F@H PC - PC Specs?

platypus

platypus

platypus

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I'm running R@H on my file server, which is a dual core e5300 or something similar. Anyway it's producing a decent set of results, nothign special, but decent.

I'm thinking of branching out into F@H territory too, obviously the above PC isn't suitable for running both.

So onto hardware for F@H. I don't particularly want to run multiple graphics cards due to their power usage, the lower the better really, so I guess I'm asking what hardware is best really. What processor, motherboard etc, and yes what graphics cards (I am considering 2 for example), I understand RAM isn't important? Also noise is always an issue for me, the quieter the better (which also precludes too many graphics cards).

Cheers.
 
Processor and mobo depend entirely on your budget! Obviously a Core i7 will give you best PPD, but it's hardly what you'd call value for money ;)
 
A second vote for the 260GTX. I'm only running one but it's been absolutely solid when folding.

The only time RAM matters is if you're running -bigadv WUs on an i7 and then you need at least 6GB.
 
If you do think a i7 is value for money you beleive the hype.
Ok I accept with F@H is it justifiable (maybe encoding/renders too) but that is not the same as value for money.
 
Value is very subjective though.

I see it is my step up to a newer socket. I got several years out of 775 and Core2. Now it is 1366's turn!

And to be honest, 1K+ for a high end machine is, well, normal for a high end machine!

My first self-build was an Athlon 64 X2 4400+ et al and that cost me just over a grand. My new parts cost me about 1.5K [could have gone a bit cheaper but meh, only live once!]
 
I have never and will never spend 1K on a pc. (I didn't spend that on my first two cars)
It is quite possible I've spent £500 in my pc this year - but after selling old stuff that only £150 outlay (mostly due to 2 ssd's).

ultra high-end stuff loses it value too quickly for the way I renew my hardware.
It's possible I'll get a i5 as i like the fact the cores shut down when not in use,
but i7 doesn't do this. So unless the cpu is fully loaded when on it's pointless imho.
Justifiable yes - value for money no.

It's like confusing need with want - they are very different, but frequently (and incorrectly) interchangeable.
Nothing wrong in wanting something, but in truth most of the things we need you can't buy.

Oops sorry, geting all philosophical there
 
Haha. Yes I agree a high-end PC is definitely a want, rather than a need. As for the cost, it isn't that high if you take the long view. I have done two full self-builds and one upgrade in the last 4 years.

I estimate that cost around 3K altogether. Throw in another 1000 quid for GTXs and HDDs, TFT and odds and sods and that's 4K. Comes to an average of £1000 per year.

I don't buy TV's or stereos. I rent movies and buy music second hand [or borrow them from a friend *cough*]. My £1000 per year covers the need [want ;)] for a TV, Stereo and a PC on which I do my study and my job, frag noobs [:p] and, of course, foldy goodness!

Overall £1k per year for all that is peanuts. A lot of people have a high end PC AND high-end telly AND high-end stereo and everthing else besides.

I do get what you're saying though. An i7 for the sake of an i7 is not exactly money well spent. I have justified it more than enough with myself - and my wallet - and so I am happy :D
 
Both of my 260s are at approx 525/1500/999 core/shader/mem.

If you are using RivaTuner you will need to make sure the Core and Shader clocks aren't in sync - otherwise as you lower the core clocks so too will the shader clocks.
 
You might want to download and install FurMark to test the new clocks.

Set it to Stress testing, Windowed and the smallest window size, then click GO. If it lasts more than a few minutes it should be stable to fold on.
 
So, I want a good cpu and a good graphics card. I too would never spend a lot of £££ on a PC, but I'm happy to spend a bit more if it means better results.
 
Best results will come from i7, socket 1366. 6GB RAM + i7 920@ >4GHz running bigadv, if you're not using it for anything else. If you are using it for other stuff but not CPU intensive, then 12GB RAM, still bigadv. Else 6GB RAM and normal SMP -advmethods.
Also probably get a mobo that supports the upcoming hexacore CPUs if it matters to you.

Graphics card - compromise between folding power, power usage and cost. 8800GS/9600GSO = highest PPD/watt, but isn't what I'd call a 'good' graphics card. GTX 260 is currently 'good' IMO, though that should change with release of Fermi in the upcoming months. Note NVIDIA prices wil drop with Fermi release, they're currently overpriced compared to ATI for everything except folding.

i7 prices may drop (CPU, anyway) with introduction of hexacores (?mid-March), but I wouldn't count on much.
 
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