Here we go!!!!!
Follow this guide to max your PPD.
YES!! I'M SURE!!
FEEL FREE TO ADD!!!!!
If you have a single core cpu
Then goto 1
If you have a dual core cpu
Then goto 2
If you have a Quad core cpu
Then goto 3
If you have a GPU (video card) - or 2 gpu's
Then goto 4
If you want to build a system and get the best PPD/$$$
Then goto 5
If you have a tri core
Then goto 6
1. Download text-only console here: http://www.stanford....504-Console.exe
Then go here for detailed instructions:
http://fahwiki.net/i...ide_for_newbies)
2. Download SMP client***.
It is located here: http://www.stanford......MP Client.EXE
Then go here for detailed instructions: http://www.ocforums....ad.php?t=505126
*** Note: You must have the user account enabled in the control panel. You'll need a username and password.
3. Download SMP client. You will need to run two of these, but only need to download one copy: http://www.stanford......MP Client.EXE
Then go here for detailed instructions on how to install two of these to run***: http://forums.pcper....ad.php?t=450784
*** Note: You definately need a quad core for this with AT LEAST 2GB RAM.
*** Note: You must have the user account enabled in the control panel. You'll need a username and password.
4. Make sure your video card/GPU is supported by folding@home:
Here is the FAQ: http://www.stanford....nglish.FAQ-ATI2
Nvidia specific: http://foldingforum....opic.php?t=3186
Step two: Download the GPU2 client: http://www.stanford....stray-612b8.msi
Step three: Install - follow directions***:
*** It is possible to set up dual GPU2 clients. You have to do some entry level hacking (no coding involved) to get it working. You need two video cards, and one monitor attached to each card. If you disconnect a monitor, the program will 99% most likely quit working. KVM switching is like disconnecting a monitor. You also need to have all windows xp updates current (just in case), and use the right cpu driver software listed up in the previous instructions.
You install and configure the first one, then you have to make a shortcut with a -gpu0 flag in the shortcut. Then copy and rename the fah folder in your program files (add a 2 to the end). Then open any folder, click tools, folder options, view tab, "show hidden files and folders, and click apply to all folders. Then go to c:\docs&settings\(username)\application data. Copy and rename the folding@home-gpu folder to folding@home-gpu2 . Then go to download.com and download shortcut doctor. Install that and make a shortcut for your second fah executable in your renamed fah progam files folder. Make sure to type out -gpu1 at the end of the target box, and in the start in: box, type in the address for your application data folding@home-gpu2 folder. Now it gets tricky. Before you run the second client, download the text-only console client of fah. Install and configure it. Make sure you enter all the right settings (user, team, yes to adv options), and make sure you put 7 for the machine number. Then go to that text client's folder in your program files. Cut the client.cfg file, and paste it (overwrite the old one) into both the second fah's program files folder, and the second fah's application data's folder.
Viola, I just saved you 13 hours. If you like, you can pay me back by folding a few units under my name frenchhorn1 team 32461.
***** If you setup dual gpu2 clients, make sure you at VERY least have a q6600 cpu, especially with fast nvidia cards.
5. If you're going to build a computer for folding it is best to max the PPD per dollar you spend.
Things to look at:
processor (CPU) - recommended intel q6600 core 2 quad
memory - recommended 2gb-4gb ddr2 max supported speed of your motherboard
mobo - doesn't need to be anything special, just make sure it supports the processor
power supply - 600W or better
GPU - ati 4850 - $200 will give less PPD than just the q6600. The new nvidia GTX280 is rumored to get around 8500 PPD, but costs $650.
I suggest this build:
q6600, cheap mobo, 2 gb ddr2 pc6400 memory (2 1gb sticks), cheapest hard drive, cheapest cd-rom, go with oem cpu fan and swap it for a ZALMAN cpu fan, go with cheap case, no video card, the power supply that comes with the case, $10 case fan, and install an old copy of win xp. Use systool (free) to overclock it, and SIW to monitor your temps. If you have a zalman fan, don't worry about the temps.
For $400 I built this from ascendtech.com and get 3150PPD running 2 smp clients.
here's the links:
no os: http://www.ascendtec...=DTC2Q660025640
Windows included: http://www.ascendtec...DTWINC2Q6600256
-OR-
Go the expensive route ($1200+):
q6600 or better
GTX280
4gb ddr2 ram
Mobo (one of) = IP35-pro, asus p5k, p5k-e
zalman cpu fan
-OR-
Add a 8800gt ($160) to a dual core and pop out an extra 4000 points over what you were doing.
6. Tri core cpu owners:
Take back your junk, pay the extra $10 and get a real processor.
Conclusion:
Please enjoy, add to, and fold away.
I think I got everything. Let me know if I left anything out.