Proposal: "foum-style" database for folding hardware

Joined
Apr 3, 2008
Messages
43
This is my second post on this forum.

I have noticed a lot of good anecdotal information about XP vs. Linux vs. XP with AC vs. XP with VMs running Linux, etc. to the point that it seems, while you guys might not have it down to a science as the the most efficient way to get your hardware to produce work for Stanford, it's pretty close.

On the other hand, I've seen less information about the hardware end of things. It seems that although a lot of folders here use whatever folding hardware they have around, or have easy access to, there seem to be a influx of new purchases lately (reference: "Count down to 1000 rigs thread"). I was hoping we all could put our heads together and figure out what system configurations, OC specifications, OS, etc. produce the most efficient amount of productivity for Stanford. Hopefully by removing some of the uncertainty out of the buying/upgrading process and replacing it with knowledge about expected productivity, we'll be more encouraged to spend of our hard earned money to progress this very good cause.

I'm proposing that this thread be devoted to information on the system specs you're currently running:

1) System price

2) Average system folding time/day
3) System PPD

4) OS (XP, Linux, Diskless Linux)
5) Software (Affinity Changer, VMware)

6) CPU (OC fsb x multiplier, voltages, price)
7) CPU cooling (air--heatsink, fans, water--radiator, blocks, pumps, fans)
8) Motherboard
9) RAM (OC, timings)
10) PSU
11) Case/naked


Here's my folders:


#1 Desktop - built-by-me

1) $530 (newegg.com)
2) 24 hours/day
3) 3800 ppd

4) Diskless Linux64 (notfred)
5) none

6) Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 3.6 GHz (400MHz x 9 @ 1.415 V)--$235
7) Tuniq Tower (modified with 3 x Scythe Slipstream CFM 110 fans)--$68
8) MSI Neo2-FR P35 --$120
9) 1 GB @ 1000 MHz (5-5-5-15 2T)--$50
10) naked
11) OCZ SteathXStream 500W--$60


#2 Laptop - Dell Inspiron 6400

1) $500 (used-eBay)

2) 24 hours/day
3) 1250 ppd

4) Diskless Linux64 (notfred)
5) none

6) Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 @ 2.0 GHz (stock speed + voltages)
7) Dell hsf
8) Dell mobo
9) 2 GB @ DDR2-667
10) Dell psu
11) cased


Thanks!
 
Great idea for sure. The bad news is, it’s been done any number of times and is all but impossible to keep up to date.

Then you run into individual budget issues. People tend to buy what then can afford or we would all have massive numbers of quad systems.

CPU speed is and remains the key

CPU cache is the second key, mo be better

Memory speed has little effect.

That is not anecdotal its all based on fact from those of us who try to squeeze the most from the least.

KillerMob is the math guy, smokerings, myself, majic, and relic and numerous others work on this all the time and present our findings.

As a rule when we get an influx of new folk is when these questions come up and even though we had that database a few times not a day went by when we didn’t see the “what’s the best combo for folding”

Killer even had an excel web page with all the results of various configurations but with in weeks it went out of date.

Not trying to go all negative on you my man and lord knows if you want to and can do it go for it;):)


 
First off, welcome to the forum. Glad to have your aboard the discussions here! Next, most people will agree that the Q6600 setup is the way to go. That may change with possible point changes, GPU2, and newer processors getting released every 6 months or so. I prefer the mobile processors myself, but that is my preference. I have a T7200 on a MoDT board getting about 1380PPD average on .5 Amps and 50W. I can write the details when I get home and get the specifics.
 
To give an example:

Linux is widely know to be the best OS to run.

However most boxen run windows.

This comes down to the points:
1) many people use their boxen for other things that linux can't do, or do well
2) unwillingness to go outside ones comfort zone
3) sheer ignorance (this is me)


Boxen will be made, and the boxen tend to resemble the owners in a way.

 
I agree with others, having a kind of database is very tedious to manage and get old very fast. The best way is to ask and we can give you the "current bang for the buck" which can change a lot depending on the evolution of the workunits and clients.

Right now, the best choice is a Q6600 with a cheap P35 board and 2 GB for about 400$ top (more or less depending on how much clothing you are putting).

 
Welcome, bipolar-folder !!!! nice to have you folding here with us. Team 33: The [H]ardest Team in the world!!!

Boxen will be made, and the boxen tend to resemble the owners in a way.

so true, so true!

In fact, my naked boxen reveal that I like to run around the office.... oh wait, I better keep that to myself! :p

Fold on!
 
Welcome, bipolar-folder !!!! nice to have you folding here with us. Team 33: The [H]ardest Team in the world!!!



so true, so true!

In fact, my naked boxen reveal that I like to run around the office.... oh wait, I better keep that to myself! :p

Fold on!

Face it you have let it out so often everyone here knows…….;)

 
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