GPU mining and CPU usage (Computer responsiveness while mining)

[Sjalq]

Hi,

What is the effect of GPU mining on the PC's responsiveness to other applications?

The machine is going to have 2x6990s in it and will most likely be running windows.

Will there be any noticeable difference between a Sempron, Phenom II dual, quad or six core CPU on computer responsiveness?

[SomeoneWeird]

Depends which miner you go with, but I know most have something like a -f flag (poclbm) that limits the framerate of the desktop, so if you do -f 60, you will get 60 fps (desktop faster, miner slower (barely though)), -f (opposite, miner faster, desktop slower (ALOT)).

[dikidera]

If you ask me, you can prolly use one of the cores of the card for your other things like movies.

[Sjalq]

Thanks guys, that's already very useful.

I need to decide between a nice Phenom , a cheaper Phenom and a Sempron.
The machine wil need to double as a light weight server and office PC.
Any advice in that regard?

[BombaUcigasa]

extra flags: -a 3 -f 40 -r2

No problems playing anything I want on the same card... You may also increase the CPU priority for poclbm.exe to have the GPU the limiting factor in processing speed.

[organofcorti]

If you're going to be running Windows, get something better than a Sempron. They seem to run at 100% when hashing, then they overheat and BSOD (personal experience and also reported in other threads).

If you really do want to go cheap and get a Sempron you'll have to run Linux. LinuxCoin is in alpha but still a good choice, has sdk 2.4 and catalyst 11.3 (4?) preinstalled. Mine runs at around 5% no problems.

[Atroxes]

If you're going to be running Windows, get something better than a Sempron. They seem to run at 100% when hashing, then they overheat and BSOD (personal experience and also reported in other threads).

If you really do want to go cheap and get a Sempron you'll have to run Linux. LinuxCoin is in alpha but still a good choice, has sdk 2.4 and catalyst 11.3 (4?) preinstalled. Mine runs at around 5% no problems.

/off-topic
Semprons have successfully run Quad GPU systems with no problems at all (check youtube, there's several).

I've had luck running with the Phoenix 1.48 miner with no CPU usage at all.

[organofcorti]

If you're going to be running Windows, get something better than a Sempron. They seem to run at 100% when hashing, then they overheat and BSOD (personal experience and also reported in other threads).

If you really do want to go cheap and get a Sempron you'll have to run Linux. LinuxCoin is in alpha but still a good choice, has sdk 2.4 and catalyst 11.3 (4?) preinstalled. Mine runs at around 5% no problems.

/off-topic
Semprons have successfully run Quad GPU systems with no problems at all (check youtube, there's several).

I've had luck running with the Phoenix 1.48 miner with no CPU usage at all.

In that case I have no idea why my semp 145 was maxing on 64 bit windows 7! I give. No more Windows.