SPCR Folds Team Blog

A forum just for SPCR's folding team... by request.

Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee

Post Reply
aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

SPCR Folds Team Blog

Post by aristide1 » Mon Apr 09, 2007 9:32 am

This team is about to take over the #20 spot from SPRC. We have no way to fight them off, but we can fight off some others that will threaten our #21 position in the near future.

Losing people like BMWBMW hurts a lot, but every little bit counts. I have some left over parts that are not enough for a decent folding machine. I've came to an agreement with my roommate. I would give him the part for no charge provided he also starts folding ASAP. I knew the added monthly costs didn't amount to anything for him compared to the initial outlay of a new pc.

We need more folders, we're down to 140 active members. :(

What does TSC stand for anyway? :?

Titus
Posts: 30
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2007 9:34 pm
Location: EST

Post by Titus » Mon Apr 09, 2007 2:12 pm

What? :?: I'm all confused.

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Mon Apr 09, 2007 2:38 pm

About :?:

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:36 am

It's official now people.

SPRC is no longer #20, we're now #21.

While we recently gained a folder, we lost 5 since then.

:(

NeilBlanchard
Moderator
Posts: 7681
Joined: Mon Dec 09, 2002 7:11 pm
Location: Maynard, MA, Eaarth
Contact:

Post by NeilBlanchard » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:53 am

Hello,

Here's the excellent stats page run by Extreme Overclocking:

http://folding.extremeoverclocking.com/team_list.php?s=

And indeed, we are now #21 in the world. We need to get folks to reactivate their Folding clients; and anybody running a dual core Intel Mac or dual core 64bit Linux machine should run the beta SMP clients. The Windows SMP client is still pretty buggy, but it might still be better than running two concurrent clients?

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:35 am

At our present rate 5 more teams will overtake us in the next 7 months :!: :!: :!: :!: :!: :!: :!: :!: :!: :!: :!: :!:


:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

qviri
Posts: 2465
Joined: Tue May 24, 2005 8:22 pm
Location: Berlin
Contact:

Post by qviri » Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:02 pm

I suggest we start saving up for them dual-core CPUs then.

jaganath
Posts: 5085
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:55 am
Location: UK

Post by jaganath » Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:28 pm

Saving up for PS3/X1900 class GPU will give more points per buck.

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Thu Apr 12, 2007 1:36 pm

jaganath wrote:Saving up for PS3/X1900 class GPU will give more points per buck.
Yeah, that did occur to me. :?

I wonder how much electricity they use :roll: :?:

jaganath
Posts: 5085
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:55 am
Location: UK

Post by jaganath » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:32 pm

I wonder how much electricity they use
For X1900 class GPU:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/ ... 006_4.html
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/ ... xtx_7.html

For PS3:

http://folding.stanford.edu/FAQ-PS3.html
What is the power consumption of the PS3 running the FAH client? Is it safe to run the PS3 24X7?
We expect the PS3 to use about 200W while running Folding@Home. We have several PS3's running in our lab, running Folding@Home 24/7 and have had good results so far.
There is some evidence that the ATi GPUs are more efficient than the PS3 at churning out points, so it may be cheaper (both in money and electricity) to make a stripped-down rig with an X1900 GPU than to buy the PS3.

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:33 am

We're still losing folders. :(

jaganath
Posts: 5085
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:55 am
Location: UK

Post by jaganath » Sun Apr 15, 2007 12:08 pm

I have a couple of AM2 dual-cores lying around doing nothing; you say the Linux SMP client is best?

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:21 pm

jaganath wrote:I have a couple of AM2 dual-cores lying around doing nothing; you say the Linux SMP client is best?
Run it if you can.

avi_dan
Posts: 66
Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:44 am
Location: Seattle, WA, USA

Post by avi_dan » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:35 pm

The Linux client is the best!

Avi

NeilBlanchard
Moderator
Posts: 7681
Joined: Mon Dec 09, 2002 7:11 pm
Location: Maynard, MA, Eaarth
Contact:

Post by NeilBlanchard » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:18 am

Hello,
jaganath wrote:I have a couple of AM2 dual-cores lying around doing nothing; you say the Linux SMP client is best?
Yes -- depending on the speed, they are good for 800-1100 PPD, which is the highest this side of a quad core!

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:47 pm

So why did I buy Vista? :?

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:48 pm

jaganath wrote:I have a couple of AM2 dual-cores lying around doing nothing; you say the Linux SMP client is best?
You'd be one of the top 10 producers on the SPRC team from day 1.

8)

jaganath
Posts: 5085
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:55 am
Location: UK

Post by jaganath » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:35 pm

Seriously? :D I have an X2 3800, an X2 4200 and a single-core 3800+. Unfortunately I only have 2 AM2 motherboards, so I will use the dual-cores. I only just found out F@H only supports 64-bit Linux ATM, so I will have to get a 64-bit Linux OS (K/Ubuntu?).

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:00 pm

jaganath wrote:Seriously? :D I have an X2 3800, an X2 4200 and a single-core 3800+. Unfortunately I only have 2 AM2 motherboards, so I will use the dual-cores. I only just found out F@H only supports 64-bit Linux ATM, so I will have to get a 64-bit Linux OS (K/Ubuntu?).
You'll break 1000 points a day no problemo. We don't have enough of those.

