>>> If my main rig starts using swap a lot, I'm going to be very curious. I >>> even used 8Gbs to put portages work directory on tmpfs. I still didn't >>> use >>> any swap. By the way, that doesn't seem to make the compiles any faster. >>> o_O >>> >> CPU bottleneck? >> >> - Grant >> > I sort of doubt it. I have a AMD 4 core 3.2Ghz CPU. A 6 core is about all > that beats it. I think they have a 3.3. and a 3.4 now but that's marginal > really.
I just got a 3.7! :) > It has always been said that reading and writing to the portage work > directory would slow down compiles a bit. Well, I tested the theory and it > seemed to have taken a few seconds longer with portage's work directory on > tmpfs instead of a hard drive. I see the reason it should be faster and I > think it should be faster but when I tried it, theory ran up against > reality. We all know what happens when theory meets reality. Theory is > small and weak but reality is large, strong and a great teacher to boot. > Reality always wins even when it don't make sense. :/ > > Don't worry, I was as surprised as anyone. I found on the forum where > someone else came to the same conclusions. I guess it caches stuff or just > that drives are faster and smarter nowadays. Thanks for sharing your results Dale. Surprising stuff. - Grant