help me optimize my folding!

[gangaskan]

here is my specs

Dell Optiplex GX620

Pentium D - (unsure of model but 3.2 ghz)
2 gig ram
x600
80 gigger


nothing special :) but would like to get what i can out of it. if someone can point me to a thread or help me out would be much appreciated :beer:

[harlam357]

Since I think you've already got FAH installed in some manner on that box, please tell (or show) us which client you downloaded. On a Pentium D I recommend going with two instances of the single core (v5.04) client.

I also recommend the same setup for your HTPC rig... if that Opty says stock. If you can OC it up to the 2.2GHz+ range then it will be safe to run SMP if run 24/7.

Now your main rig, it definitely needs some SMP treatment. :)

[gangaskan]

Since I think you've already got FAH installed in some manner on that box, please tell (or show) us which client you downloaded. On a Pentium D I recommend going with two instances of the single core (v5.04) client.

I also recommend the same setup for your HTPC rig... if that Opty says stock. If you can OC it up to the 2.2GHz+ range then it will be safe to run SMP if run 24/7.

Now your main rig, it definitely needs some SMP treatment. :)

i installed the 5.03 client (windows GUI) from the F@H site


the opty is around 1.94 only limiited to my motherbaord ( its a POS Foxconn)

[deadlysyn]

I think I would recommend the same version H did, as the 5.04 GUI client seems to run a bit slower, as it uses some of the CPU cycles to also output the video display that you get. Also, it is easier to use programs that use OpenGL if set up as a service, since the service install won't use it. I had the hardest time gaming when I was using the GUI. As always, if you decide to go that route, we are more than willing to help you set it up.

[WarriorII]

Didn't the GUI version ALWAYS have problems?

Let me see if I can find something better.

brb.

[gangaskan]

wont be able to fuss with it today at work, maybe tomorrow. but i'll give it a shot at home :)

[WarriorII]

I like the 5.04 TEXT version.
I've had less problems with that myself.

I really can't speak for the other one avilable to DL. (windows client)

I mainly do SMP / Linux now.

[deadlysyn]

I have been running 5.04 for over a year with no problems, aside from my ISP employing nothing but chest beaters. (No offense meant to those that may be handicapped and reading this, but those people working at QWest are about as stupid as they can get) I actually have it running on atleast 3 rigs right now that I know of for sure. Now, if my buddy would tell his dad to quit being a moron and go buy his own network adapter. That would be the reason I won't use a USB Wireless adapter. I have another one out there somewhere, but it doesn't look like it has been fired up in quite some time.

[WarriorII]

Ahhh... USB Borgs.....

:D

[deadlysyn]

Ahhh... USB Borgs.....

It's quite a pain in the neck. He comes over every now and then wanting to know if he can use my connection for a bit since his dad took his dongle. He's working on getting some money together so that he can pick up a wireless PCI card. That should stop his dad. I guess he's afraid to open up a case. :shrug: I wonder how believable it would be if I told him not to open the case, or he'll let the magic smoke out? Gullible people are too much fun. LOL

[gangaskan]

ok, so how do i get these to run in the background (ie no CMD prompts? )

i downloaded the F@H text client :) running 2 instances on it as we speak. i think, lol i just copied the program twice and running them did i do it right?


edit: i also wanted to check power usage too, i think i read somewhere its around an extra 9 per month per machine? just wondering, i'm still figuring out my electrical bill because i just moved into my duplex and my first month's was about 1 week shy of my pc's

[jonspd]

I would think the 165 could fold smp's and complete them on time even if it was only up 18 hours a day.

[gangaskan]

I would think the 165 could fold smp's and complete them on time even if it was only up 18 hours a day.

opty's up 24/7 i do web imaging on it along with all my other stuff i dont want on my gaming rig :) (IM / email/ TV/ etc) i had exchange running on it breifly, but wasnt happy with the performance

[jonspd]

we if it's up 24/7 then IMO if want have a problem at all finishing the 2653 wu's in the 3-4 day turn around period they require.

Plus that rig has 2 gb ram right?

[gangaskan]

we if it's up 24/7 then IMO if want have a problem at all finishing the 2653 wu's in the 3-4 day turn around period they require.

