.NET Framework CLR Running Mode

The Common Language Runtime can be loaded in two different modes

• Server Mode
• Work-station mode (default)

If you have a server (multi-processor machine) and the application is not loading the CLR in the Server mode, you might want to change the settings for better performance. Basically, it improves the Garbage collection mechanism (Concurrent GC).

ASP.NET applications automatically start the CLR in the Server mode but if you have other applications like .NET Remoting (??), you might have to force the CLR to start-up in the server mode.

It can be specified in the Application Configuration file:

<configuration>
 <runtime>
  <gcserver enabled="true">
 </runtime>
</configuration>

Reference: Steven Pratschner

I am still trying to find the performance benefits by specifying the start-up mode.