[hpsdr] Which CPU will be better for HPSDR?

[Warren C. Pratt]

Hi Bert,

First of all, even though I code some of the most performance-critical 
algorithms, I must say that I don't have a definitive answer to your 
question.  There are many factors involved.

The openHPSDR PowerSDR application is multi-threaded and is becoming 
even more-so as we move toward the new protocol.  So, there's no doubt 
we benefit from more cores.  On the other hand, not all threads are 
equally loaded; so, there is a benefit from raw CPU clock rate.  Other 
factors that could be important are cache size and memory speed.

Among the two processors you mention, I would probably slightly favor 
the one with more cores and larger cache. However, as I said, it's a 
difficult call.

One thing is for sure:  as we develop/include new algorithms, compute 
power requirements are increasing.  As an example, I had to "dumb down" 
the new Spectral Noise Blanker because even on my system, one of the 
fastest available, it wouldn't run at full speed.

Fortunately, our openHPSDR system architecture allows us to keep 
upgrading our computers to expand the possibilities for future developments.

73,
Warren  NR0V