node size

[Steve Grimm]

As long as you're running a 64-bit operating system, there is IMO only one
compelling reason to *not* run as one big node: in the case when you want to
flush your cache or deploy a new version of memcached, if you're running as
multiple little nodes, you can do the flush / rollout gradually.

But unless deploying new versions or flushing your cache are frequent
operations, I'm not sure I would optimize for them. Running as one big node
means you'll get much better CPU efficiency for large multi-key "get"
requests from clients, you'll have less memory wasted on network I/O buffers
(assuming you're using TCP), you'll have better cachewide LRU behavior
(though once you're over a few GB, the difference is probably negligible
from the client's point of view) and you'll have fewer processes to monitor.

Most of our memcached servers are 16GB boxes running one big node each.

That said, if you're not running a 64-bit OS, then you're pretty much stuck
with multiple nodes per host.

-Steve


On 6/13/07 1:28 AM, "cyzzie at gmail.com" <cyzzie at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Memcache users,
> 
> 
> whats a good nodesize for [multiple] dual quadcore 32 gig box.
> do you define 1 big node? or do you all stay with the 32-bit maximum
> of 2 Gb ?
> 
> 
> 
> Would be nice if you share your thoughts with me.
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Alex