Linux optimization question(s)

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HowIChrgeLazer
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Linux optimization question(s)

Post by HowIChrgeLazer »

I've done a little research on optimizing linux (in my case Debian) for game servers, however, a lot of the resources on the subject I've come across are dated. I plan on testing this when I get access to the machine I'll be renting, but I'm curious to see what other people are doing. It'll help me compile a list of things to try out.

I've also looked into the following KB article here on the forums: http://www.nfoservers.com/forums/viewto ... =48&t=4109

So I have a question to start. Would there be a performance benefit for srcds to disable dynamic tick using nohz=off or should dynamic ticks be left enabled?

Also, I do know that OB games and on are FPS locked to the tickrate, so would there be any need to change the timer frequency from 250hz to 1000hz? It would seem like all it would do would just increase CPU usage without additional gains in performance.
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rymax99
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Re: Linux optimization question(s)

Post by rymax99 »

For general optimization, the best advice would be as follows:
-Try not to install web services on your game server. It adds load, and a huge attack potential. If possible. If you need MySQL, simply use remote MySQL to manage it via a database manager such as phpMyAdmin if you need it. It's easy to setup multiple/remote servers with phpMyAdmin.
-Keep your system up to date.
-Keep your system 'clean' - don't install packages that you don't need.
-Remove packages that aren't needed, you can view the installed packages with 'dpkg -l' in Debian. You can output it to a file with 'dpkg -l > packages.txt'.

You don't find many resources because unlike Windows, a plain install of something like Debian is already pretty optimum, there isn't a bunch of useless things to disable that you don't need in a server. The best optimizations are generally to the game server configuration, not Linux itself.
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Re: Linux optimization question(s)

Post by Edge100x »

We have dynamic ticks turned off internally but the performance should be similar either way now because of advances in the kernel and the game server software. Similarly, the timer frequency won't make a whole lot of difference.
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HowIChrgeLazer
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Re: Linux optimization question(s)

Post by HowIChrgeLazer »

Thank you both for the prompt responses, much appreciated. 8)
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