Cheap way to get second PC folding?

N

natermeister

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
463
Alright, I've got enough parts sitting around to build a second Folding machine

Athlon X2 4800+
2GB PC3200
160GB HD
Copy of WinXP

I'll be running an X1900XTX for the time being, eventually I'm going to use a low-end video card and buy a second GPU to run dual GPU Folding on another machine. I already have the processor (old Opteron 170) and memory (my old Corsair DDR-500 2GB kit) for that. I'll need assorted cheap things too, anyway.

The problem is that I don't have a hub/router/switch. Now, the obvious solution would be to slap down $50 at Staples and get one. However, I'm saving up for a high-end 16 port Netgear switch (planning on a lot of boxen some day) and I don't want to waste $50 on something that will get used for a few weeks at best.

I'm thinking about maybe 1394 networking, all I'd need is a firewire cable and a little configuring to share the internet connection. Anyone know where to buy a firewire cable for this?

Thanks for the help,

-Nater

EDIT I know there is a way you can load WUs into a machine that isn't connected to the internet, but I'd rather use this as a last option. I'm not around enough to constantly load WUs into it and I'd like to avoid the point sapping downtime.
 
We have a DC FS/FT section where you could post something. About all I have that I would part with is a 5 port 10baseT hub with wall wort.

If all you were needing it for is folding, it would work fine. Obviously it would suck for networking purposes with large amounts of files which is one reason why I haven't used it in ages. I use my WRT54G and another Linksys wired switch for my purposes.

I think I have the hub around here somewhere but it shouldn't be too hard to find. I'd part with it for the price of USPS shipping.

 
Alternatively, you could use a 10/100base-T passthrough the same way you are planning on using the firewire. All you need is a second NIC in your primary computer. That P5N32-E in your sig already has two ports, so that'll work perfectly.
 
Cool, I wasn't aware you could use the second NIC port in such a manner. I'll just run down to Staples today and pick up some CAT5e and be done with it. Well, other than putting the second computer together and pounding that old mid-tower I have in the closet back to shape. Here come at least another 800 points per day for the [H]orde!

Thanks guys.
 
I was being an ass last night... Not a good day for me. Anyway, if you want one of these 5 ports, PM and just pay me $6 for shipping. I do not have any cat cable though. Comes with 5 port switch and power adapter. It's a Netgear. I would always help out a fellow folder.
 
Well, I'm formatting the hard drive on the second machine now. I'm most likely going to run the Windows SMP client as I've got a feeling I won't like to listen to the X1900XT screaming 24/7. I think I'll wait on GPU folding until I have another card and a 4U case I can stick in my closet where I can't hear it, or at least not as much. Probably will get some Zalman VF900s for them as well.

Thanks for the input.
 
That's what I'm trying Spooge.

I've run into some problems, I can't get the two machines to communicate. ICS didn't work, I'm going to search around on the interweb for solutions.
 
When you say they aren't communicating: they don't see each other at all? Check your cable- you're sure it's a crossover?
 
No, that could be the problem, it's a simple Cat5e cable I had in the closet.

Both the NICs on the computers say that they have 'limited or no connectivity'.
 
Put the two ends of the cable side by side so you can see the wires inside them.
Look at the order of the wires in the plugs.
If the colours are the same then its a straight through cable and wont work without a switch.
If they are different then its an x-over cable and something else is wrong.

Luck ........ :D
 
He said it's a straight-through cat5. For direct PC-to-PC communications, you do need a crossover in 99% of cases. There are very few NIC's with auto-sense, and most of those are expensive server models.

Do you have the resources to make your own cable?
 
It's a straight through, the colors are the same for both plugs. Damn, I can't believe I forgot about that. The last time I set up any sort of networking, I was using Win2k (it had just come out and I had a sweet Dual PIII box). I can excuse myself for forgetting but I need to start reading up on networking again since I'm going to build a farm.

No, I don't have the resources to make my own cable, I'll just run to Staples tomorrow and pick one up. If they don't have one, and they should, I'll order one from Newegg.

Thanks guys.
 
I got a cross over cable, I can ping each of the computers from the other one. The problem is the IP address that ICS needs to setup sharing is taken, probably buy my satellite modem. I think I'm going to need a router.
 
When you set up your main box for ICS, it'll become 192.168.0.1 . Don't disable dhcp or dns on this computer since in essence it is a dhcp / dns server for the other computer. If you follow the wizrds it's pretty straight-forward, but here's a quick guide to help you out.

Edit: BTW buying a $20 cat-5 crimp tool and a box of end is a very good investment. It's made me alot of money AND been an invaluable tool around the house on many occasions!
 
That's the problem the wizard fails. Doing it manually isn't sucessful either.

But, I am going to get some damn tools to make network cables. I'll probably just get Cat6 stuff because I'm sure I won't be going through 250ft of network cable in short order.
 
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