What processor type is the most efficient at folding? The fastest?

[Zinn]

Lately I've been folding with my PS3 and my GTX 280. It seems like the GTX handles WUs faster than the PS3, but is that because the PS3 is getting smaller units? The PS3 doesn't seem to heat the room up as much doing it. Both of them seem a lot faster than my CPU when it comes to folding. Is this the case, or are the different processors getting completely different work loads tailored to them, making direct comparison impossible?

Of these three processors, and putting speed aside, is there one that is the most efficient?

 

[Wheresatom]

First off, welcome!

The GPU client as of right now has the most horsepower in a points per day race. Each type of client has its pros and cons however.

SMP: Can run on any multi core processor and can compute just about any proteins they can throw at it. It is a very versatile client and is in beta still so the points per work unit are quite large. On the downside though, it is a buggy client sometimes and can be finicky to work with.

GPU: By far the fastest of the clients. The nanoseconds of protein folding that a GPU can compute/model in a day is leaps and bounds ahead of the other forms. I don't remember specifics, but it was no comparison. The GPU client is somewhat limited on the proteins it can model, but what it can model it does so in a very energy efficient and time efficient manner.

PS3: This client is the closest to a set it and forget it client we have. There are rarely if ever problems with it really,and it is a powerful folder. With the recent updates the proteins it models have become more scientifically useful. Still, none compare to the SMP in regards to versatility.

Direct comparison is not impossible, but difficult. They all have their uses and time has shown that it is a bad idea to put all your eggs in one basket so to speak. Even within GPU the difference between ATI and Nvidia can be big and can change from project to project. A diverse farm is the best way to make sure your output stays the same over time.

 

[jws2346]

WELCOME to the [H]orde the bestist forum on the "Net" and the home of the #1 folding team (#33) in the universe Zinn

By the looks of your sig you've got some nice gear already.

If I was just starting out folding and hadn't hocked everything but my cat (only kiddin' ) I'd go with a "el cheapo" 9600GSO GPU and a "el cheapo" dual core or even single core Intel/AMD CPU.

ATM the GPU2 client seems to be the best "bang for the buck", but as any "old timer" (long time folder) will tell you that could change overnight.

I apologize if your budget allows you more expensive or better gear. I have the bad habit of thinking everyone is like me "too poor to pay attention"

Foldin' and WCGn' for the CURE