Procedure for getting a dedicated folding box running

[SickBoy]

OK, here's a recipe for getting a dedicated folding box running (using Win98).

You'll need one of each of these for each dedicated folder you want to set up:

Mobo/Processor/Heatsink/RAM
Minimum 500 MB HDD/IDE cable
Video card
LAN card (if not integrated) and cable
PSU, also a power switch if ATX. Case is optional, but suggested.
Win98 License for extra box

And just one of each of these:
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
CDROM/cable
Floppy/cable
Win98 CD

Assemble everything, including the floppy, CDROM, monitor and keyboard/mouse. Connect it to your network.

First step: Boot from a Win98 bootdisk. If not already done, run fdisk and create one partition on your HDD, reboot and run

format c: /s

which will make the drive bootable. After that's done, change to the C drive and type in

mkdir win98

which makes a blank folder called win98 on your hard disk. Then enter

copy d:\win98 c:\win98

Replace "d" with whatever letter the CDROM drive is. This copies all necessary files from the CDROM to the hard drive (should say "Copied 101 files when it's done). At this point I also suggest copying any drivers you need for network, chipset and video as well as Winzip or other zipping program. Copy the setup file for VNC and the FAH2Console.exe at this point as well.

Shut the box off. Disconnect floppy and CDROM. Go into your bios and disable "Boot up floppy seek" or the like.

Boot the machine. type in

cd win98

and then

setup

Run Win98 setup. Select the custom install and install only what you need to run Folding. Uncheck everything else. Let installer finish, enter info when prompted.

Once that's done, install your drivers and do all the necessary reboots. Install Winzip. Make sure your computer is visible on your network. Under the Network properties, make sure you have "Share my files with others" checked, and the logon should be the Windows logon. Share the C drive full access (with a password if you so choose). Set everything up so the computer can connect to your internet access of choice. Remember that all your necessary Win98 files are in your c:\win98 directory. Just point it there when it asks for the CD.

Unzip VNC and set it up. Create a shortcut to the WinVNC and place it in your startup folder so that VNC automatically starts up when you boot the computer.

Now reboot the computer a few times and make sure it boots into Windows and starts the VNC server up without any user input. Once that's done, you can disconnect the keyboard, mouse and monitor.

Connect to your folding box through VNC and run the FAH2Console with the -config switch the first time. Enter the necessary data, make sure it downloads a work unit aand starts folding, and away you go!!

Note: when you reboot it, you'll need a mouse and keyboard connected to it. But if you just let it run 24/7 it should be alright without them connected.

That should be it!!

[Ploaf]

Originally posted by SickBoy

PSU, also a power switch if ATX. Case is optional, but suggested.




The power switch is optional too if you have a spare screwdriver LOL. Actually I don't suggest that but I do it cause I only have a single spare power switch. Case is definitely recommended and it doesn't cost too much for a cheap case :D ignore me...

Nice write up SickBoy!

[SickBoy]

Yeah, I've jumped ATX boards without a switch to start them up before... .but it's not recommended... :)

Could this be a sticky?

[bergie007]

Hey guys, wouldn't it be possible to get one of those Linux on floppy (no hdd needed) and run the linux client with just linux, networking and F@H activated in the kernel? I don't have a network but Linux might fold slightly better on slower machines... anyone care to try?? That way a lot more machines will be put up cos then it's only:
-mobo
-cpu + HSF
-RAM
-NIC
-FDD
-Screen
-Keyboard.

:p Anyone up to the challenge????

[SickBoy]

I'm not a Linux guru.... not the person to ask... but it would be cool if we could build a F@H box with one less part....

[David]

You can run a version of linxu from CD and let it store temp data in a RAMdisk?

[DManeKid]

cant i just use a old computer fully loaded whith everything on it (it still gets used by my sister every so often) and just let it fold when it isnt in use? it also uses windows me is that not recomended?

[Ploaf]

Originally posted by DManeKid
cant i just use a old computer fully loaded whith everything on it (it still gets used by my sister every so often) and just let it fold when it isnt in use? it also uses windows me is that not recomended?