NeilBlanchard
Moderator
Posts: 7681
Joined: Mon Dec 09, 2002 7:11 pm
Location: Maynard, MA, Eaarth
Contact:

Post by NeilBlanchard » Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:28 pm

Hello,

I'm running the AMD64 version of Ubuntu 6.10 "Edgy Eft" on my Athlon 64 X2 4200+ as much as I can -- I have to boot it to Windows to work with my CAD program, and the SMP Windows client is nowhere near as fast as the Linux one is -- but this is what the Beta testing is for, I guess.

avi_dan
Posts: 66
Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:44 am
Location: Seattle, WA, USA

Post by avi_dan » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:17 pm

I am running Ubuntu under VMware in Windows (XP) and it rocks.

THis is a great way to mantain windows functionality without compromising F@H.

Highly recommended.

jaganath
Posts: 5085
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:55 am
Location: UK

Post by jaganath » Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:12 am

VMware :?: can you explain a little about what this is and how to configure it?

angelkiller
Posts: 871
Joined: Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:37 am
Location: North Carolina

Post by angelkiller » Tue Apr 17, 2007 6:01 am

Wow. I've forgotten about folding. I have four computers sitting in my room doing nothing right now. Reading this definately makes me want to fold!

I don't know where to begin. So the Linux client is better? I'm familiar with VMware and know how to run Ubuntu with it. I also want to fold with my X1950pro. Is there a linux version for that? I've been meaning to install Ubuntu on my main computer anyways. (dual boot) Then I can run Ubuntu during the day (when I'm at school) and Windows during the afternoon/night/weekend.

So where should I start?

I've got the system in my sig, which will run Ubuntu. I would love to run 2 instances of the CPU client and one for the GPU.

I have a 1.7GHz P4 Dell running windows. I think I should just run the windows client.

I also two 1GHz P3 Dells. One runs Win 2000, but will probably dual boot soon. I'll run the windows version until I get Linux installed. The other has no os ATM but will be a file server with FreeNAS. Can F@H be run with a Live Linux CD?

Thanks for reading, and sorry for all the questions. I realize I have alot of horsepower, and thought I could help you guys out! Thanks!

jaganath
Posts: 5085
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:55 am
Location: UK

Post by jaganath » Tue Apr 17, 2007 6:11 am

I would love to run 2 instances of the CPU client and one for the GPU.
AFAIUI (not much) you need to leave one core free to "feed" the GPU client. I'm only just beginning to look into this so I could be totally wrong :lol:

aristide1
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 4284
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2003 6:21 pm
Location: Undisclosed but sober in US

Post by aristide1 » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:09 am

I also two 1GHz P3 Dells.
I have a PIII running and some big work units can take over a week to finish. I think I will allow that pc to accept work units that have no deadline. Most WUs do have a deadline.

I don't understand, why do we keep losing folders? We fought off the Anand Team long ago, now they are about to pass us. :(

jaganath
Posts: 5085
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:55 am
Location: UK

Post by jaganath » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:41 am

I don't understand, why do we keep losing folders?
Maybe the site as a whole is losing readers? MikeC probably has some stats about that.

peteamer
*Lifetime Patron*
Posts: 1740
Joined: Sun Dec 21, 2003 11:24 am
Location: 'Sunny' Cornwall U.K.

Post by peteamer » Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:51 am

Image to all our new Members... 8)

jaganath wrote:AFAIUI (not much) you need to leave one core free to "feed" the GPU client.
Spot on info. 8)


My main rig is down at the moment... got rid of the dust bunnies and it no longer works... :evil:

Though I don't know why the electronic components are no longer working... the smoke is still inside..... :lol:


But an XP4400+ Dual Core with 2GB RAM running Linux is on it's way...

64Bit Linux SMP goodness here I/We come... :D




Pete
Image

floffe
Posts: 497
Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 4:36 am
Location: Linköping, Sweden

Post by floffe » Tue Apr 17, 2007 11:40 am

angelkiller wrote:So the Linux client is better?
Only for 64-bit multi-core systems, really. Otherwise I think it's pretty much a tossup
angelkiller wrote:I also want to fold with my X1950pro. Is there a linux version for that?
Nope, GPU folding is windows only.
angelkiller wrote:I also two 1GHz P3 Dells. One runs Win 2000, but will probably dual boot soon. I'll run the windows version until I get Linux installed. The other has no os ATM but will be a file server with FreeNAS. Can F@H be run with a Live Linux CD?
I saw some instructions for this on the F@H forums. Obviously the actual CD used to run it isn't the big issue here, as long as it provides the tools used. Just skip to step 8 if using something else, as what's above that is specific to the CD.


As for deadlines, many of the linux WUs (probably over 30 different runs of project 1496) I've run had 48 days as the preferred deadline, and took my xp2500+ on average 154 hours of folding, that's 6 days and 10 hours, with me frequently using the CPU for gaming etc for part of this time. I'd say a P3 700 should be able to stay within 3 weeks if running 24/7, which is still less than half of the preferred deadline. Oh, and the final deadline is 127 days (after which you don't get points).

avi_dan
Posts: 66
Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:44 am
Location: Seattle, WA, USA

Post by avi_dan » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:42 pm

My PIII 700 Mhz gets the 3042 WU done in a week and a half. But Folding is all it does 24/7.


Avi

avi_dan
Posts: 66
Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:44 am
Location: Seattle, WA, USA

Post by avi_dan » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:48 pm

jaganath wrote:VMware :?: can you explain a little about what this is and how to configure it?
VMWare Server is software that allows you to run a different OS from within windows. So its a way of running the LINUX F@H client from within windows.

The benefits of doing this is that if you need to use windows on the machine then you dont need to reboot and the CPU is always kept working .

The Cons: Some amount of CPU power is wasted by VMWare itself. I dont know how much this is.


I am running this setup on a Core2Duo on WinXP and I am getting 1760 points every day or so...

Post Reply