Hi Mark,

As an experiment, I've been running my MB1 ethernet connected to a very fast desktop computer (Ryzen 5800X 4.7Ghz CPU). Swisslog has no glitches even with RBN. JTDX will run maxed out on its full number of decoding cycles with no lag for the next TX period. For RAM I have 16Gb dual channel but get this: out of interest I have tried 8Gb single channel - no difference to performance if I limit the running apps to ESDR2, JTDX and Swisslog. The computer doesn't get anywhere near a memory bottleneck. 8Gb is not enough if I then open a web browser by the way.

But, with the MB1, there is an extra challenge in that the graphics are on-board the CPU and extra montors above the one supported external need more RAM. 16Gb does cut it but 32GB is not wasted, especially if you choose to run both receivers with an instance of JTDX /WSJTx attached to each one. So getting the extra was a good choice. That said, the limiting factor with the MB1 is the CPU although it is it fine for everyone except high-end users.

Erik,
I just purchased at Christmas time an Alienware R10. It has a 3950X AMD Processor, 32 GB. 3200 speed Ram and a 2080 Super Graphics Card. I'm sure that could handle anything I can throw at it. One thing would be nice is if one could trade in their present MB1 for an upgraded MB1. But, I'm sure I am asking for too much. I have never built a PC before, and at this stage in my life, I'm not about to start.
Mark Griffin, KB3Z

Hi Mark, yes I would trade up for the latest MB1 if i could but it is not possible unfortunately. The i7-6700T that I have was good for 2016-17 but things have moved on and the latest and greatest software is too demanding for that spec.

But I built mine (on Christmas Day actually as the 5800X was a present from my wife) and it was not difficult. Mine is all AMD with a Radeon 5600XT graphics card. 3600 mHz RAM and I have now overclocked it as well.

One disadvantage of connecting the MB1 to a separate computer is the loss of the front panel controls. What a waste hi. But I did already have the eCoder so I was good to go.

Erik,
Even with the 32MB of ram that I have it was not enough to not cause limitations with Swiss Logger. It really did cause latency issues between tuning the radio and seeing the delay between the radio frequency and the frequency in the software program. I realize that you save space by having a combination CPU/GPU but EESDR2 is a very high graphics program. And I use the GUI version. I have not looked to see how much resources are used between the GUI and the other screen that is available. They do make external GPU cards. But, they are not inexpensive. And of course they are sort of an amplifier and that does not include the price of the graphics card. I have never looked to see how much GPU resources are used when operating the different programs all at the same time. I will run the JTDX program but normally don't have my logging program running at the same time. Because I can log contacts in JTDX and then just import that file that it creates into LogHX which is what I normally use. For contesting I use N1MM Plus. And of course that doesn't cause any issues while running EESDR2. I must say that I prefer the GUI Screen of EESDR2. It is slightly larger and is more appealing. At least to me. I like the size of the MB1, but if it was a bit larger just to be able to accommodate a separate graphic card, I would not be too upset with that. I realize that Flexradio's 6000 series units are rather attractive. I used to read their chatroom boards and it was so interesting to see the problems that people were having with Smart SDR. Of course one software program off-times does not work for everyone. I really don't know if there is an easy solution to this or not. I know that AMD does make some CPU/GPU combinations that have sufficient cores to handle a lot of stuff. If it was only easy to install a new CPU in the MB1 I'm sure plenty of people would be doing that. And of course the firmware version is probably out of date. Unless the manufacturer stopped making upgrades for that particular motherboard. Well, I could write a whole lot more, but this might be a good place to stop.
Mark Griffin, KB3Z

Mark,

I've been looking for a solution for the eGPU. Since the MB1 does not have a Thunderbolt port, there is no real avenue that I can find for an external GPU. BTW, my hard drive is 80% full and my passmark test is ~1800. Time to but a new SSD.

I'd like to rig up an eGPU. I'm also going to upgrade to 32 gb RAM and a 970 EVO PRO. I'm not a computer expert so I'll roll the dice on cloning my 120 gb drive

Cheers,
Greg
K0PJ/9

Hi Mark

You can get BIOS updates, in fact there have been many. But I can assure you that past F7 which afforded i7-7700T support, they do not do anything to help performance.

Yes an external GPU is not cheap which is why I advocate the USB>HDMI solution. There is practically no limit to the number of screens then.

Swisslog is my favorite logger so iam glad to have the computer solution to run it maxed out. But the crux of your message is that the MB1 is not particularly upgradeable and I do agree. It is just one of those things. Into the future I expect EE to address the issue somehow but that is a long way off.

Sorry to bother...just want to pick the right SSD: Is there a difference between these?

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-970-EVO-1TB-MZ-V7E1T0BW/dp/B07BN217QG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3MJ9VBA7Q26F7&dchild=1&keywords=ssd%2Bm2%2Bnvme%2Bsamsung%2B970%2Bevo%2Bplus&qid=1611240015&sprefix=970%2BEVO%2B(PLUS%2BM2%2BSSD%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-4&th=1

www.amazon.com/Samsung-970-EVO-Plus-MZ-V7S1T0B/dp/B07MFZY2F2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3MJ9VBA7Q26F7&dchild=1&keywords=ssd+m2+nvme+samsung+970+evo+plus&qid=1611240015&sprefix=970+EVO+%28PLUS+M2+SSD%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-3

The difference is in the speeds for read and write. Note that in real world use, the difference is negligible.

Greetings,

I updated my Kingston 120 GB drive to a Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500 GB. Passmark results prior to upgrade was 1800, after upgrade 2100.

A bit of history: Upgraded to I7-6700T and 16 GB RAM a year or two ago. Passmark Score then, if I remember correctly, was 3500. Today, 2100. I did turn off Windows Defender and all other programs operating in the background, and had all USB connected devices unplugged.

I have installed the Samsung Driver and optimized the drive with with Magician.

Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg

Just to say that your Passmark score is above mine, using same RAM and CPU with an EVO 970 (not Plus).

Thanks Erik...I was most likely misremembering a previous test score. Greg

Hello;

I have MB1 BIOS version F5 chipset MDH11HI and I7 6770T CPU. from old stock
Can someone confirm correct SSD disk and memory from eBay source
1. eBay item number:143534688167
2. eBay item number:293897904190

No 1 is ok but No 2 is not found on any eBay site for me. Maybe check it or post either the product name or picture.

Thanks Eric,

www.ebay.com/itm/Crucial-CT2KIT102464BF160B-16Go-Kit-8Gox2-DDR3L-1600-MT-S-PC3L-12800-Sodimm/293897904190?hash=item446dae203e:g:2OYAAOSw8t5fDCk5

yes it is ok