Plus that rig has 2 gb ram right?

yup all my machines have 2 minimum

[jonspd]

So run smp on it for a couple hours then post back your log file of the work so wee can see if your gonna be able to complete a wu in time on that rig.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to.

[Adak]

ok, so how do i get these to run in the background (ie no CMD prompts? )

i downloaded the F@H text client :) running 2 instances on it as we speak. i think, lol i just copied the program twice and running them did i do it right?


edit: i also wanted to check power usage too, i think i read somewhere its around an extra 9 per month per machine? just wondering, i'm still figuring out my electrical bill because i just moved into my duplex and my first month's was about 1 week shy of my pc's

You can copy the program fine UNTIL you run it the first time. After that DON'T MOVE THE LITTLE DEVIL, FOR NUTTIN' :) It knows where it belongs and will cause you endless headaches and bewitch your dog, too! :D

What makes it a service install is when the configuration function is run (the first thing it runs), it asks you "Install FAH as a service Yes/No?"

If you installed it as a program and want to change it to a service install (which has no window at all, so be sure to get FahMon to monitor it at: www.fahmon.org/ ) here's what to do:

1) right click on the fah.exe program in Windows explorer
2) select "create shortcut"
3) select the new shortcut and right click on it. Choose "properties"
4) Looks for the line that says "Target": and move the cursor to the VERY END of that line.
5) Add -configonly outside the last double quotation mark. "
6) Apply and save, and be sure the FAH client is stopped. Then double click on the new shortcut, and it will immediately go into it's setup
utility function. Choose Yes for the question "Install FAH as a service Yes/No ?"

And put in the rest of your info, same as you did before: Name: Adak, Team 32, . etc. :D :D

Neither text version will give you any CMD prompts after it has run through it's configguration, connfigguration, configurration, oh the hell with it - SET UP, routine! :D :D :D

Cost to run a rig will vary a lot, of course. Running high-end graphics card(s) and extra drives, fans, lights, etc., all eat up some power.

Usually your electric bill has a little calculation you can use to estimate your bill, something like:

Kwh * cost per Kilowatt (which your bill will show), = total cost.

For a dual core, I'd estimate 10 - 15 bucks per month, if it's running a lot.

Congrats and good luck in your new digs. :)

[gangaskan]

You can copy the program fine UNTIL you run it the first time. After that DON'T MOVE THE LITTLE DEVIL, FOR NUTTIN' :) It knows where it belongs and will cause you endless headaches and bewitch your dog, too! :D

What makes it a service install is when the configuration function is run (the first thing it runs), it asks you "Install FAH as a service Yes/No?"

If you installed it as a program and want to change it to a service install (which has no window at all, so be sure to get FahMon to monitor it at: www.fahmon.org/ ) here's what to do:

1) right click on the fah.exe program in Windows explorer
2) select "create shortcut"
3) select the new shortcut and right click on it. Choose "properties"
4) Looks for the line that says "Target": and move the cursor to the VERY END of that line.
5) Add -configonly outside the last double quotation mark. "
6) Apply and save, and be sure the FAH client is stopped. Then double click on the new shortcut, and it will immediately go into it's setup
utility function. Choose Yes for the question "Install FAH as a service Yes/No ?"

And put in the rest of your info, same as you did before: Name: Adak, Team 32, . etc. :D :D

Neither text version will give you any CMD prompts after it has run through it's configguration, connfigguration, configurration, oh the hell with it - SET UP, routine! :D :D :D

Cost to run a rig will vary a lot, of course. Running high-end graphics card(s) and extra drives, fans, lights, etc., all eat up some power.

Usually your electric bill has a little calculation you can use to estimate your bill, something like:

Kwh * cost per Kilowatt (which your bill will show), = total cost.

For a dual core, I'd estimate 10 - 15 bucks per month, if it's running a lot.

Congrats and good luck in your new digs. :)


i'll try that today :) and i'm going to do some folding on this rig this morning to check it (my HTPC)

[gangaskan]

So run smp on it for a couple hours then post back your log file of the work so wee can see if your gonna be able to complete a wu in time on that rig.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to.


here is my log :)



--- Opening Log file [January 25 11:56:01]


# Windows Console Edition ################################################## ###
################################################## #############################

Folding@Home Client Version 5.04beta

http://folding.stanford.edu

################################################## #############################
################################################## #############################

Launch directory: C:\
Executable: C:\FAH504-Console.exe


[11:56:01] Configuring Folding@Home...


