GPU-Enabled Distributed PC Network For Research

[sprtdfire]

Hey, I work in the computer science department at the University of Pennsylvania. We’re doing deep learning research, and we’re looking to access unused hardware for our technology. We’ve developed software that could be installed on a distributed network of dedicated host machines that would run our analyses full-time. The catch is, you would have to plug-in a dedicated machine for this. Our lab is able to provide compensation for accessing the machine, but our first question is whether or not you have an unused PC that has a modern GPU (for CUDA or OpenCL programs). Before we try to distribute our software, we want to see if people like you actually have these machines lying around. What do you guys think? Do you have extra machines you'd be willing to plug-in? Thanks!

 

[rumpleforeskin]

The Anandtech user base are quite a generous bunch, but they are also a very tech savvy bunch and as such I would be amazed if you could find a single user who would give access to a complete stranger to run some unknown code on their computer/network.

The real world security risks far outweigh the karma value of such a good deed.

Perhaps if you could provide more details on the project....

 

[digitaldurandal]

I don't understand the purpose of the market research when it has already been done for you. Look at SETI @ Home and Etherium.

The answer is yes, people would be willing to do it, especially for compensation.

However you would likely need to install software that works similar to those platforms and can run whenever the user wants or not run when they do not want it.

If you are looking for a user base, you should first look at your own campus and alumni to get started.

The first post of a user on forums claiming to represent a project is unlikely to gain you any trust.