It only has to be fast enough to complete the work before the deadline. The deadline is different for each protein, but a 200 or 166 MHz Pentium should be able to do the job. anything faster is even better. Even if your sister is using it she shouldn't notice the client running in the background. It will take a back seat to anything that she is doing.

[SickBoy]

Originally posted by DManeKid
cant i just use a old computer fully loaded whith everything on it (it still gets used by my sister every so often) and just let it fold when it isnt in use? it also uses windows me is that not recomended?

Of course.... I just wrote this procedure up for anyone building up a folding box with extra parts or something. If you've got a whole computer, by all means, use it.

[Darrenct]

Originally posted by DManeKid
cant i just use a old computer fully loaded whith everything on it (it still gets used by my sister every so often) and just let it fold when it isnt in use? it also uses windows me is that not recomended?

Usually when someone says Windows 98, it can be interchanged with the Windows ME... But be careful with that, there are small differences.

Are you going through the trouble of turning off the client while your doing other stuff? If so, I've noticed that it really isn't neccessary... The Client does a great job of not getting in the way of other software.

For all of you who don't have cases, go to the thrift store and get a corkboard... Pin all your stuff to it and hang it somewhere it won't get knocked down... It actually works pretty well... You may have to bust out the duct tape for the PSU though.

BTW, Sickboy, your Avatar rules!

[SickBoy]

Originally posted by Darrenct

BTW, Sickboy, your Avatar rules!

:)

Yours aint too bad either.

[flyfisher]

Ok, I have the two rigs. One is my main machine, on a lan (cable modem). The second (1.33@1.50)I will use only for folding. The nic on the first card has only one connection as does the cable "modem".

DO I put a second nic in my main box as well as a nic in the Folding box to connect the second to the modem?

Can I use xp's internet sharing this way? Help is apprecited as I NEED to fold more more more. :eh?:

[SickBoy]

This is a question for "Internet and Networking".... but in short, the cheapest way to go would be to put a second nic in your main box, a nic in your second box and network them with a crossover cable.

[res0r9lm]

Originally posted by SickBoy
This is a question for "Internet and Networking".... but in short, the cheapest way to go would be to put a second nic in your main box, a nic in your second box and network them with a crossover cable.
For expandability use a hub or switch. got all 3 of my computers hooked up for less than $100

[SpeeDj]

If you want your box to be rebootable without Keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached go into the bios and find the Halt on errors setting and change it to none. From there you should be able to reboot your box without a mouse or keyboard anymore, but vnc into it and make sure to check the don't remind me again for the mouse not being connected. From there you should have a box that requires zero maintanence and one that is now officially a dedicated cruncher, I make some of my dedicated crunchers do useful things such as Printserve, or Webserve while they are running dedicated as it keeps them useful to me as well. Just thought I would add my two cents.

J

[res0r9lm]

So far have 3 systems folding but one is only pII 400. I have an extra stick or 2 of pc133 hanging around. what would be a good board to use with sdram? will only having 128 mb's slow me down?

[SickBoy]

I'd say so long as you're using Win98, you wouldn't be affected. Folding is CPU-intensive, not memory intensive.

[flyfisher]

Well, after a week of trying internet sharing and a crossover cable, gave up and took res0r9lm's advice and got the hub. Everything just worked! minimal messing with, now have the dedicated Box and the main rig folding 24\7! WhewHoo!
Thanks SpeeDJ for the advice on no mouse etc, but I have old monitor mouse etc, am not even gonna set up vnc.

FOLD ON

[doer]

if u're going to use win2000... get a hdd bigger than mine 850Mb, cause I can't install SP2 (it would need more space...) (it said it'd need >300Mb space and I got under 100Mb left when having my swap-file 128Mb). So get at least 1.1Gb drive for Win2000

128Mb ram seems to be enough for win2000

[David]

Originally posted by bergie007
Hey guys, wouldn't it be possible to get one of those Linux on floppy (no hdd needed) and run the linux client with just linux, networking and F@H activated in the kernel? I don't have a network but Linux might fold slightly better on slower machines... anyone care to try?? That way a lot more machines will be put up cos then it's only:
-mobo
-cpu + HSF
-RAM
-NIC
-FDD
-Screen
-Keyboard.