The program will continue in non-service mode now, working in C:\.
The next time the computer is starts up, you should see work automatically
continue there. Note that when this service is running, you should not try
to manually run F@H from that directory at the same time.


[11:56:37] - Ask before connecting: No
[11:56:37] - User name: Gangaskan (Team 32)
[11:56:37] - User ID not found locally
[11:56:37] + Requesting User ID from server
[11:56:37] - Machine ID: 1
[11:56:37]
[11:56:37] Work directory not found. Creating...
[11:56:37] Could not open work queue, generating new queue...
[11:56:37] + Benchmarking ...
[11:56:40] - Preparing to get new work unit...
[11:56:40] + Attempting to get work packet
[11:56:40] - Connecting to assignment server
[11:56:40] - Successful: assigned to (171.64.65.58).
[11:56:40] + News From Folding@Home: Welcome to Folding@Home
[11:56:40] Loaded queue successfully.
[11:56:49] + Closed connections
[11:56:49]
[11:56:49] + Processing work unit
[11:56:49] Core required: FahCore_78.exe
[11:56:49] Core not found.
[11:56:49] - Core is not present or corrupted.
[11:56:49] - Attempting to download new core...
[11:56:49] + Downloading new core: FahCore_78.exe
[11:56:50] + 10240 bytes downloaded
[11:56:50] + 20480 bytes downloaded
[11:56:50] + 30720 bytes downloaded
[11:56:50] + 40960 bytes downloaded
[11:56:50] + 51200 bytes downloaded
[11:56:50] + 61440 bytes downloaded
[11:56:50] + 71680 bytes downloaded
[11:56:50] + 81920 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 92160 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 102400 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 112640 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 122880 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 133120 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 143360 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 153600 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 163840 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 174080 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 184320 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 194560 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 204800 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 215040 bytes downloaded
[11:56:51] + 225280 bytes downloaded
[11:56:52] + 235520 bytes downloaded
[11:56:52] + 245760 bytes downloaded
[11:56:52] + 256000 bytes downloaded
[11:56:53] + 266240 bytes downloaded
[11:56:53] + 276480 bytes downloaded
[11:56:53] + 286720 bytes downloaded
[11:56:53] + 296960 bytes downloaded
[11:56:54] + 307200 bytes downloaded
[11:56:54] + 317440 bytes downloaded
[11:56:54] + 327680 bytes downloaded
[11:56:54] + 337920 bytes downloaded
[11:56:54] + 348160 bytes downloaded
[11:56:54] + 358400 bytes downloaded
[11:56:55] + 368640 bytes downloaded
[11:56:55] + 378880 bytes downloaded
[11:56:56] + 389120 bytes downloaded
[11:56:56] + 399360 bytes downloaded
[11:56:56] + 409600 bytes downloaded
[11:56:56] + 419840 bytes downloaded
[11:56:57] + 430080 bytes downloaded
[11:56:57] + 440320 bytes downloaded
[11:56:57] + 450560 bytes downloaded
[11:56:57] + 460800 bytes downloaded
[11:56:58] + 471040 bytes downloaded
[11:56:58] + 481280 bytes downloaded
[11:56:58] + 491520 bytes downloaded
[11:56:58] + 501760 bytes downloaded
[11:56:58] + 512000 bytes downloaded
[11:56:58] + 522240 bytes downloaded
[11:56:59] + 532480 bytes downloaded
[11:56:59] + 542720 bytes downloaded
[11:56:59] + 552960 bytes downloaded
[11:56:59] + 563200 bytes downloaded
[11:56:59] + 573440 bytes downloaded
[11:57:00] + 583680 bytes downloaded
[11:57:00] + 593920 bytes downloaded
[11:57:00] + 604160 bytes downloaded
[11:57:00] + 614400 bytes downloaded
[11:57:01] + 624640 bytes downloaded
[11:57:01] + 634880 bytes downloaded
[11:57:02] + 645120 bytes downloaded
[11:57:02] + 655360 bytes downloaded
[11:57:03] + 665600 bytes downloaded
[11:57:03] + 675840 bytes downloaded
[11:57:04] + 686080 bytes downloaded
[11:57:05] + 696320 bytes downloaded
[11:57:05] + 706560 bytes downloaded
[11:57:05] + 716800 bytes downloaded
[11:57:06] + 727040 bytes downloaded
[11:57:07] + 737280 bytes downloaded
[11:57:07] + 747520 bytes downloaded
[11:57:07] + 757760 bytes downloaded
[11:57:07] + 768000 bytes downloaded
[11:57:07] + 778240 bytes downloaded
[11:57:08] + 788480 bytes downloaded
[11:57:08] + 798720 bytes downloaded
[11:57:08] + 808960 bytes downloaded
[11:57:08] + 819200 bytes downloaded
[11:57:08] + 825633 bytes downloaded
[11:57:08] Verifying core Core_78.fah...
[11:57:08] Signature is VALID
[11:57:08]
[11:57:08] Trying to unzip core FahCore_78.exe
[11:57:09] Decompressed FahCore_78.exe (2338816 bytes) successfully
[11:57:09] + Core successfully engaged
[11:57:14]
[11:57:14] + Processing work unit
[11:57:14] Core required: FahCore_78.exe
[11:57:14] Core found.
[11:57:14] Working on Unit 01 [January 25 11:57:14]
[11:57:14] + Working ...
[11:57:14]
[11:57:14] *------------------------------*
[11:57:14] Folding@Home Gromacs Core
[11:57:14] Version 1.90 (March 8, 2006)
[11:57:14]
[11:57:14] Preparing to commence simulation
[11:57:14] - Looking at optimizations...
[11:57:14] - Created dyn
[11:57:14] - Files status OK
[11:57:15] - Expanded 292498 -> 1461493 (decompressed 499.6 percent)
[11:57:15] - Starting from initial work packet
[11:57:15]
[11:57:15] Project: 3042 (Run 4, Clone 8, Gen 37)
[11:57:15]
[11:57:15] Assembly optimizations on if available.
[11:57:15] Entering M.D.
[11:57:21] Protein: p3042_supervillin-03
[11:57:21]
[11:57:21] Writing local files
[11:57:21] Extra SSE boost OK.
[11:57:21] Writing local files
[11:57:21] Completed 0 out of 5000000 steps (0)

