Folding on multiple gpu architectures

vertica · 21 Apr 2009 at 16:20

Currently running 2 clients on my gtx295 and one SMP client.
I am trying to add a third client on a 9800gt in the same machine.

But the 9800gt is just throwing its toys out the pram before it starts the WU, it bails with this:

.......
[14:55:35] Entering M.D.
[14:55:35] Working on Protein
[14:55:35] Run: exception thrown during GuardedRun
[14:55:35] Run: exception thrown in GuardedRun -- Gromacs cannot continue further.
[14:55:35] Going to send back what have done -- stepsTotalG=0
.......compression etc...
[14:55:39] Folding@home Core Shutdown: UNSTABLE_MACHINE
[14:55:42] CoreStatus = 7A (122)
[14:55:42] Sending work to server
[14:55:42] Project: 5762 (Run 10, Clone 301, Gen 35)

The card was installed, with a complete driver install (safemode/uninstall/driversweeper etc), desktop is extended, and a monitor is attached to the 9800gt.
Note: I am currently using the 181.22 driver package as it enables me to use EVGA voltage tuner and clock my 295 nicely.

I've tested the card it is working fine, and it has previously folded (bought from Biffa last week) it just doesn't seem to play nice with my setup.

Have been trawling through forums and it seems there is possibly an issue with folding on different gpu architectures (g92 and gt200 in this case), anyone here got a similar setup working?

I've seen lots of reasons being suggested (drivers, architectures, shader counts, core speeds etc), but i haven't found an offical response from stanford, or infact anyone who has confirmed it is possible, although lots of posts eluding to the fact there are people with such setups.

Anyone know anymore? got any suggestions?

TIA

shadowscotland · 21 Apr 2009 at 16:39

I know members have had ppd drops with non-identical cored gpus but not this.
I'm sure one of the gpu farmer will be along shortly to help

Snapshot · 21 Apr 2009 at 20:23

Have you tried swapping the cards over?

vertica · 21 Apr 2009 at 20:41

yeah, made no difference

JonJ678 · 21 Apr 2009 at 21:45

Good luck. I never managed this, and spent quite a while trying to.
You can pair up different cards. 9600gso with 8800gt is fine, both g92 core. The 295 is 200 series core, and does not mix well with the older generation.

If you crack this problem please report back, I'd love to know the answer

vertica · 21 Apr 2009 at 22:03

Right from everythign i've read seems doing this natively within windows is a no no.
what about a VM? anyone know of a non vmware soluton (this doesnt play nice with nforce mobos!)

ChrissyT88 · 21 Apr 2009 at 22:57

Unfortunately VMs wont grant you access to the actual hardware on your pc - there is no option to use a real gfx card or even a virtual graphics card. You could try using Linux natively (install Ubuntu/some Debian distro for which the WINE install is well documented) and dual boot windows whilst you try out Linux, but im afraid VMs wont provide a solution (although they are great for CPU folding!).

vertica · 21 Apr 2009 at 23:15

poo to that idea then!

...goes off to research WINE

ChrissyT88 · 21 Apr 2009 at 23:35

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news - it would be great if VMware implemented a pass through for virtualisation. I did some reading on this a while ago, and i seem to remeber that some clever people had managed to get a pass through to work on the Xen (freeware) hypervisor, but i dont think its a mainstream hack.

Setting up a Linux dual boot isnt too hard if you interested in trying, and getting the cards folding under wine is pretty easy on Ubuntu if you follow a guide carefully - could be worth a try to determine if its just a windows thing. If you do find a way around it, i would be interested, particularly as there will be some 'green' 9800s from Zotac soon. Good luck!