Prime95 vs y-cruncher

Prime95 is free Mersenne-prime search software for people who want to contribute computing work to GIMPS. It can also put a sustained workload across CPU cores to check processor and L1, L2, and L3 cache stability. For project tasks, Prime95 contacts PrimeNet for work; users can monitor computer progress and manage assignments remotely through the account’s CPUs page. Listed work includes PRP and Lucas-Lehmer tests, P-1 and ECM factoring, and trial factoring. Downloads include Windows, Linux, Mac OS X command-line, and FreeBSD builds. Administrators can choose a GUI-less Windows service build, which is intended for Windows Server experts. The source archive covers Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and Mac OS X, though the code is described as non-portable. Version 30.3 introduced a dialog for limiting resource use. GIMPS participation is free and open internationally. The license permits indefinite free use on computers users own or are authorized to use, and provides the software as-is without warranty.

y-cruncher calculates Pi and other mathematical constants to trillions of digits, and also serves as a multithreaded benchmark and stress-testing program for overclockers and hardware enthusiasts. For most constants, it uses separate algorithms to compute and verify results. Its multithreading uses modern multi-core processors without significantly increasing memory usage, and it supports SIMD instruction sets such as SSE, AVX and AVX512. For computations that exceed available memory, y-cruncher manages swap space and can use multiple drives for disk swapping. It can detect and correct minor errors attributed to hardware instability or software bugs. Windows and Linux downloads are available; the listed requirements are Windows 8 or later, 64-bit Linux, and an x86 or x64 processor. The Linux static build lacks TBB and NUMA binding, while the dynamic build supports all features but is less portable. The free plan permits non-commercial and academic use; commercial-purpose licensing may be available by contacting the developer. Major algorithm redesigns and rewrites are on hiatus, though maintenance and some processor optimizations continue.