Folding@Home Client Shutdown.


--- Opening Log file [January 25 11:57:34]


# Windows Console Edition ################################################## ###
################################################## #############################

Folding@Home Client Version 5.04beta

http://folding.stanford.edu

################################################## #############################
################################################## #############################

Launch directory: C:\
Executable: C:\FAH504-Console.exe


[11:57:34] - Ask before connecting: No
[11:57:34] - User name: Gangaskan (Team 32)
[11:57:34] - User ID: 44E95E6B333CCCEB
[11:57:34] - Machine ID: 1
[11:57:34]
[11:57:35] Loaded queue successfully.
[11:57:35] + Benchmarking ...
[11:57:37]
[11:57:37] + Processing work unit
[11:57:37] Core required: FahCore_78.exe
[11:57:37] Core found.
[11:57:37] Working on Unit 01 [January 25 11:57:37]
[11:57:37] + Working ...
[11:57:37]
[11:57:37] *------------------------------*
[11:57:37] Folding@Home Gromacs Core
[11:57:37] Version 1.90 (March 8, 2006)
[11:57:37]
[11:57:37] Preparing to commence simulation
[11:57:37] - Looking at optimizations...
[11:57:37] - Files status OK
[11:57:38] - Expanded 292498 -> 1461493 (decompressed 499.6 percent)
[11:57:38]
[11:57:38] Project: 3042 (Run 4, Clone 8, Gen 37)
[11:57:38]
[11:57:38] Assembly optimizations on if available.
[11:57:38] Entering M.D.
[11:57:58] (Starting from checkpoint)
[11:57:58] Protein: p3042_supervillin-03
[11:57:58]
[11:57:58] Writing local files
[11:57:58] Extra SSE boost OK.
[11:57:58] Writing local files
[11:57:58] Completed 0 out of 5000000 steps (0)
[12:22:59] Writing local files
[12:22:59] Completed 50000 out of 5000000 steps (1)
[12:47:55] Writing local files
[12:47:55] Completed 100000 out of 5000000 steps (2)
[13:12:38] Writing local files
[13:12:38] Completed 150000 out of 5000000 steps (3)
[13:37:23] Writing local files
[13:37:23] Completed 200000 out of 5000000 steps (4)
[14:02:00] Writing local files
[14:02:00] Completed 250000 out of 5000000 steps (5)
[14:26:39] Writing local files
[14:26:39] Completed 300000 out of 5000000 steps (6)
[14:51:10] Writing local files
[14:51:10] Completed 350000 out of 5000000 steps (7)
[15:15:41] Writing local files
[15:15:41] Completed 400000 out of 5000000 steps (8)
[15:40:19] Writing local files
[15:40:19] Completed 450000 out of 5000000 steps (9)
[16:04:56] Writing local files
[16:04:56] Completed 500000 out of 5000000 steps (10)


