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Daniel_Kavan
Advisor

open server with 4 core license question

Q: In general, does Check Point (R81.20) run more optimally with RE: performance with 16 CPUs using hyper threading HT (12 other, 3 coreXL_fw, and one coreXL_SND) or with HT turned off and running (4 other, 3 coreXL_fw, and one coreXL_SND)?

 

A: I'm thinking there would be more power in each core with HT turned off.

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11 Replies
G_W_Albrecht
Legend
Legend

What you believe is not true - it just depends on several configuration and environment factors as explained in sk93000: SMT (HyperThreading) Feature Guide - e.g. FW blade alone does not really profit in performance from HT, but IPS, Application & URL Filtering and Threat Prevention have added performance of up to 30% when HT is used.

CCSE CCTE CCSM SMB Specialist
_Val_
Admin
Admin

@G_W_Albrecht This only applies if all cores are licensed. This is not the case if I read the comments above correctly.

G_W_Albrecht
Legend
Legend

Yes - but i did not refer to the title, i answered the question I'm thinking there would be more power in each core with HT turned off 😎

CCSE CCTE CCSM SMB Specialist
Daniel_Kavan
Advisor

Thanks again everyone.   We bought the 4-core license a long time ago, so good point - it's on me to buy more cores.     

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PhoneBoy
Admin
Admin

A four core license only gives you access to four hyperthreaded cores and four real cores, FYI.
I would tend to agree with your assessment, but it really depends on the traffic/blade mix.

Daniel_Kavan
Advisor

Interesting, and YES, on THIS gw I just have a 4 core license.   And I physically have 8 cores, 16 with HT enabled.   This gw is mainly VPN/FW, not much IPS or app control.  The problem is with 8 cores on this gateway, I have to choose between 8 and 16 cores (with or with out HT).   There is no choice for 4 core + 4 HT cores without splitting it to 16 cores that I can see. 

 

So, are you saying if HT is enabled and even though I have to choose 3/1, gaia/CP will still somehow use 4 HT'd cores?

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Daniel_Kavan
Advisor

At this point I'm still planning to disable HT. and cpconfig 3/1.   Leaving 4 cores unused.

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Daniel_Kavan
Advisor

Thanks everyone!   I just want to confirm my configurations are optimal.   I set the processors per socket from 8 to 4 cores in my BIOS so just 4 cores are showing up now.   HT is disabled in my BIOS.   fw ctl affinity -l -a shows my interfaces all point to the single SND core CPU 0.   

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Daniel_Kavan
Advisor

I think at this point 8 core should be the default not 4.   RFE!

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PhoneBoy
Admin
Admin

Not sure I understand this statement since there is no "default" Open Server license.
You buy the license that's appropriate for your hardware and performance needs.

Having said that, we do sell two and four core licenses still.
I believe even the lowest end appliances we sell have a minimum of four cores now.

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Wolfgang
Authority
Authority

I've you have a license for 4 cores you can use only 4 cores, regardless of HT or physical. With an 8 core host it's the best to use 4 physical cores.

But in general more cores are always better 😁

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