I use the demo version of Rybka, 2.2n: http://www.rybkachess.com/index.php?auswahl=Demo+version
I also use RobboLito, which is new, GPL, and currently the strongest program out there. However, there are rumours that it was developed from stolen Rybka 4 source -- I don't know whether this is true. Also it doesn't use multiple CPUs, and it can only show one line (Scid can let Rybka show the best x moves, but it doesn't work with RobboLito). http://www.chesslogik.com/robbolito.htm
 
     
     
     ). Since then, I've been carefully watching the CPU temperatures.
). Since then, I've been carefully watching the CPU temperatures. It seems that can go upto 18-ply depth without overheating (taking ~300seconds for that, in most middlegame positions) on a Dell Inspiron 1525. I should be able to go deeper, but SCID quirks make it difficult. e.g., when I type stuff in my repertoire editor, the key strokes -- esp., the back arrows -- interrupt the game board and restart the engine analysis.
 It seems that can go upto 18-ply depth without overheating (taking ~300seconds for that, in most middlegame positions) on a Dell Inspiron 1525. I should be able to go deeper, but SCID quirks make it difficult. e.g., when I type stuff in my repertoire editor, the key strokes -- esp., the back arrows -- interrupt the game board and restart the engine analysis.
 
      
Just a quick question: which free engines do you run with SCID? (If they're not Scidlet and Crafty, ie., the engines that come with SCID, please give the names & website links.)