Optimizing for bench runs [and SPI tuning] - Overclock.net

**CL3P20** · 04-06-09

Per request, a new thread has started for discussion and sharing info related to tuning and optimizing for benchmarking. As well, a lot of discussion has come up over tuning and tweaking SPi...

As information is accumulated, the OP will edited and updated to consolidate the wealth of info in a tidy fashion.

Copy Waza

Here are a few links on setting up a CopyWaza, and SPI Tweaker [an automated form of CopyWaza]:
Copywaza tidbit #1
Copywaza tidbit #2
Copywaza tidbit #3

Introduction to using Copywaza:

Quote:

Copy Wazza

What is it?
Basically, copy wazza is moving a large file/folder between two different drives or partitions.

How does it work?
From my understanding, because the size is usually bigger than my system memory, the copy wazza procedure causes your memory to be cleared out by the copying process, then when you run SuperPi is gets the first rights to it, speeding up Spi calculations.

What do I do?
Simple! first we need to generate some big files, some people zip alot of stuff or make DVD images. I've a better solution [Smile] Goto start -> run... and type in this command:
Quote:
fsutil file createnew C:largefile.txt 1000000

You will now find a file in your C: root called "largefile.txt" that will be a little under 1MB. Simply adjust the number at the end to create larger files. Copy Wazza is quite system specific and usually people file different sizes give them best results. Personally for me around 4GB worked best, I've seem as high as 6.4GB and a low as 3GB so you'll have toplay about a bit to see what works.

It has also become apparent that moving it twice between drives can also gain time. Normally you would move the files from say D: -> C: but some (including me) have found that D: -> C: -> D: works best. Again play about and see what works for you.

Results

Well actually there's not going to be a results section for copy wazza as it seems to be very dependant on how your system. I do recommend however that you concentrate on this far more than any of the other tweaks as the gains are alot bigger (except for LSC in XP). I found for my system a file around 3-4GB gained me the most time using the D: -> C: -> D: method.

*by JohnnyBravo
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Pi Tuning

Super Pi tweaking and tuning
Pi tweaks...

..some good tips for prepping for Pi runs...

* run superpi.exe in Real time, and kill explorer.exe during the run. You can run explorer.exe afterward from task manager...just type in 'explorer.exe'

*delete your page file, defrag and set again. A clean install is best off course, I recommend to defrag right away after installation...defragging a few times in a row, is actually beneficial.

*run --> msconfig --> diagnostic boot mode :This will shut down lot's of services..and is an easy solution for tuning a daily user for benching, quickly.

*set SPI to real time and affinity to core #0. Then explorer exe. affinity to core #1. That way SPI has core #0 to itself.

*let SPI just set there for a minute or so before I run it.

*run a stripped down XP Pro or Win 2K for benching.Neither one set up for inter net use.

* do a de-frag before you start.

*The tighter the ram timings, the faster it will run, SPI likes low latencies, but high bandwidth helps to.

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If you have something to add to the list..please, share!!

meticadpa · 04-06-09

Umm, don't use Vista, use an N-lited XP?

**mega_option101** · 04-06-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by meticadpa

Umm, don't use Vista, use an N-lited XP?

Or server 2k3

Bartmasta · 04-06-09

Delete page file?

**CL3P20** · 04-06-09

Yes.. delete it and defrag..then create the pagefile again.

Bartmasta · 04-06-09

Where do I delete it

EDIT: Do I just select no page file?

Screw this I can't be bothered doing superpi on my comp. I did everything you guys told me too and yet my speeds aren't improving. I don't get what I'm doing wrong, I have the same timings as the other guys, and my MHz is the same but my time is worse by 1.5 secs.

I wanna try with my pentium 4 though, what's a way to overclock it? I can't through BIOS.

SetFSB is weird and doesn't work and clockgen just shows your speeds, you can't change em.

EDIT2: For some reason my pentium 4 is really really slow at calculating Pi, one loop takes like 30 seconds instead of 2-3

**ira-k** · 04-06-09

I just go to task manager-processes and set SPI to real time and affinity to core #0. Then explorer exe. affinity to core #1. That way SPI has core #0 to itself.

I always let SPI just set there for a minute or so before I run it. I bring it up open it up to 1M or 32M and just let it set.

I run a stripped down XP Pro or Win 2K for benching.Neither one are set up for inter net use.

Copy WAZA seems to work for me at times and at other times it doesn't.

I do a de-frag before I start.

I've tried running SPI on ram disk, you use a certain part of your system ram, just open SPI up in your alloted ram. It doesn't seem to run any faster for me like that. It was fun to play with though.

The tighter I can keep my ram timings the faster it seems to run, SPI likes low latencies, but high bandwidth helps to.

**CL3P20** · 04-06-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartmasta

Where do I delete it

EDIT: Do I just select no page file?

Screw this I can't be bothered doing superpi on my comp. I did everything you guys told me too and yet my speeds aren't improving. I don't get what I'm doing wrong, I have the same timings as the other guys, and my MHz is the same but my time is worse by 1.5 secs.

I wanna try with my pentium 4 though, what's a way to overclock it? I can't through BIOS.

SetFSB is weird and doesn't work and clockgen just shows your speeds, you can't change em.

EDIT2: For some reason my pentium 4 is really really slow at calculating Pi, one loop takes like 30 seconds instead of 2-3

For the paging file...just check "No paging file" and apply..then go defrag a few times. Next, go back and set your paging file back to its original size.

@ Bart- Do you use MemSet for tuning in windows? If so, have you been able to successfully lower your timings with it... If you are really at the 'edge' of your hardware's limits, using programs like MemSet and ClockGen, are going to be the only ways to benefit your benchmarks, without tuning your OS a little and optimizing it for your runs.

If you can post a screeny, or list of few of the methods you are using/may have used, I can help you out a bit more...it sounds like ClockGen isnt detecting your PLL clock correctly.

Main points, from Ira's post..edited for entry into OP.

Quote:

*set SPI to real time and affinity to core #0. Then explorer exe. affinity to core #1. That way SPI has core #0 to itself.

*let SPI just set there for a minute or so before I run it.

*run a stripped down XP Pro or Win 2K for benching.Neither one set up for inter net use.

* do a de-frag before you start.

*The tighter the ram timings, the faster it will run, SPI likes low latencies, but high bandwidth helps to.

Thanks for chiming in with some pointers Ira! I havent seen you around in a good minute! How the heck you been...and where is your darn entry for the comp, sir !!

**ira-k** · 04-06-09

Hey Bud, I've just been laying back taking it easy. To tell you the truth I'm just kind of burned out on benching right now..

..

..I'll get into it again pretty soon.

**CL3P20** · 04-06-09

You're lucky I like your Ira.. I'll let you slide on this one

..You've paid your dues.

*Make sure to hang around, and check out the action..comp starts on the 10th of this month.

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Optimizing for bench runs [and SPI tuning]

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