Worth Using an 8800GTS for Folding/DC

Smartazz

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Dec 29, 2005
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Hello all, I just recently found my old 8800GTS G80 640MB video card. I have an open 4x pci-express slot on my motherboard that it would fit into. However, is it worth using such an outdated card for folding and other distributed computing? Also, how would I install both an AMD Radeon 6870 and the Nvidia 8800GTS in the same system? I'd hate to see this card continue to collect dust in my closet.
 

somethingsketchy

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Nov 25, 2008
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I think the old GPU2 WUs from F@H might work. That or you might be able to crunch one of the BOINC WUs (PrimeGrid, SETI, Collatz(?)).

As to would it be worth it...maybe, probably not if it does like 3K points a day
 

Smartazz

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Dec 29, 2005
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Keep in mind that I don't pay for electricity and I'd like the extra heat anyway. I'm wondering more if it's worth the hassle of installing both an Nvidia and AMD card in the same system.
 

blckgrffn

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May 1, 2003
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I've been using a GTS 250 and fahmon reports that @ 5k ppd. The GPU2 client seems to work with it just fine - you do have to install the CUDA dev kit as far as I can tell, fyi.

You're seasonic should have the juice to feed it as well.

A little off topic, but what does something like an GTX 460 pulll for ppd?
 

ZipSpeed

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Aug 13, 2007
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I actually have a 8800 GTS 640 MB crunching right now in the F@H race. Overclocked to 640/1500 MHz (core/shader), I'm pulling about ~4300 PPD. Not too bad for a 7 year old video card.

As for the GTX 460, at 850/1700 MHz, I pull about ~11500 PPD.
 
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blckgrffn

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I actually have a 8800 GTS 640 MB crunching right now in the F@H race. Overclocked to 640/1500 MHz (core/shader), I'm pulling about ~4300 PPD. Not too bad for a 7 year old video card.

As for the GTX 460, at 850/1700 MHz, I pull about ~11500 PPD.

I didn't need them, but that makes me regret not pulling the trigger on a couple $80 GTX 460 768 MB cards. It seemed like that deal would always be there, but evidently not.

How does that compare to your 550 card?

With any luck we'll seem some 20k ppd cards this time next year for less then $100 :) As a bonus, they'll only need one power connector...
 

ZipSpeed

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Aug 13, 2007
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My 550 Ti makes ~10300 PPD at 1050/2100. Not bad compared to a GTX 460 with half the CUDA cores which is made up by the monster overclock. Some people have been able to push beyond 1100 MHz core with some minor voltage adjustments.
 

Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
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If you don't run it in F@H, run it in the PrimeGrid race. It could be worth up to, say, four stock Q6600s, before overclock! No guarantee about temperatures there, but you can safely underclock your RAM quite a bit for PrimeGrid.
 

Smartazz

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Dec 29, 2005
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My 550 Ti makes ~10300 PPD at 1050/2100. Not bad compared to a GTX 460 with half the CUDA cores which is made up by the monster overclock. Some people have been able to push beyond 1100 MHz core with some minor voltage adjustments.

I'm surprised to hear that the 550Ti is that powerful and clocks that high. Might be worth considering when I build a dedicated DC rig. I figure a Q6600 and something like a 550Ti would be pretty decent, especially when I have all of the other parts aside from a case.

If you don't run it in F@H, run it in the PrimeGrid race. It could be worth up to, say, four stock Q6600s, before overclock! No guarantee about temperatures there, but you can safely underclock your RAM quite a bit for PrimeGrid.

When I have more time I'll try installing the 8800, but right now I don't have the time to deal with any driver conflicts. Does the Primegrid GPU client require a CPU core as well or SETI@Home for that matter? I remember the F@H GPU client not using it much at all. I figure I'll run SETI and Primegrid, probably share it.
 

Smartazz

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Dec 29, 2005
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Just installed the 8800. Installing drivers for it now. Will update with some figures.

Edit: Primegrid is up and running. However, CUDA doesn't seem to be working. Do I have to manually install CUDA or should it have been in the Nvidia 285 drivers?
 
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ZipSpeed

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Aug 13, 2007
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Just installed the 8800. Installing drivers for it now. Will update with some figures.

Edit: Primegrid is up and running. However, CUDA doesn't seem to be working. Do I have to manually install CUDA or should it have been in the Nvidia 285 drivers?

CUDA support comes with the drivers. Perhaps try reinstalling the drivers.
 

Smartazz

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Dec 29, 2005
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Reinstalled the drivers and it works now. Gpu-z reports that cuda isn't supported, however primegrid, seti collatz are sending me cuda work units. I forgot how quiet this card is, it does generate a lot of heat though. 70C on the Gpu and 60C on the pcb should be fine though right?
 

ZipSpeed

Golden Member
Aug 13, 2007
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Reinstalled the drivers and it works now. Gpu-z reports that cuda isn't supported, however primegrid, seti collatz are sending me cuda work units. I forgot how quiet this card is, it does generate a lot of heat though. 70C on the Gpu and 60C on the pcb should be fine though right?

Perfectly acceptable temperatures. My 8800 GTS runs about 76C.
 

Smartazz

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Dec 29, 2005
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Okay thanks. I got it overclocked to 1458 on the shaders with a load temp of about 75C. I think the card is still under warranty too.

Edit: Folding@Home works as well, although the graphics display doesn't work.
 
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Smartazz

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Dec 29, 2005
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I guess I'll use it for the next Primegrid race. Is there a good way to know its overclocking limits? I don't want it to be returning incorrect results during the race, however this card can OC a lot.
 

ThatsABigOne

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Nov 8, 2010
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Okay thanks. I got it overclocked to 1458 on the shaders with a load temp of about 75C. I think the card is still under warranty too.

Edit: Folding@Home works as well, although the graphics display doesn't work.

Word of advice, do not run the Display Viewer in FAH, as it ruins your output of your computer PPD wise. ;)