Sample setups

As an illustration we cover here basic computer setups that can be used as a basis for ordering computers.

Baseline Windows/Linux PC

This is the type of computer we use for most purposes. It provides a very nice price/performance ratio, and can handle a large range of uses.

  • Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 810
  • Memory: 4GB RAM
  • Hard-disk: 320GB
  • Graphics: NVidia 9800GT 512MB
  • FireWire: On-board FireWire 400, or PCI-Express FireWire 400/800 card
  • Operating system: Windows XP, 32-bits or Ubuntu Linux 32/64 bits

Multi-Cell Linux PC

For driving multiple displays, we select a stronger computer, now with multiple graphics cards to drive up to 4 displays at once. We do not recommend using Windows for driving large installations at the moment, due to the problems with Windows performance and stability in those cases.

  • Processor: Intel Core i7
  • Memory: 6GB RAM
  • Hard-disk: 750GB
  • Graphics: 2 x NVidia 9800GT 512MB
  • FireWire: PCI-Express FireWire 400/800 card
  • Operating system: Ubuntu Linux 32/64 bits, Ubuntu 9.04 64-bits recommended.

See also tips on setting up multiple graphics cards on Linux.

Macintosh tower

For Mac users the standard Mac Pro offers good performance. Currently it is unfortunate is that Apple only offers older Intel Xeon CPUs instead of the faster Core i7 family, which means that the computers do not offer the same level of performance as the Core i7 -based PC-systems. As a base-line one uses a Mac Pro, with:

  • Processor: Intel Xeon
  • Memory: 4GB RAM
  • Hard-disk: 640GB
  • Graphics: ATI 4870
  • FireWire: Integrated
  • Operating system: OSX Leopard

In some cases with multiple Cells, there have been performance problems with the Apple Pro computers. In practice the issue was that running two NVidia GT 120 graphics cards, with just one OpenGL window resulted in very poor application performance. Exactly what the problems with multiple graphics are, we do not know yet. Anyhow, a Mac Pro can be used very well to drive two Cells, using one graphics card.

Laptop (Mac)

Apple laptops go well together with MultiTouch CornerStone. For this purpose one can use a base-line MacBook Pro, with for example:

  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
  • Memory: 2GB RAM
  • Hard-disk: 200GB
  • Graphics: NVidia 8600M GT or faster
  • FireWire: Integrated
  • Operating system: OSX Leopard

Laptop (PC/Linux)

The field of PC-style laptops offers all kinds of choices. The level of hardware support varies between the units, so your mileage may vary. Typical setup could be:

  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
  • Memory: 2GB RAM
  • Hard-disk: 200GB
  • Graphics: NVidia 8600M GT or better, with DVI/HDMI output
  • FireWire: Integrated mini-FireWire, with external hub to provide power or ExpressCard/PCMCIA FireWire add-on card
  • Operating system: Windows XP or Linux

Going through a FireWire hub is not really the most elegant solution. Unfortunately most non-Apple laptops have the non-powered mini-FireWire ports by default, and one must find another way to get power into the FireWire bus. We have sometimes had bad luck with the FireWire hubs, so if possible, find a computer with powered FireWire ports.