:p Anyone up to the challenge????

I thought I saw this a while back - I am working on it, but a lot of the stuff I am doing is new to me.

[SpeeDj]

How about making a version that works using a Network boot option, most of the newer mobo's can allow you to boot via a network boot. Perhaps this could be a good viable solution, being that indeed all boxes could network boot off of a central server, holding all the work results and the os it will load into ram, therefore when the box reboots you will not loose the amount of work you have completed. I don't know how viable or easy this would be but, if this could be the case it could cure the computer loosing the work that has been worked on.

Could this be implemented ?

What OS' could be supported I believe win, and linux offer network boot options ?

Could this be viable for Seti as well ? Perhaps we could benefit both of our current DC teams by incorporating such features as found above. Just some things to keep in mind, I look forward to hearing some ideas and feedback based upon this.

J - Just my two cents...

[David]

Originally posted by SpeeDj
How about making a version that works using a Network boot option, most of the newer mobo's can allow you to boot via a network boot. Perhaps this could be a good viable solution, being that indeed all boxes could network boot off of a central server, holding all the work results and the os it will load into ram, therefore when the box reboots you will not loose the amount of work you have completed. I don't know how viable or easy this would be but, if this could be the case it could cure the computer loosing the work that has been worked on.

Could this be implemented ?

What OS' could be supported I believe win, and linux offer network boot options ?

Could this be viable for Seti as well ? Perhaps we could benefit both of our current DC teams by incorporating such features as found above. Just some things to keep in mind, I look forward to hearing some ideas and feedback based upon this.

J - Just my two cents...

That would be a fantastic idea - it would require a central server of sorts but I think you need boot rom chips of something. I suppose if it wrote all data to the actual server then the network would be a bit busy. Fast Ethernet should solve that though - I'll have a look into it....

[lennytiger]

Fast Ethernet Will Solve it, but you will need win2000 server or terminal server. then programming the rom chips and getting the network to boot that way round, its difficult but its possible.

[David]

I'm thinking more about linux, but windows may be easier. Or we could use Linux beowulf clustering?

[Wedo]

If you are running Windows 2000 Advanced Server the option to boot from network is automatically installed in the client share.

However, if you are running a W2K AS network, you can decide what programs start up with every log on. In essence, you would install the seti and folding programs onto each station, add these two programs to the server's active directory's list of start up programs, and then everytime a user log's on to the network, boom.... you've got number crunching happening in the back ground on every machine that you have connected to the network.

I'm the System Admin for an Onine Retial company and I'm going to set up a Folding box tonight. I might actually slip the program into a few network machine's and see if there is a noticable difference in performance. If not, our network will be folding for the overclocker's in no time.

Cheers,
Wedo

[David]

Originally posted by Wedo
If you are running Windows 2000 Advanced Server the option to boot from network is automatically installed in the client share.

However, if you are running a W2K AS network, you can decide what programs start up with every log on. In essence, you would install the seti and folding programs onto each station, add these two programs to the server's active directory's list of start up programs, and then everytime a user log's on to the network, boom.... you've got number crunching happening in the back ground on every machine that you have connected to the network.

I'm the System Admin for an Onine Retial company and I'm going to set up a Folding box tonight. I might actually slip the program into a few network machine's and see if there is a noticable difference in performance. If not, our network will be folding for the overclocker's in no time.

Cheers,
Wedo

Thats a good idea, but Windows 2000 AS aint cheap :D
I'll see how this linux thing goes, but your idea is fantastic if you have access to a server.

[minoukat]

Good write up, but I think you could get away with a smaller HD than 500, maybe a 120MB hd (just enough for the minimum install of Windows 95 and Folding

[David]

Originally posted by minoukat
Good write up, but I think you could get away with a smaller HD than 500, maybe a 120MB hd (just enough for the minimum install of Windows 95 and Folding

Depending on the size of your RAM you may need a swap file. I would say about 200MB as the lower limit.

