I have a dual core intel, and vitual + physical memory combined this little application use up to 600megs of memory. This is not acceptable. I have 1GB of ram and my computer seems so slow. It reminds me the old days with windows 95 and 8megs of memory.

Is there any solution?

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That sounds a bit high. But yes, the 256MB guideline would be per CPU. To use less memory, and still run BOINC, you might consider changing your General Preference for number of CPUs to utilize on a multi-CPU system. Set it to 1 and BOINC will only run a single WU at a time, use less memory, and this should free up more resources so your PC usage is not impaired.

If it is still too sluggish, then the General Preference to not run while computer is in use should help.

This will sound like a contradiction, but be sure your preference is to keep applications in memory while suspended. This assures you don't lose crunch time every time you preempt the application. It will consume virtual memory, not physical, while preempted.

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Add this signature to your EMail:
Running Microsoft's "System Idle Process" will never help cure cancer, AIDS nor Alzheimer's. But running Rosetta@home just might!
https://boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/

Thank you for your prompt reply, i will try that...

That sounds a bit high. But yes, the 256MB guideline would be per CPU.

Currently Boinc/rosetta@home is using 663 megs of memory combined.

.

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THe 256mb guideline sounds like physical RAM though, not virtual as well.

I currently have quite a complex protein (384) - or at least I think it is, because it takes about 2hrs per Model on a p4 3.3 Ghz.

Memory usage: 210 + 235 (HT)
VM usage: 236 + 229

Total: 446 + 464 = 910mb

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I have a dual core intel, and vitual + physical memory combined this little application use up to 600megs of memory. This is not acceptable. I have 1GB of ram and my computer seems so slow. It reminds me the old days with windows 95 and 8megs of memory.

Is there any solution?

Couple of thoughts. That 600 megs is the total image size, a good hunk of which will be in the swap file. You care a whole hell of a lot more about the working set size, which is the actual amount of chip ram that's in use. Forget task manager and go get a copy of Process Explorer from sysinternals - it's infinitely better.

That said, you probably want to have a good long hard look at your system, cuz something ain't right. You've almost exactly described my setup, although my CPU is a hair different.

3.2 GHz Intel P4 H/T (enabled), 1 gig physical ram, BOINC processes using about 650 megs virtual all told (about 300 megs chip), and I don't even notice it's there.

This one if you're really curious.

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You need to make sure your virtual memory is set properly. Don't assume it came from the factory like it was supposed to. My virual memory/page filing thing was slowing me down and loading up my memory until I found a web page that gave me a great tweak to use. I will tell you what the two best things are you can do.

Open your "system properties"; right click your "My computer" icon in the "start menu" and select "properties." On the system properties box, click the "Advanced tab" at the top. Click the "settings" button on the "Performance" column. Now you have a box that says "Performance Options" at the top. Click the "Advanced" tab at the top of this box. Look at the very bottom box, it says "Virutal Memory." Click the "Change" button. Now you have a "Virtual Memory" box. If you have only one hard drive, make sure to select the "System Manage Size" and let the operating system take care of it. If you have more than one hard drive, like I do, use this tweak to help you out.
Select "Custom Size". For your main hard drive, the one you boot up with, set your "Initial Size" to 2 mb. and your "Maximum" to 50 mb. Click "Set."
Now for your second hard drive. You want to take your physical memory, 1 gb, and multiply it by 1.5, which gives you 1500 mb. Enter 1500 in your "Initial Size" and your "Maximum". Click "Set" again. Now push "OK." You will get a box telling you you have to restart your computer. Push "OK." Then push "Apply" on the virual memory box. Then push ok. Push "OK" on the rest of the boxes, and then you will have one that will restart your computer. You will see a big difference in how your computer runs while you are running the Rosetta program.

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Thanks a lots for these tips, but i am receiving today 2x 1GB Corsair DDR2 4200. With 3 gig of ram, things should be pretty smooth again...
With Azureus running in the background 24/7, I obviously needed more ram.

This thread will help other with ram / performances problems and keep crunching for a better world! :-)

Thanks again all! :-)


[in reponse to Gen_X_Accord]
My system is running 24/7, i have 3 HDD, i dont like the idea of having two HDD spinning all the time, i already have to change my main HDD every year or so. But that is a very good solution for people who shutdown computer at night. Thanks for the idea!

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With Azureus running in the background 24/7, I obviously needed more ram.

www.utorrent.com

Does everything that Azureus does, but isn't based on java. Barely uses any ram and runs very fast - wonderful little application ;)

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I find this machine very sluggish if BitTorrent is running with the default values. If I limit the upload to say 8k it is much better.

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Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream.

I find this machine very sluggish if BitTorrent is running with the default values. If I limit the upload to say 8k it is much better.

Dont you dare limiting the upload of bittorrent!! :-P

Yeah, heard of Utorrent, but Azureus has more tweaking option and plugins (i think) i will have to give it a shot one of theses days... thanks

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