>about 20% slower than a single i7 laptop this number seems too low, hmm ah, you mean the 'funny' 1.7GHz i7 >or ~200 Mbps if you use a USB 3.0 network adapter

>about 20% slower than a single i7 laptop this number seems too low, hmm ah, you mean the 'funny' 1.7GHz i7 >or ~200 Mbps if you use a USB 3.0 network adapter how is usb 3.0 going to help usb 2.0 pee? I think you meant GigE usb adapter, but looking at your tests even that merely got close to wired 100mbit speed :( >sunk cost of $400 coincidentally thats the cost of a used i7 laptop :) or a purpose build home server All in all such cluster is a cool hobby/learning project, but I wouldnt run anything serious on it.