[HeXaDeCiMaL]

Just built a WinXP running mini server and Folding Box.

Duron 850 @ 961Mhz (113 x 8.5)
MS-6378 + O/B Trident graphics + O/B sound
10Mb NIC
56K modem
256Mb CAS2 mem @ 146Mhz


;)

[David]

Originally posted by HeXaDeCiMaL
Just built a WinXP running mini server and Folding Box.

Duron 850 @ 961Mhz (113 x 8.5)
MS-6378 + O/B Trident graphics + O/B sound
10Mb NIC
56K modem
256Mb CAS2 mem @ 146Mhz


;)

Looks cool :D

Got any frame times?

The MSI board is one I have been considering for a folding rig, and Durons fold really well. I think 256MB RAM is a bit too much for a minimal dedictaed folder, but you may need the extra RAM if you use it as a server as well.

[HeXaDeCiMaL]

Well I got the RAM cheep from a m8 and when I get my cable connection back later this year it'll be a game server aswell so it'll come in hady then :)

When I get it up and installed when I move to my new place i'll post some frame times :D

I'm most dischuffed that my fiancee's T-Bird 1.4Ghz is doing frames faaster than my PIV :mad:

Damn superior FPU :o

;)

[res0r9lm]

Originally posted by David


Depending on the size of your RAM you may need a swap file. I would say about 200MB as the lower limit.

for win 98 you need 250mb so you should be safe with 300mb.

[overdoze]

Anyone interested in a dedicated Folding box with no hardrive but rather use CDROM or floppy boot up?

The CDrom one can be configure to automaticly run Fold after boot up. However, you have to burn a new CD if you want to run different version of the Folding executable

The floppy boot up requires you to insert the 2nd floppy and type a command to start the Folding jobs. This one you can change the fold executable file on the second disk anytime.

Here is the minimum hardware for this box.
CPU
mobo
32M ram
NIC
Floppy drive or CDrom
PSU
CPU heatsink and fan

You don't need KB, mouse and monitor b/c you can remote login if it is in your network. You don't even need a case.

Please tell me which one you are interested CDROM or floppy. I can start working on it and post on the net for download.

[res0r9lm]

Originally posted by overdoze
Anyone interested in a dedicated Folding box with no hardrive but rather use CDROM or floppy boot up?

The CDrom one can be configure to automaticly run Fold after boot up. However, you have to burn a new CD if you want to run different version of the Folding executable

The floppy boot up requires you to insert the 2nd floppy and type a command to start the Folding jobs. This one you can change the fold executable file on the second disk anytime.

Here is the minimum hardware for this box.
CPU
mobo
32M ram
NIC
Floppy drive or CDrom
PSU
CPU heatsink and fan

You don't need KB, mouse and monitor b/c you can remote login if it is in your network. You don't even need a case.

Please tell me which one you are interested CDROM or floppy. I can start working on it and post on the net for download.

seem to me that the floppy verison would be better b/c of money issues. would it be possible to use two floppy drive. to me it makes more sense to get a cheap hard drive. I got a WD 1.2 gig for $15 a couple weeks ago. I don't think you will be able to find 32mb sticks of ram to easy. I just got a 128mb stick of crucial ddr2100 for $27 thats the smallest they have on thier site in ddr but they do have 64mb in pc133

[overdoze]

Originally posted by res0r9lm


seem to me that the floppy verison would be better b/c of money issues. would it be possible to use two floppy drive. to me it makes more sense to get a cheap hard drive. I got a WD 1.2 gig for $15 a couple weeks ago. I don't think you will be able to find 32mb sticks of ram to easy. I just got a 128mb stick of crucial ddr2100 for $27 thats the smallest they have on thier site in ddr but they do have 64mb in pc133


I got the overfoldix box running fine. The box has 128M ram and a single CDROM. after boot from cdrom, login as root, type foldoff and change username like instructions on screen. Then type foldon There is one draw back. If you have a power disruption it would kill the whole WU and start from fresh again. Also you have to change username everytime you reboot.
Try to do the floppy but it does not work well so I am going to stick with the CDROM version.

