Folding @ Home question

[TheCapulet]

Don't really have time atm to run around looking for answers, so I figured I'd just a make a post and check it periodically to see if I can find a quick answer.

Just started folding today using the GPU client.

I'm running it on a 4850x2, and was wondering how to use both GPU cores to fold at the same time.

And can I run both the CPU folding client and GPU folding client cooperatively?

 

[nitrobass24]

Not sure on running multiple ATI cards.

Yes you can run both the CPU client and the GPU client.

Which CPU do you have?
If you have a modern CPU you will get the best results with the new SMP client, or if you have an i7 you can try to run a VM for BigAdv.

 

[metallicafan]

Im no folding expert but I think you have to run two instances of the application and use the -gpu flag on each one.

Further details: http://www.stanford.edu/group/pandegroup/cgi-bin/edit/English/FAQ-ATI2#ntoc32

 

[Vaulter98c]

The multi gpu guide has info on ATI aswell I think, but Ive never even used one ATI so I'll leave the answers for the amd pros
Posted via [H] Mobile Device

 

[TheCapulet]

Not sure on running multiple ATI cards.

Yes you can run both the CPU client and the GPU client.

Which CPU do you have?
If you have a modern CPU you will get the best results with the new SMP client, or if you have an i7 you can try to run a VM for BigAdv.

Running a Q8400 at 3.8. Just downloaded the SMP client (I think) I'll take a look.

 

[metallicafan]

The multi gpu guide has info on ATI aswell I think, but Ive never even used one ATI so I'll leave the answers for the amd pros
Posted via [H] Mobile Device

Ahh . . Good call. I missed that.

OP- Looks like there are some pretty details instructions in the guides sticky.
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1032943617&postcount=5

 

[amdgamer]

Running a Q8400 at 3.8. Just downloaded the SMP client (I think) I'll take a look.

The SMP is the way to go from the CPU side of things because you start earning bonus points after you have completed 10 work units within the bonus deadline. Just make sure you go get a passkey as those 10 work units must count against a passkey to count.

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

Running a Q8400 at 3.8. Just downloaded the SMP client (I think) I'll take a look.

It might be better for your overall ppd for you to assign the SMP client to 3 cores and leave the last one free for the GPU clients.

 

[capreppy]

Welcome!!!

The SMP2 client running on 3 cores is probably your best bet if you are going to run GPU2 on the ATI clients. I've never done ATI so I can't help you in that regard.

 

[TheCapulet]

Anyone know exactly how I should enable only three cores in the client?

Edit: Got the multicore client running, and have a single GPU client up. (Have to wait till I can get a second monitor temporarily to extend my desktop). And with both running, I notice my GPU performance per second is considerably lower as indicated by the viewer.

 

[Zero82z]

Make sure you follow this guide to set up the SMP client (especially the passkey info): http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1511766

You should not need to set your CPU client to run on only three cores. Just follow this guide to reduce the CPU usage of the ATI client: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1419852

Don't use the viewer. It will significantly reduce the performance of the F@H client. I recommend that you download HFM.NET and use it to monitor both your clients.

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

Anyone know exactly how I should enable only three cores in the client?

Edit: Got the multicore client running, and have a single GPU client up. (Have to wait till I can get a second monitor temporarily to extend my desktop). And with both running, I notice my GPU performance per second is considerably lower as indicated by the viewer.

You use the "-smp 3" flag instead of the normal "-smp" flag.

You should not need to set your CPU client to run on only three cores. Just follow this guide to reduce the CPU usage of the ATI client: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1419852

That reduces CPU usage, but that still significantly reduces the ppd of an SMP2 client with AMD GPUs. Trust me on this.

 

[TheCapulet]

You use the "-smp 3" flag instead of the normal "-smp" flag.


That reduces CPU usage, but that still significantly reduces the ppd of an SMP2 client with AMD GPUs. Trust me on this.

Ok, I used the -smp 3 flag. But instead of locking the client down to 3 cores, it takes two cores to max and uses 50% of 2 more, keeping CPU ultil exactly at 75%.

Is there any way to lock their affinity at only 3 cores, so I can assign affinity of the last unused core to the GPU app?

 

[Zero82z]

Is there any way to lock their affinity at only 3 cores, so I can assign affinity of the last unused core to the GPU app?

Yes. You can download Bill2's Process Manager and make a rule for Fahcore_a3.exe to only run on three cores, and for Fahcore_11.exe and Fahcore_14.exe to only run on the other.