is that long enough ? :) also, its 6.5 cents per KWH at my house :).

[jonspd]

that is the regular console not the SMP console client.

your PPD will = about 1/8th of the smp client with that version..

the one you want is

Windows 2000/XP/Vista SMP client console version 5.91 beta

be sure to read the instructions and get netframwork, etc what ever you have to do to get it running.

[gangaskan]

i'll start running the SMP before noon :)

[jonspd]

lol

you will need 3 or 4 things if you do the process right...

[Adak]

Well congrats! Your electric rate is one of the lowest in the country. I'm in CA and mine is almost double yours at 12.5 cents/Kwh.

Only two states are lower than yours: West Virginia (thanks to Sen. Byrd), and Idaho. I know this because I have an odd fantasy about setting up a super folding farm in a state like Idaho. Oooh Baby! I've been dancing on the ceiling too much! :eek: :eek:

To get more details though, you'll have to find out how many watts your rig(s) are pulling. Maybe worthwhile to pick up a "Kill-A-Watt" meter at the hardware or home building center. They should last the rest of your life, and really help you see things with your power usage, that you just can't see, without it.

Now, on to the time. This is from your log you posted:

[14:02:00] Completed 250000 out of 5000000 steps (5)
[14:26:39] Writing local files
[14:26:39] Completed 300000 out of 5000000 steps (6)


And with a bit of arithmetic, works out to completing this WU in about 41 hours and 8 minutes, if it's allowed to run at this same speed. One thing about FAH, is that after the first percent or two is finished, all the rest of the WU will fold at the same time, if FAH is left to fold, undisturbed.

The SMP client is the one you really want, though. You might want to use FahMon to help monitor your folding progress:
http://www.fahmon.org/

[gangaskan]

Well congrats! Your electric rate is one of the lowest in the country. I'm in CA and mine is almost double yours at 12.5 cents/Kwh.

Only two states are lower than yours: West Virginia (thanks to Sen. Byrd), and Idaho. I know this because I have an odd fantasy about setting up a super folding farm in a state like Idaho. Oooh Baby! I've been dancing on the ceiling too much! :eek: :eek:

To get more details though, you'll have to find out how many watts your rig(s) are pulling. Maybe worthwhile to pick up a "Kill-A-Watt" meter at the hardware or home building center. They should last the rest of your life, and really help you see things with your power usage, that you just can't see, without it.

Now, on to the time. This is from your log you posted:


And with a bit of arithmetic, works out to completing this WU in about 41 hours and 8 minutes, if it's allowed to run at this same speed. One thing about FAH, is that after the first percent or two is finished, all the rest of the WU will fold at the same time, if FAH is left to fold, undisturbed.

The SMP client is the one you really want, though. You might want to use FahMon to help monitor your folding progress:
http://www.fahmon.org/


hehe, then again, i'm in one of the less greatest places in ohio :P (but i live in a ok neighborhood.)


+ i'm not too far from the city hall (my work whoo!)

edit: also, i'm using SMP and FAHMon i think i got it working correctly, its still at 8% so i'll check back later.


can i tray this app by chance?

haha, nm about tray i found it!