g0cgl wrote:
Did you do this upgrade yet? Just curious how it worked out and what challenges you ran into installing the new CPU, looks like space in the radio is really cramped and that removing and reinstalling a new CPU and RAM might be challenging. Also, can you kindly share what the memory is in the rig?

I have noticed that the current CPU runs at about 70 % with just the radio functions according to Windows built in monitor while the ExpertSDR seemed to indicate about 50%, I think that's a bit hot especially if one wants to run software so a CPU/ram upgrade might be a nice option when ordering the rig. With that said, the radio runs fine right now without any significant software running and none of the typical software should require significant resources so I would also be curious for those running software like HRD, DM780, ComCat, etc knowing what their CPU and memory useage looks like in Task Manager.

73
NI0Z

I have not yet done the CPU upgrade. The CPU is on order but availability in Europe is almost non-existent so I have to wait for re-stocking.

There is 8GB RAM as supplied. Increasing to 16GB makes a significant improvement in performance, especially if external monitors are used. This is because RAM is utilised by the graphics chip, it being without its own memory except for 512MB. Installing the extra RAM is a simple task.

None of the software you mention make a significant detrimental impact to CPU/memory usage. The main culprits are use of RX2, external monitors, and CW Skimmer(s). With all of these, including 2 external monitors, I regularly see 95%-100% CPU usage.

If I understand Vasily correctly, some work is being done on ESDR2 to reduce CPU usage and we might see a difference in Alpha 6 which is due soon.

many thanks! PS, Amazon has the CPUs

Do you know the memory type and speed, like as in DDR4 3200 PC4 24000, ect?

Thanks!
73
NI0Z

The memory module is KVR16LS11/8 (PC3L-12800 CL11 204pin)

Note: it must be 16LS and not 16S which has the wrong voltage.

Lol, yesterday there were 8 I7 6700T CPUs, today they are 3-4 weeks expected delivery.

Thanks for all the info, will be interested to hear from anyone making the upgrades.

73
NI0Z

g0cgl wrote:

Thanks!

Did you happen to see the motherboard model and manufacturer while you were inside, wondering if the 35
w I7 7700T is compatible.

Many Thanks and 73
NI0Z

The motherboard is a Gigabyte MDH11HI v1.0

The i7 7700T would be compatible if the BIOS could be upgraded from F5 to F6. Otherwise, no it isn't. Upgrading the BIOS is not a simple matter. Gigabyte supply software for the purpose but for some reason it does not work. There is also the risk factor to consider and also whether warranty would be invalidated. Not that I am an expert on CPUs, but I do doubt that the 7700 has significant performance benefit over the 6700 to be too concerned with it.

Thanks and I agree, it's just that the 7700T is a lot more readily available and cheaper but there is not a lot on this motherboard as the utility's I ran on it identify it as MDH11HI-SI which may be a reason the BIOS utility doesnt work. I have some more research to do today, however I think I am going to let some others explore this path first as in all reality the radio suits my needs as is.

I actually have built all my own desktop computers so the prospect of it doesn't worry too much, one just has to be really careful with the CPU, the fan and not stressing the motherboard, but with this motherboard being less documented (it appears to be an industrial MB) it's best to not mess wit it.

One thing EE could explore for future versions is a GPU to do the heavy duty processing, but they can also be power hogs and generate more heat, so all tradeoffs to consider, however there are several cheap ones out there for Bit Coin mining that may be easily leveraged.

Something I noticed last night is that switching the OS setting in the bios from Win 7 to Win 8/10 disables the front display.

I will say though at some point EE may want to keep us in the loop if bios updates become available so we get the right ones as they may be needed somewhere down the road for long term viability to support OS upgrades etc. This won't likely be an issue in the next few years, however in 4-7 years it may become very important.

73
NI0Z

For UK/European owners contemplating processor upgrade the INTEL Core i7-6700T is available on the Amazon site.
Shipped from Germany and sold by two companies.
Bora-Computer Gbr and Octo24.
Priced at £343 plus postage.
Also available on ebay from companies in Europe and USA.
Agree not a cheap option, think I will stat with RAM upgrade.
73
Al

I have my i7-6700T waiting for me at the post office! I might have time to install it today or tomorrow. I will let you guys know how it turns out.

73
Hans Christian LA9AKA

Processor installed! It was really easy. Everything runs quite fast, and decoding stations on JTDX never gets more than 60% CPU usage. This is with ESDR2, HRD, JT-Alert, JTDX, PST-Rotator, Palstar tuner control and a web browser open. It sounds like the CPU fan runs a little bit faster on average, but not sure. Yeah, and I am also running dual 27" monitors.

So far it looks promising!

73
LA9AKA Hans Christian

That's awesome! Did you do memory too? My memory arrived today, maybe after you go a week or two I will look into it more. I will maybe wait till my warranty is up though. I will have the stuff here ready for the time that comes. The thing is, right now I run all the extra software on my super pc, so its just ExpertSDR and the Ether Com port right now, maybe VAC later this week.

Voicemeter VBAN does work to pass audio over Ethernet, but its a bit invasive on ones PC and RADIO in that it has to take over all the audio routing and it doesn't seem to jive well with all the stuff I do on Hamzilla, 2 DAWs, ect. So I am going with hardwires on the audio from the MB1 to the Hamzilla. Its been quite a project getting everything up to where I had it.. but soon I will be ready to pit the receiver in the MB1 against some other Rigs to see how it fairs.

I have to say, so far I am seriously impressed with he MB1, one hell of a rig! I think the last release of ExpertSDR resolved any instability I was having, haven't seen an issue since. I will show some pictures of the shack next week when I get it all finished, Lol, I spent the better part of the day on my Rack yesterday cleaning up wiring. Tomorrow I will get behind Hamzilla and clean up all the cabling, LAN, ect

73
NI0Z

Hello Hans Christian,

Very good news. You did a good job, leading the way! My CPU is still on order, total absence of them in UK and Ireland. If you took any photographs during the installation please email them to me for inclusion in the User Manual Addendum. If not, no worries as I will do that when I install mine. Have fun! 73 de Erik EI4KF / G0CGL.

Erik, I tried the quick reply on the forum yesterday, but the message seem to have disappeared.

Anyway, I was supposed to take pictures, but the installation was so easy that I did not bother to do it. But looking back, maybe I should have done it anyway. It was just to loosen the four screws to the CPU fan and remove it, The processor itself is just clamped to the mainboard, release the clamp, and you can lift out the processor and replace it with the new one. It only fits one way. Added some new thermal paste to the CPU and mounted everything together again.

Still works really well! No issues at all. So I'm very happy I did the upgrade!

NI0Z Mark,

Yes, I have done the RAM upgrade as well. I can also confirm your findings that the latest ESDR2 is very stable, no issues at all. Let me know when you have everything up and running with your Hamzilla computer, I am in the process of doing the same thing as you. But no luck so far. And I agree, the MB-1 is an awesome radio, and I cant wait to see it grow with new software and maybe hardware functions in the future!

73
Hans Christian LA9AKA