. Dual processor motherboards are not created equal so you need to do your reseach on what to use. The chip sets and such make a difference. I run a dually as its easier to maintain instead of 2 separate systems. Cheaper too for parts. But if it goes down, you lose your big cruncher. Rarely has my dually gone down though. Its cool seeing 24 threads working as I have a dual hex system. Can't afford the newer 12 core/24 threaded chips or even the 18/36 monster. Have to win the lottery first.

dual CPU = dual WUs crunching = dual time

I have several dual CPUs MBOs & several MBOs with dual or quad cores...it all comes down to TIME!

and no I don't suggest you run one WU on dual CPU! ;)

the CPUs aren't so much expendables in a config...HDD are!

so to lower the consumption of computer:
1. use SSD or USB OS
2. use lower RAM ('cause more allocated RAM consumes more W at PSU) - but not too low
3. don't use extra PCI slots

Consider using laptops...they can be throttled to 50-80% of CPU time, soime even on 100%...and from my experiance 80+% is only for: Lenovo, Dell & Toshiba laptops...
They consume about 100-150W alltogether...that much lower than PC desktop! Even with normal 2,5" HDD...

Everyone can make several of these...just for crunching!

@vcd683s

I recently asked myself these very same questions. I think it is better to build two single processor computers than one dual - if you’re buying new stuff. You get more throughput per Euro, purchase price and energy cost. However, if you’re buying used, already assembled stuff - like a workstation - then it’s often cheaper to buy dual. Even if you take into account how much throughput there is and the energy cost for the systems. I paid 40% more for a used dual Z600 workstation, compared to a used single processor Z400 with the same configuration, but with one processor instead of two. I think I’m getting maybe 60-80% more throughput compared to a single CPU system, but I paid only 40% more.

A dual system, regardless if it’s new or used, is good because it’s easier to manage compared to two single processor systems. I’m tired of all the reboots after the monthly updates. Having a dual system means one less. Having two dual systems means two less, which means a lot when running CEP2. These WUs lose most of the work in progress when restarting the computer, so I have to do planed shutdowns where I fill up with UGM WUs.

The downside is the bottleneck in the dual system's platform controller hub and the single HDD’s bandwidth, which is probably why, among other things, I’m sure, a dual system has less throughput per processor compared to two single CPU systems.

I think you should fill all memory channels with DIMMs, even if they draw an extra 2W per DIMM. For science.


@ Oldchap

I've also seen your BOINCstats. Have you upgraded all your dual boards with 12-core processors? I've searched on eBay for processors that have more than 6 cores, but they are scarce and expensive. Do you know where, if anywhere, it's possible to buy used "many many"-core processors (more than deca)? Are there any used dodeca-cores for sale?


"The oddball build in this scenario might be when using c2750 boards. such a setup built in a similar fashion to those bitcoin setups you could run at least 10 per PSU as they are reported to use between 30 and 40 watts all up each."

Do you know how to connect 10 boards to just one PSU? I read somewhere that each board needs to be able to individually regulate the PSU's power, and that would prevent a parallel connection.

@TBMS
Unfortunately, I live in a country where the power costs are pretty high. Around the 30c/KWh! So my power costs are pretty substantial. I worked out the plan over 3 years and getting these chips for the price they were, means that they dominate the 3 year total cost of ownership.....

There are very very few second hand LGA2011-3 boards out there for me to pick up. I found 2 in total! As for workstations, none at all. If only I lived in the US where I could have picked these things up more easily!

I'm hoping that by going for a supermicro dual board, I won't hit too much of a bottle neck. I'll find out when I build it! Assuming I get that second chip though!

@OldChap
The board I am looking at is actually E-ATX, not SSI CEB or SSI EEB. So it should fit in my case nicely.

I have been looking at aircooling and I really like the look of the Scythe Mugen 4 coolers. I've been very impressed by that (and Noctua's) peformance as it is usually better than watercooling, but I don't want to hang 1.5-2kg of cooler from my motherboard. I am not comfortable with that much weight. With watercooling, atleast the radiators are supported by the case. Or am I worrying too much?

As for the PSU, I think you are right. Over 3 years, replacing my bronze with a gold will pay for itself in saved costs and probably give me cleaner and better power. Platinum was worth the return in my opinion.

This is a 30GB ssd which is just for WCG. So I will have my OS and programs on another 240GB ssd, so hopefully no issues there. Running UGM, I would use 14GB of space I think if I have the same setting as my 6 core machine.
Once I set it up, what is the best way of checking if the SSD is my bottleneck?

Thanks a ton for all of your input guys. I really appreciate it and it is so helpful during this learning process!