Distributed computing platforms like WCG are highly parallel (since that's the point of these platforms), and will benefit more from additional cores over additional cache if you have to make that trade-off.



Assuming "efficiently" here means performance per watt, the most efficient CPU available at the time of this writing that will reliably run MCM or ARP is probably the AMD Epyc 9965.

However, if you're specifically asking for recommendations on the most efficient CPUs that mere mortals can afford, an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X or 9950X3D running in ECO mode is probably the efficiency king right now.

Definitely the CPU.

However, are you actually upgrading your machine or buying a new/replacement?

Take a look at my points in this thread regarding Mac Mini M2 machines: https://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/forums/wcg/viewthread_thread,45929

They cost $320 refurbished on Apple or eBay or about $450 if you want it brand new.

I've heard no replies on this forum regarding the performance of the new Mac Mini M4 but there is a lot of chatter on the internet about heat issues with the new M4. I have a feeling the M4 isn't much faster than the M2 so I wouldn't spend the $300+ more for a hotter machine that might give you 15% better performance. Spend the $300 and but a 2nd Mac Mini M2.

Well, I don't know how long Apple will continue to "support" Rosetta. Apple (and I do not closely follow their operating system updates) has a few options:

1)At some point in the future, stop including it in their OS yet somehow make it available. On my latest Macbook Air with the M2 chip, I have Ventura 13.4 and BOINC runs just fine.

2)It is available as a download at https://support.apple.com/en-us/102527 and I'm not sure why...I thought it was installed with the Mac OS but maybe they've already stopped including it? That link is dated Jan 25, 2025.

3)Apple could continue with #1 and #2 above and just stop "supporting" it X years from now...meaning that you use it at your own risk.

4)Apple could just remove Rosetta completely. If you have it on an old Mac, great. If you nuke that Mac and reinstall a Mac OS, Rosetta is not available.

My guess is that the future of Rosetta will happen in the order I listed above. It looks like my latest Venture is 2 OS releases behind...Sequoia 15 is out as of my writing this comment. Is anyone here able to verify if Rosetta is included with Sequoia 15?

Regardless of when Rosetta fades away, BOINC/WCG is going to have to get off their butt and port to something other than Intel. It's ridiculous that they haven't ported to the Apple M chips which is now closing in at 5 years old.

However people feel about Rosetta, I stand by my points of the extreme value of a Mac Mini M2 base machine for about $350. Like most people on these forums, you will likely just install BOINC and let the Mac sit forever without updating it so there's really nothing to worry about regarding Rosetta.