Using Virtual Clusters to Make the Most of Multicore Computers
You can adjust the number of instances of a processing service, essentially creating virtual
clusters on individual computers. For processor-intensive work, having multiple instances
may increase speed and efficiency, depending on the processing application. Too many
instances, however, may actually decrease speed and efficiency.
A general rule you can use when choosing the number of instances is to allow two GB
of memory for each instance. If you have a computer with eight GB of memory that offers
eight instances in the pop-up menu, choosing four instances should provide good results.
This number can vary widely though, depending on whether this computer is also being
used for other duties.
Note: By default, the Apple Qmaster system creates one Rendering service instance for
each processor. Rendering services are for Shake (with Apple Qmaster), Autodesk Maya,
and other UNIX command-line programs, as opposed to Compressor services, which are
solely for Compressor distributed processing. Consult the documentation that came with
the application to see if using each processor individually is ideal.
To change the number of instances of processing services on a computer
1
In Compressor, choose Apple Qmaster > Share This Computer.
2
Select Compressor or Rendering in the Services section, then click its Options button.
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Chapter 29
Apple Qmaster and Distributed Processing
3
In the dialog that appears, choose the number of instances from the pop-up menu and
click OK.
Choose the number
of instances from
the pop-up menu.
4
Click OK in the Apple Qmaster Sharing window.
Note: The Service Options dialog is also used to add extended nodes to a cluster, as
described in the Apple Qmaster User Manual.