The setup: - Let $A$ be a finite-dimensional $k$-algebra over some field $k$. - Let $\mathcal{B} = Hot^-(Proj \, A)$ denote the homotopy category of cochain complexes of (possibly infinitely generated) projective right $A$-modules which are bounded from the right. This category can be identified with the right-bounded derived category $D^-(Mod \, A)$ of $A$-modules. - Let $\mathcal{C} = Hot^-(proj \, A)$ denote the full subcategory of $\mathcal{B}$ given by right-bounded complexes of *finitely generated* projective $A$-modules. In different terms, this category corresponds to the right-bounded derived category $D^-(mod \, A)$ of finitely generated $A$-modules. - Let $P$ be a perfect object of $\mathcal{B}$, that is, a bounded complex of finitely generated projective right $A$-modules. Assume also that $P$ is a **weak generator** of the subcategory $\mathcal{C}$, so for any object $X \in \mathcal{C}$ there is some integer $m$ and some non-zero morphism $P \to X[m]$ in $\mathcal{C}$. My question: > Is $P$ already a weak generator of the big category $\mathcal{B}$? Some background: 1. By a result of Jeremy Rickard, the answer is affirmative if $P$ is a partial tilting complex, that is, if $Hom_{\mathcal{B}}(P,P[n])=0$ for any non-zero integer $n$. Reference: Proposition 5.4 in <cite authors="Rickard, Jeremy">_Rickard, Jeremy_, [**Morita theory for derived categories**](http://dx.doi.org/10.1112/jlms/s2-39.3.436), J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 39, No. 3, 436-456 (1989). [ZBL0642.16034](https://zbmath.org/?q=an:0642.16034).</cite> 2. By a result of Bruno J. Müller, any projective $A$-module is a (possibly infinite) direct sum of finitely generated projective $A$-modules. Reference: <cite authors="Müller, Bruno J.">_Müller, Bruno J._, On semi-perfect rings, Mathematical Report No. 19, Vol. 1. Hamilton, Ont.: McMaster University, Department of Mathematics. 11 p. (1969). [ZBL0226.16026](https://zbmath.org/?q=an:0226.16026).</cite> 3. $P$ is a weak generator of the category $\mathcal{B}$ if and only if $P$ is a **classical generator** of the category $Hot^b(proj \,A)$, that is, the smallest triangulated category containing $P$ (which is closed under cones, shifts, isomorphisms and direct summands) is given by the homotopy category of bounded complexes of finitely generated projective $A$-modules. Reference: Stacks-Project, https://stacks.math.columbia.edu/tag/09SR. Please write me if you know the original reference of this fact. 4. At least, $P$ is a weak generator of the homotopy category of complexes of projective $A$-modules which have finitely generated cohomology at each degree. Any comments and any input will be very appreciated.