Google search turned up nothing, so I assume if it has been done, it hasn't been talked about much.

I want to setup a Boinc S@H Reference WU, to test a given machine running different OSs. For this particular test, I'll be testing my 1.6Ghz AMD 64 Laptop on XP32, Vista32, and Vista64, to see just how much of a difference the OS makes. I am already under the assumption that XP32 will be the fastest, followed by Vista 32 and then Vista 64. (due to the WOW32 engine issues I experienced when I crunched under XP64)

So here is my question.....whats the best way to set this up? I'm thinking a fresh Boinc install on the laptop, copy in my account xml, then let it download a WU. It typically only downloads 1 right off the bat. Then disable network activity, shut down boinc, and backup the entire directory. Then open it, let it crunch until the WU is finished, then move on to the next OS, first installing Boinc, then copy/pasting the backed up copy in, and letting it run.

I have never tested this though, and I'm concerned I'll run into some of Boinc's smart programming, detecting the WU was downloaded for a different install or something. Ultimately I'd like to use the same backup copy to test performance on different machines, to see the real world difference on a certain WU across different CPUs/Chipsets/Configurations. But I am afraid even if I can get Boinc to run the same WU on the laptop again, it will certainly error out when Boinc picks up a new motherboard. (which seems to be what it uses to tag machines, that or the NIC, not sure)

Suggestions?

I believe the checks that are in place are when a WU is downloaded it is assigned to you. Also, I think it also takes note if it is Windows, Linux, etc... Of course, there is still the deadline for the WU to be concerned about.

I think your idea will fly. Just wait for one of the resident experts to chime in to be sure though.