Folding@Home on a 4870

[Cheex]

Hey guys....My 8800GTS 320MB card died and I've replaced it with an HD 4870 1GB card (for gaming mainly ).

I've tried running the Folding@Home client now and it doesn't do anything. My question is this:

Do I have to do anything different to fold on a 4870??

 

[jonesthewine]

Read this and then go here to download the V6GPU2 client.

 

[Cheex]

I've done that and installed that version but I must be missing something.

The settings and everything remain. So I'm not sure what to do.

HELP!!

 

[Insidious]

I have a couple guesses:

1. You might not have completely uninstalled your NVidia divers. I suggest using Driver Sweeper from Guru3D Be sure to understand and follow the instructions and information on the linked page

2. You might have accidentally forgotten to remove all the files from your previous GPU2 client installation before installing a new one. Remember, first use add/remove programs to uninstall the old GPU2 client, then delete anything left behind.

IMPORTANT: Do your driver clean-out and get your new ATI drivers installed BEFORE you attempt to install the GPU2 client.

3. You may have installed the drivers that came with your video card instead of going to the ATI site and downloading the latest.

4. You may have accidentally missed a step in the F@H Installation guide

That's all I can think of.

Good Luck

-Sid

 

[Cheex]

1. I've now uninstalled my Nvidia drivers using Driver Cleaner.

2. I've uninstalled the GPU2 client and deleted all of the leftover files.

3. I installed 8.11 from the very beginning.

4. I don't think I missed anything but I'll remove completely and reinstall it.

I'll post back as soon as I reboot and reinstall the GPU2 client.

 

[Cheex]

When I try to start it now it gives me the error that "nvcuda.dll could not be found".

What now???

 

[Insidious]

I have no idea.

not sure why it is looking for an NVidia Cuda file to fold on an ATI video card.

Probably time to go to the fah forum and start browsing.

-Sid

Here's the link to the forum

 

[Cheex]

Well thank you.....I might just do that.

If you find anything though....post back here please...thanks in advance.

 

[Drsignguy]

Cheex, you might have removed the drivers but did you remove the files somewhere in the "C" directory? Somewhere in the "startup" area, when bootup, it's looking to load but cant as you have already removed the drivers.

Go to "run" and type in msconfig. A menu will pop up and in the startup tab, is there anything that has Nvidia? if so, they must be either removed or unchecked. Try that and see what you come up with.

 

[Cheex]

I got it working!!!

Did a little searching and came up with the solution from here:
http://foldingforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=2161


The solution is from an Extremetech article:

The installation procedure put a pair of important DLLs, amdcalcl.dll and amdcalrt.dll, in our AppData folder, then couldn't find them when we tried to run it. If you're running Windows Vista and have the same problem, look for those two files in C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Folding@home-gpu and copy them to the C:\Program Files\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu folder.

Hope this helps someone else too!!

 

[Drsignguy]

Yup, I figured that there would be a file somewhere and now that you mentioned it, I now remember there is a file that goes in that directory. I always moved it to another directory. Anyhow, Glad to hear that you got it working. Keep us informed on the PPD that card can reach......I have been looking at those cards but am very much leaning towards the GTX260/216.

 

[Cheex]

I will update with PPD soon enough but already I know its slower at crunching than my 8800GTS 320MB was.

Oh well, I'm a gamer mainly so I won't complain....

 

[Insidious]

Nicely done Cheex!

-Sid

 

[Assimilator1]

Yea keep us posted .

I'm looking at probably replacing my failing X1950 Pro with a 4850, hopefully your score will at least give me a rough idea of what it'll do in F@H. Though I primarily buying it for gaming.

 

[Cheex]

I will update as I go along.

:thumbsup:

 

[ICXRa]

hmm I guess I should fire up my 4850

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: ICXRa
hmm I guess I should fire up my 4850

Probably you should!!

 

[Cheex]

I'm sorry I have no word yet guys....I've kinda been busy, actually 'playing' games.

 

[jonesthewine]

"playing games" indeed...4 days and no folding numbers for us? Have you run the GPU client at all, even for a bit, and used f@hmon to get an idea of the PPD? You have a responsibility, you know, since you chose the path less traveled, to inform the DC forum of the card's production with regard to the newer 5700 series workunits...;>)

Let us know something when you can, and enjoy your games. And what are you playing at the moment, if I may ask?

 

[Cheex]

To be honest I don't use F@Hmon....not sure if i did check it out actually. Maybe I should....any tips?

Yes I have run the GPU client but as you say maybe i need F@Hmon to get an idea of the PPD.

As for the games....Right now I'm playing TONS!!!
Keep in mind that my current resolution is 1440x900 (19" WS).


CRYSIS - DX10, All on Very High, 8xAA, 16xAF
CRYSIS WARHEAD - DX10, All on Enthusiast (Very High), 8xAA, 16xAF
FAR CRY 2 - DX10, All on Ultra High (or highest available), 8xAA, 16xAF
NFS UNDERCOVER - All on highest settings, 6xAA, 16xAF
COD5 - All on highest settings, 4xAA, 16xAF
FALLOUT 3 - All on Ultra High, 8xAA, 15xAF (16xAF)
GRID - All on highest settings, 8xAA, 16xAF
GTA 4 - High Textures (max), Highest Render (max), not all sliders all the way up (GTA 4 just runs crappy on anything)

The list goes on......

I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY!!!

 

[Insidious]

The world may never know

:laugh:

 

[Drsignguy]

Originally posted by: Insidious
The world may never know

:laugh:

Neither will the Folders!

 

[Cheex]

Well I installed FahMon....I don't know how accurate this is but it is suggesting that my current PPD is 2910.32.
It was a little higher before, almost 3000.

Keep in mind that this is at stock. I haven't overclocked the card yet.
Also, this is with the Catalyst 8.11 drivers. I'm not sure if drivers have a part to play in all this. Maybe you guys could tell me.

However, I assume that I will be installing the Catalyst 8.12 drivers tonight....some nice gaming increases!!

 

[Assimilator1]

Drivers can definitly have a big influence, however I don't know which ones are best .
Many games you've got their btw! .

 

[Insidious]

Thanks for the benchmark Cheex!

With as good as that card runs games and those nice F@H numbers ta-boot you've got to be feeling pretty sporty right about now.

Cheers :beer: