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Quick, help me decide. Which GPU/GPU2/SMP/PS3?


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#1 Heliotrope

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 02:46 AM


w/ my engineering friends (some gamers) and cousin with masters in computer sciences suggestions, they suggested upgraded/ hidden resources.


now on this page: http://folding.stanf...ownloadWinOther

which client should I install for max PPD for the FAH project ???

Tech specs

  • Dell XPS 630, Intel Core2 Quad Core 2.4 GHz Processor, 3 Gb RAM
  • 2 x 250GB Hard-Drives
  • 9-in-1 Media Card Reader
  • 16X DVD+/-RW Burner
  • 48X DVD Drive
  • IEEE1394 (firewire) Card
  • NVidia 1Gb, GeForce GTX 280


help me pick a client



I'm not into gaming, unlike my lil bro who hugs the Xbox and other consoles. I seriously consider getting PS3 to help FAH tho (perhaps should wait ... )

Edited by HYP86, 04 March 2009 - 02:51 AM.


#2 chungenhung

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 03:30 AM

For your GPU, use
http://www.stanford....-GPU_XP-623.zip

For CPU, use
http://www.stanford....2-SMP-deino.zip

The installation for GPU is easy, just unzip to a folder say D:\f@h-gpu, and create a shortcut to the .exe file.
Then click on that. It will take you through configuration process.
I recomment the command like edition b/c it is faster.

As for CPU client, there should be a guide on F@H website. I do not remember how to do that, as i run BOINC on my CPUs.

#3 chungenhung

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 03:34 AM

I would rather not buy PS3, as it produces really low PPD compared to CPU or GPU.
Just get another powerful GPU. Make sure you have room in your motherboard.

#4 Heliotrope

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 07:16 AM

For your GPU, use
http://www.stanford....-GPU_XP-623.zip

For CPU, use
http://www.stanford....2-SMP-deino.zip

The installation for GPU is easy, just unzip to a folder say D:\f@h-gpu, and create a shortcut to the .exe file.
Then click on that. It will take you through configuration process.
I recomment the command like edition b/c it is faster.

As for CPU client, there should be a guide on F@H website. I do not remember how to do that, as i run BOINC on my CPUs.



Thanks chungenhung! you're the folding master! I tried a couple of the GPU clients (the graphical ones that goes in the "sys tray", showing Molecule icon by right-hand corner comp clock). By " command like edition" you mean the one that pops up in the DOS Window and have to type in commands and click Enter? I guess it makes sense that the it would be more efficient that way, b/c not slowed down by 3D rotating protein.

so do you run at least 1 GPU + 1 CPU simultaneously? is the CPU Client you linked much better or can I run regular old one (1st one of the http://folding.stanf...nglish/Download page)?


If the machine's Quad Core, it means max. 4 clients right? so Running GPU + CPU 'll use little of resources

Edited by HYP86, 04 March 2009 - 07:21 AM.


#5 dnamechanic

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 05:12 PM

I tried a couple of the GPU clients (the graphical ones that goes in the "sys tray", showing Molecule icon by right-hand corner comp clock). By " command like edition" you mean the one that pops up in the DOS Window and have to type in commands and click Enter? I guess it makes sense that the it would be more efficient that way, b/c not slowed down by 3D rotating protein.

The folding core is the same for the graphical and console clients. If you keep the "Graphical one" minimized it requires very little additional resources (probably a little bit of RAM) . But if resources are critical, the "Console" client is the one to use.

In the process of using the Console client, one can acquire insight into the folding software structure that would unlikely be acquired through use of the Graphical client. This insight allows more versatility in using the clients.

...so do you run at least 1 GPU + 1 CPU simultaneously?

On systems that are capable, such as yours, GPU plus CPU (SMP client) usually yields the highest PPD.

Is the CPU Client you linked much better or can I run regular old one (1st one of the http://folding.stanf...nglish/Download page)?

Chungenhung provided a link to the DEINO SMP client.

You can run the older SMP client (the MPICH client) - it still seems to be a commonly used client for Windows.

The Windows SMP MPICH client did (in the past, maybe still) have the unfortunate property that if the LAN (network) connection was lost while folding, then the SMP client crashed. There is a workaround for this if anyone notices the problem.

If the machine's Quad Core, it means max. 4 clients right? so Running GPU + CPU 'll use little of resources

A quad core CPU can run four regular standard uniprocessor clients (usually the first client offered on the Stanford download page).

For the highest productivity (most PPD), it is usually best not to run the uniprocessor client, instead run the SMP client as you mentioned previously (either DEINO or MPICH).

For your Nvidia GPU, it may be best to use the latest driver, it allows the GPU to be supported with very little CPU utilization. This driver frees up the CPU cores for use in folding SMP work units.

For WindowsXP download CUDA 2.1 beta (180.60).

If you have Vista choose the Vista version.

Uninstall the old NVIDA driver and install the new one (follow special instructions if any).

Install the driver before starting the client, or stop the client then install and restart the GPU client.

Edited by dnamechanic, 04 March 2009 - 05:25 PM.


#6 Live Forever

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Posted 04 March 2009 - 10:55 PM

Thanks for the info, guys. I was thinking of what to do in the future, and you guys answered my question.

#7 maestro949

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Posted 05 March 2009 - 09:40 AM

HYP86, if your primary goal is folding, then instead of getting a PS3, consider a second GTX 280... assuming your Dell XPS 630's motherboard has a second PCI-e slot.

#8 dnamechanic

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Posted 06 March 2009 - 03:37 PM

...for max PPD for the FAH project ???

Yes indeed, HYP86.

PPD for the FAH project.




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