Kernel Config for srcds

[$atanic $pirit]

I have been searching on how to get the best performance out of your srcds on Linux. There have been many tutorials on kernel optimization for HLDS, but I hardly found any for srcds.

My main concern is to optimize it to run l4d2 or CS:GO servers. From what I heard, the real-time or ck patches don't improve the performance, in fact some people have said that it hurts performance. Have any of you done any experiments with it? If yes, then what changes did you guys make to kernel and what distro did you go with.

[Edge100x]

Current stock kernels generally work best -- don't go with a low-latency or other special kernel, as it's not needed and will add overhead. The key is having high-resolution timer support, and everything in the 3.x series does.

Make sure to run the server process chrt'd so that timer slack is eliminated, and you should be set.

[$atanic $pirit]

Would you recommend any specific kernel version or any 3.x series would do? Also, is there any chance that an older kernel might perform better for srcds?

[Edge100x]

Later will generally be better but it won't make a huge difference.

No, earlier kernels than 3.0 should not be considered.

[$atanic $pirit]

No, earlier kernels than 3.0 should not be considered.

Any specific reason to that?

[Edge100x]

No, earlier kernels than 3.0 should not be considered.

Any specific reason to that?

The key is having high-resolution timer support, and everything in the 3.x series does.

I do not remember the exact kernel version that added it globally, but use 3.x. And use the latest 3.x that you have access to, because they have added other performance features, such as better locking structures, removing the dst cache, etc.

[$atanic $pirit]

Hmm... One last question. I somewhat know the answer to this, but lets hear your perspective.

Is there any merit in increasing the kernel speed? 1000Hz kernels were big thing for the HLDS, but I can easily get ~1000 fps with 250Hz stock kernel for debian or gentoo. So, is there any use of compiling a high speed kernel for game servers at all?

[Edge100x]

There is not a benefit to using a different kernel hertz now, no. Previously it made a difference, but the high resolution timers are implemented in such a way that it doesn't affect things much any more in terms of game server performance.