F@H: extra-large work units

Mattus · 17 Jul 2009 at 02:10

Has anyone seen this?

Basically, they're massive WUs (25,000 points each!) and there's also a bonus for completing them as quickly as possible. For example, the deadline is 6 days, and if you complete them in 3, you get a 100% bonus - so that's 50,000 points for one WU.

Downside is that they're so massive that only systems with 8 cores can complete them on time. 8 physical cores is preferred, but a fast Core i7 has proven to be enough if it's on all the time. Oh, and they're Linux/Mac only, though whether they'll run under VirtualBox remains to be seen.

So, anyone have a rig that's up to this? I know there are lots of overclocked i7s on this forum, and if we could get a dozen of them doing this, we could double our PPD.

(edit: should perhaps also mention that the memory requirements are pretty crazy. Minimum 0.5Gb per core, so 4Gb total. That's dedication.)

Marine Iguana · 17 Jul 2009 at 02:15

If only i had the hardware im just buying my second GTX260 for folding, Would love a big WU like that shoot me right up the tables

Mattus · 17 Jul 2009 at 02:20

I'm considering swapping my quad for an i7 and trying to get it to 4GHz. Burning it in with a few of these would be fun, though I imagine that the heat and power usage would be horrific.

Happy · 17 Jul 2009 at 09:39

I would love do do these, same I don't have the hardware. Could you imagine a X58 Skulltrail and 12/24GB, it would cut through 2 of them at a time :eek:

shadowscotland · 17 Jul 2009 at 10:03

I had a feeling that the techie's at standford were going to readdress the cpu/gpu balance. Didn't see this coming - be intresting to know the politics behind it.

Reading between the lines I think someone double booked a super computer and standford have just got a new funding source.... (bonus capped at 10x - if you can do it quicker call us!!!! that in the FAQ)

I may be wrong but when was a bonus ever been awarded for time - it's been linked to resources or testing due to EUE's (large ram usage or multicore support or beta etc) but not time.

Just a thought - could be completely wrong - but the results are needed (for what ever reason) quickly. I've no need for a quad let alone a i7 but will follow this story with intrest.

verbal · 17 Jul 2009 at 16:56

Some of the hardcore folders from around the world will respond to these new WUs and crank out some crazy points.

EvilAlchemist from HardOCP for example.

Thread: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1432344

Hardware:
2 x X5550 (2.66Ghz ) Xeon 1366 CPUs - ("Turbo Boost" up 266mhz --> 2.92 when enabled *Sweet*)
2 x Noctua NH-U12DX 1366 Xeon Cpu Cooler
SUPERMICRO MBD-X8DAi-O Intel 5520
12GB Crucial DDR3 1333 ECC Unbuffered Memory
LIAN LI PC-A70B
Corsair 750TX Power Supply

Photo:

Marine Iguana · 17 Jul 2009 at 17:17

verbal said:
Hardware:
2 x X5550 (2.66Ghz ) Xeon 1366 CPUs - ("Turbo Boost" up 266mhz --> 2.92 when enabled *Sweet*)
2 x Noctua NH-U12DX 1366 Xeon Cpu Cooler
SUPERMICRO MBD-X8DAi-O Intel 5520
12GB Crucial DDR3 1333 ECC Unbuffered Memory
LIAN LI PC-A70B
Corsair 750TX Power Supply

Damm that's lot of power :eek:

Mattus · 17 Jul 2009 at 18:46

16 threads... that's a 40,000ppd rig now.

ChrissyT88 · 17 Jul 2009 at 21:07

Id like to give this a try, but im not sure a stock i7 thats 'not on' for half the day would be enough! It would be interesting to see how they compare points wise to the standard A2 units running on i7s, but im not too sure many at OCuK will be in a position to find out...