F@H - SMP & GPU Client Question

KE1HA

KE1HA

KE1HA

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Joined
3 Jul 2004
Posts
866
Location
Helena, Montana
I didn't' think about this whooottt !!

Can I run the GPU client in concert with the SMP clients? I have three systems with either an ATI X1950XTX or the x1950 pro's installed, but It didn't dawn on me that I might be able to run both the SMP and GPU client on the same rig.

If memory serves me, the GPU client needs one core to run, and from what I'm seeing of the SMP client, it's not using 100% of all four / two cores, so would that free up enough CPU to run the paging required without significant WU degradation?

That could easily add a couple thousand PPD to my totals if it would work yes ??
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What you waiting for? :p

I'm pretty sure I saw reports of people with quad cores doing this early on and getting good results - was so long ago though, probably before the harsher WUs.

Try it on one for now and see? Shouldn't take long to determine the new output anyway
 
Is it WinSMP or LinSMP you're using?

LinSMP uses about 90% of my dual-core CPU. If you had a quad-core CPU running two instances, you'd be using about 90% of four cores. You'd have the equivalent of 40% of one core left over, so the GPU client should (in theory) run at just under half normal speed.

You could set the GPU client to higher priority but I don't think it'd be worth the drop in PPD on the SMP.
 
The way the GPU client works is a little odd. It isn't so much the CPU speed but rather the amount of CPU time it gets.

Basically there should be no difference in GPU output from a machine running a C2D + X1900 and say a 3500+ + X1900.

If you can't offer the GPU a full core/cpu it degrades its performance. Considering the noise, heat and power consumption that goes with GPU folding, you have to ask, is it worth it if you aren't getting the full potential?

As has already been said it is worth a try, but tbh I personally couldn't live with several X1900s buzzing away knowing they ain't running as fast as they could.

In your situation I would either set up a dedicated GPU folding box [dual/quad-core CPU and a pair of X1900s] or not bother. Having said that you'd probably get better PPD if said dual/quad-core CPU was SMP folding :p
 
I think it's time to do a few experiments. I'm not to worried about the additional wattage, as long as it has a higher PPD is there to warrant the usage.

Looks like a good weekend project :)
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