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Multi-Core Processors: Login Fix

Corvus Gould
Registered User
Join date: 24 Oct 2005
Posts: 18
10-25-2005 08:04
Hi all. Before I get started, I'd like to say it's great to be a new member of Second Life, and I hope to see all of you soon!

My computer features the new Athlon 64 X2-series processor by AMD. This processor has multiple cores (layman's term, it has two computer processors on one chip).

That said, logging in was a bit of a nightmare. Yesterday was a patch day, so I can understand my issues there, but when I tried to log in this morning, I hit the same brick wall. The same issues that are labelled in the login wiki that suggest a firewall is blocking access were occurring (could not find server, frozen login, etc). After messing with my firewall, I got no improvement, as the ports I needed open were already open.

For those well enough versed in networking, DO NOT set your computer up as a DMZ on your network! It will not resolve this issue, but will invite virii to your computer. I discovered this after running my computer as a DMZ and wound up with 3 new virii on my machine.

If you have a multi-core processor like an X2 (possibly affects the new Intel dual-cores that are trickling onto the market, as well), that's the source of the problem.

SL is what is called "single-threaded", meaning it is meant to only run on one processor. Windows XP, however, is "multi-threaded", meaning it can use multiple processors. This is especially nice when running programs like Photoshop and burning a DVD at the same time. More and more programs are coming out that are "multi-threaded", but "single-threaded" programs tend to get buggy.

Programs that are "single-threaded" sometimes mis-detect multi-core processors and try to send instructions to both. This can lead to programs running way too fast (GTA San Andreas = Pac Man on a Cray), programs having unexplained lag (Half-Life 2 is prone to this), or network connection issues (Second Life).

Thankfully, Windows XP has a fix built in.

If you're having this issue on a multi-core processor (or a computer with dual processors in it), follow the proceeding steps to get connected to SL. I'd suggest doing this before screwing with your router.

1. Hit CTRL-ALT-DEL to bring up your Task Manager.
2. "End Task" the locked-up version of Second Life.
3. Restart Second Life
4. Before trying to log in, switch to Task Manager
5. Click the "Processes" tab
6. Find the EXE file for Second Life. I'm at work right now so I can't look, but it should be obvious: something like "SL.EXE" or an equally obvious filename. Right click on it.
7. Choose "Set Affinity".
8. A menu will pop up that has blanks for up to around 25 processors, but only 2-4 (depending on how many processors your computer has) will be selectable. They have check-boxes by them, and both "CPU 0" and "CPU 1" will be checked.
9. Uncheck a box. It doesn't seem to matter which, just make sure one of them is checked. I prefer to leave "CPU 1" checked.
10. Login to SL and (unless your firewall needs to have ports opened) enjoy the game!

Not sure why this is an issue. I may add this to the Wiki later, and hopefully we'll see a fix in later updates. SL could experience a lot of benefits from going multi-threaded and using the second core to process physics.

Edit: Those of you using Photoshop, Poser, and other graphics editing programs while logged in will experience a sharp performance increase by setting affinity for that program on the core that IS NOT being used by SL.
Tengu Yamabushi
Registered User
Join date: 25 Sep 2005
Posts: 191
10-25-2005 09:09
I've been running SL on a dual Xeon rig since my first day (about a month or so now) without a hitch - and the load seems to be consistently balanced between the two processors. This is on a Dell Precision 450 workstation, 1GB RAM, nVidia 6600GT, running windowed, under W2K Pro with no specific process affinity set.

Just a datapoint, FWIW ;-)

Have fun!

- Tengu Yamabushi
Corvus Gould
Registered User
Join date: 24 Oct 2005
Posts: 18
10-25-2005 09:16
Probably because you've got two single core processors splitting the task of a single threaded program. I'm guessing this has a lot to do with HTT being shared between the cores on dual-core single-chipset processors. I'd be interested to see if the Intel dual core has the same issue when it becomes a little more mainstream.

Still, I'd love to see SL take the PPU capability of a dual-core Athlon to process physics. Crossing F.E.A.R. style geomod and physics with SL would be rather nice.

Edit: My rig is...

Athlon X2 4400+ 2x2.2GHZ
2GB G.Skill PC4000 DDR RAM
320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
2xXFX nVidia 7800GTX video cards in SLI mode
Onboard sound
DFI LANParty UT SLI-DR motherboard
600W Enermax Dual-Rail PSU
Windows XP Pro SP2

Lemme just say SL in the trainee area is PRETTY AND SMOOTH at 1600x1200. I'd like to see an SL benchmarker. Will be messing with AA/AF tonight....
Echo Dragonfly
Surely You Jest
Join date: 22 Aug 2004
Posts: 325
10-25-2005 14:07
Hmm, I run an AMD 64X2 3800+, no problems at all. I did have a little jerky movement for a while, but this thread fixed that :/111/bc/55368/1.html
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Kathmandu Gilman
Fearful Symmetry Baby!
Join date: 21 May 2004
Posts: 1,418
10-25-2005 17:00
I am running 4400+ X2 and I haven't had that problem so far. Keep in mind you have to reset the affinity every time you start SL. You can get a program to do it automatically like the THG Task Assignment Manager.

http://www.tomshardware.com/cpu/20040528/index.html
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It may be true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease but it is also true that the squeaky wheel gets replaced at the first critical maintenance opportunity.
Kathmandu Gilman
Fearful Symmetry Baby!
Join date: 21 May 2004
Posts: 1,418
10-26-2005 14:52
Ok, let me revise my last post as new info has come to my attention. I indeed do have the problem described, I just couldn't tell untill everything settled from the update. Setting affinity does indeed cure the problem for me as well. Strange it didn't do this in the preview.

The affinity setting program I linked to has one big drawback, they didn't allow it to run minimized (you can't right click and minimize like you can with other programs). You can, however, place a shortcut in the start up menu and then in properties, tell it to run minimized. This way it is always on but out of the way. Multiple instances of SL will require shutting off the program and setting affinity with the task manager.

Anyone finding a better affinity manager please post a link or if you know any better methods please let us know. :)
_____________________
It may be true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease but it is also true that the squeaky wheel gets replaced at the first critical maintenance opportunity.