Confused

[AJ448]

Greetings,

I'm trying to set-up Folding at Home on a couple of machines, and I have no idea which version to install. I'll run the console version as a Scheduled Task (so it runs when the computer is idle).

But which version? Multiple copies of 5.04? Single or multiple copies of 5.91, or 6.00? GPU, SMP? I have no idea what those acronyms mean and cannot find any explanation on the Stanford Folding website. There really should be some lines in the FAQ addressing which versions are most effective on what machine configurations.

For the current case, these computers are running Windows XP, 3.0 GHz, dual core, with a couple Gb of RAM. For simplicity's sake, I'd prefer to run a single program that will take advantage of the dual core, rather than multiple copies.

Help?

Thanks,
AJ

[jrweiss]

A 3 GHz dual-core will easily run the SMP client (5.91beta). The SMP client requires just a bit more installation than the regular console client, but shouldn't take more than a couple minutes. However, if you cannot run this client at least 18 hours/day, it will probably not make the deadlines.

The other option is to run 2 instances of the regular console client (v5.04 or 6beta). You can set these up to run as a Service, so they are less visible to users. The other advantage is that they will run when nobody is logged on to the computer.

You need not run F@H as a scheduled task, since it will yield the CPU to any other programs. It essentially runs when the "System Idle Process" would otherwise show up.

[Ren02]

GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit as opposed to CPU (Central Processing Unit). GPU client means that it uses your graphics card for performing the simulation instead of the CPU. Only a few graphics cards are currently supported (the ATI 1900 and 1600 series) but there is talk of a new client that supports the HD2900 and HD3800 series as well.

SMP stands for Symmetric MultiProcessing. SMP client is meant to run on a dual-core or a quad-core (or triple core ) system.

Like jrweiss said, you should go for SMP, either 5.91 or 6.00 beta. The 5.91 might be more stable.

[sneakers55]

For the current case, these computers are running Windows XP, 3.0 GHz, dual core, with a couple Gb of RAM. For simplicity's sake, I'd prefer to run a single program that will take advantage of the dual core, rather than multiple copies.

IMHO, two copies of the CPU client will be a lot less hassle to run than the temperamental SMP client. Especially if you use the "run as service" option so they start and run automatically.

[bruce]

IMHO, two copies of the CPU client will be a lot less hassle to run than the temperamental SMP client. Especially if you use the "run as service" option so they start and run automatically.

Then, too, the SMP client is still in beta test, which means it has a built-in expiration date and will need to be updated Feb 1. If you're not prepared to deal with beta testing (which sneakers55 calls "temperamental") run the released client(s). If you're up for a little more excitement, run the SMP client.