F@H-how to run on graphics card? Should I?

[Thump553]

Please excuse me if this is covered elsewhere, my search didn't turn it up and a google search wasn't much help.

I just added a nVidia GT240 512MB videocard to my home computer-Compaq CQ 5320F (Athlon II x240, 3GB DDR3, 430 watt PSU, Win 7 64 bit). This computer is on 24/7/365 and not overclocked.

I'm presently running the smp client on two cores. Can I add the videocard to this (and how) and should I? Do I install and run a seperate instance of FAH for the graphics card, and if so, which version? Longevity of the computer and avoiding overheating are important to me.

 

[Golgatha]

Yes, you should use the GPU3 client from Folding@Home. Info can be found here...

http://folding.stanford.edu/English/FAQ-NVIDIA-GPU3#ntoc8

GPU clients are here - http://folding.stanford.edu/English/DownloadWinOther

I only run console clients on my machines. I've seen excellent increases by running both a SMP + GPU3 client on my GTS 250 (HTPC) and 220M (Lenovo Laptop), not to mention my GTX 480.

Edit: We shall see what gains the 570 SC brings

 

[petrusbroder]

What Golgatha said.

 

[geecee]

In one of my boxes, I am currently folding with a GT240. Links to the full instructions have been posted above, but use the GPU2 client, as the GPU3 client is more meant for the Fermi series (400s or better). I run the systray client, which is a little easier to install (the console is not much harder and you can tweak it more, and set it up as a service, if you're into that). If you don't feel like RTFM, it really is almost as easy as downloading the GPU2 msi, putting some settings in on the config screen, and letting it start up. Just be sure to give the GPU client a slightly higher priority than the CPU client (in the configuration screens of the systray client). Also, remember to turn off your screensaver (or use blank screen).

I get around 3-4K ppd with it and power-wise, its very economical. While you're at it, why not join the holiday folding race?

 

[Thump553]

* * *
I get around 3-4K ppd with it and power-wise, its very economical. While you're at it, why not join the holiday folding race?

Thanks for all the info-I'll give it a try tonight. About the holiday folding race, look at my numbers-they are pathetic. I've been around a long time, but the few boxes I have active are either antiques, low end or both.

 

[ZipSpeed]

Not pathetic at all. Every WU crunched hopefully means a step closer to finding cures for degenerative diseases.

 

[petrusbroder]

Thanks for all the info-I'll give it a try tonight. About the holiday folding race, look at my numbers-they are pathetic. I've been around a long time, but the few boxes I have active are either antiques, low end or both.

No ones numbers are pathetic - not for the science, not for the race. Each point counts.
You are welcome to join the race. I only need some confirmation that you are in and I'll add you to one of the teams!

BTW, what is your folding name?

 

[Golgatha]

In one of my boxes, I am currently folding with a GT240. Links to the full instructions have been posted above, but use the GPU2 client, as the GPU3 client is more meant for the Fermi series (400s or better). I run the systray client, which is a little easier to install (the console is not much harder and you can tweak it more, and set it up as a service, if you're into that). If you don't feel like RTFM, it really is almost as easy as downloading the GPU2 msi, putting some settings in on the config screen, and letting it start up. Just be sure to give the GPU client a slightly higher priority than the CPU client (in the configuration screens of the systray client). Also, remember to turn off your screensaver (or use blank screen).

I get around 3-4K ppd with it and power-wise, its very economical. While you're at it, why not join the holiday folding race?

GPU3 is for the following chipsets. Basically a g80 or better based nVidia chip will do.

The client runs on

* GeForce 8/9 Series
* GeForce 100/300 Series (most)
* GeForce 200/400 Series
* Quadro FX 360, 370, 570, 1600, 1700, 3600, 3700, 4600, 5600
* Quadro NVS 130, 135, 140, 290, 320
* Tesla C870*, 20 Series, T10/C1060/S1070
* MCP77/78*
* NVIDIA GeForce G*

 

[geecee]

GPU3 is for the following chipsets. Basically a g80 or better based nVidia chip will do.

The client runs on

* GeForce 8/9 Series
* GeForce 100/300 Series (most)
* GeForce 200/400 Series
* Quadro FX 360, 370, 570, 1600, 1700, 3600, 3700, 4600, 5600
* Quadro NVS 130, 135, 140, 290, 320
* Tesla C870*, 20 Series, T10/C1060/S1070
* MCP77/78*
* NVIDIA GeForce G*

I thought that the GPU3 WUs ran poorly on non-Fermi video cards. Or has that been corrected now? I am by no means an expert, so feel free to tell me that I have no idea what I am talking about.

Thump553, it's for fun and a good cause. It would be an honor to have you (seeing as you have 1.5MM points accumulated).

 

[ZipSpeed]

I run the GPU2 client on both my GT 240 and 8800 GTS. Had some stability issues on GPU3 with both cards.

 

[Thump553]

I installed the console version of GPU2 last night. It seems to crunch much faster than the CPU version, but I noticed a very pronounced hit when I played games-so much so that I had to turn off GPU2 then. Is that normal?

Doing a bit of tweaking-put the computer on high performance energy settings today so that it doesn't go into hibernation/sleep.

 

[Golgatha]

I installed the console version of GPU2 last night. It seems to crunch much faster than the CPU version, but I noticed a very pronounced hit when I played games-so much so that I had to turn off GPU2 then. Is that normal?

Doing a bit of tweaking-put the computer on high performance energy settings today so that it doesn't go into hibernation/sleep.

GPU2 or GPU3 is fine. The PPD for GPU3 is a bit better, but that's assuming you have work units to do. The work coming for GPU2 clients is pretty much steady, so it's also a good choice.

Also, I don't care what Folding@Home says, the GPU clients most definitely do not let go of resources correctly and you pretty much need to close them out if you want to do anything on your computer. So yes, the hit in games is expected and normal. Just turn off your Folding@Home clients when you want to game is my advice.

 

[geecee]

I installed the console version of GPU2 last night. It seems to crunch much faster than the CPU version, but I noticed a very pronounced hit when I played games-so much so that I had to turn off GPU2 then. Is that normal?

Doing a bit of tweaking-put the computer on high performance energy settings today so that it doesn't go into hibernation/sleep.

Don't really game but I guess it depends on the game. Here's an excerpt from the GPU client FAQ:

Can I still use my GPU when the client is running?

Yes. Unlike the original GPU client, which interfered with many operations that used the GPU, the new GPU2 client does not. Playing videos and playing games either have no effect on the action of the GPU client other than a slow-down in processing, or cause a temporary suspension of folding. The new client will automatically back off whenever an application requests exclusive DirectX mode, although it is not reported in the client logfile. DirectX programs that do not request exclusive mode will cause the GPU client to slow down, and may in some instances have a detrimental effect on application performance. Full screen video is unaffected by the GPU client.

I guess you just pause or stop it and start it again after you're done. It doesn't seem to be as good about its usage priority as the CPU clients are.

 

[Thump553]

Thanks for all the help guys. My cable was out most of last night and I still managed to boost my daily production by 3500 points. In other words-one $40 videocard =3500 ppd, five old computers=500 ppd. Amazing.