[res0r9lm]

Originally posted by overdoze



I got the overfoldix box running fine. The box has 128M ram and a single CDROM. after boot from cdrom, login as root, type foldoff and change username like instructions on screen. Then type foldon There is one draw back. If you have a power disruption it would kill the whole WU and start from fresh again. Also you have to change username everytime you reboot.
Try to do the floppy but it does not work well so I am going to stick with the CDROM version.

I use a UPS so there is no problem there unless power was off for a while. out of curosity how much would used cd-rom go for?

[overdoze]

I digged in my old computer parts and found an old cdrom drive. I'm sure if look hard enough you can find cheap used cdrom in flea market or used computer parts store. New one is $24 refurbish one is $21 at newegg.

I forgot to tell you about overfoldix. You don't have to type foldoff or foldon. Just type cfgfolding after login in. The script will take care of it all. Type foldlog to find out what happend


FOLDON

[res0r9lm]

Originally posted by overdoze
I digged in my old computer parts and found an old cdrom drive. I'm sure if look hard enough you can find cheap used cdrom in flea market or used computer parts store. New one is $24 refurbish one is $21 at newegg.

I forgot to tell you about overfoldix. You don't have to type foldoff or foldon. Just type cfgfolding after login in. The script will take care of it all. Type foldlog to find out what happend


FOLDON

thats funny you can get a refirbushed 1.2 gig hard drive for under $15 a smaller one isn't that much cheaper though so if you don't have spare cd roms laying around going the overfoldix route would really be more expensive. try computergaints

[overdoze]

Originally posted by res0r9lm


thats funny you can get a refirbushed 1.2 gig hard drive for under $15 a smaller one isn't that much cheaper though so if you don't have spare cd roms laying around going the overfoldix route would really be more expensive. try computergaints

That is pretty good price for a hardrive. Could you show me some links where you bought your stuffs from for your latest folding rig. I'd like to build one more as well. As $200 is cheap.

:) Anyone knows better CDROM price please post. I'm sure there are cheap one out there.
If you are looking for bargain, you could get CDROM for under $10 at www.ebay.com

To me overfoldix is a better route still. Since you do not have to install the OS. Just slip the CDROM in, no floppy drive or hardrive installation, boots and you are on your way. Or suppose someone lend you a computer. You could place the CD in reboot and Foldon. When you return the computer everything in the hardrive was preserved not touch. Also windows OS cost money while overfoldix is free :).

[res0r9lm]

almost everthing came from newegg in the refribushed section you have to time it right things go fast just check there every so often and you will find good deals seems to me that they are returns not refribushed. once I talled up all the receipts I ended up paying $252 but could have gotten 1600+ and saved $25 and probly would have got a better stepping one thing don't cut corners on cpu by trying to get a morgan there isn't that much difference in price and the xp overclocks much better and don't skimp on cooling that one place I didn't have to buy anything atleast fan wise evry time I see some one throw out something with a fan I get it.

[walaka7]

Im working out deals for cheap hdds and 1-4 mb vid cards maybe can get price down to $15 shipped on a small hdd and $8-$10 shipped for vid. card. I should know more in next few days.. I really like the idea of overfoldx, but in event of power outage you lose current progress.. also with hdd you can have rig boot back up on its own when power comes back on.. I certainly dont wanna take away from a diskless solution, but i will be offering an alternative

My goal: To help get as many rigs up as i can.. I know threre are lot of you with parts lying around and with a little help, you get them up and running :D

[cmcquistion]

I'm very interested in the CD-ROM solution. Could you send me some information. I'd like to know if I can burn my own CD that would have all of my login information and everything, so I wouldn't have to login to the computer or type anything, just boot it with the CD in the drive and let it go on it's own.

I have several computers that I could use this on and I wouldn't have to permanently install anything. Seems like it would be faster, too, with no overhead.

How about different hardware configurations, though. Would it auto detect CPU, mem, and everything and automatically configure itself for maximum efficiency?

[walaka7]

for those looking at the hard drive route, i have some used ones that im testing i should be done in next couple of days. i also have 1 mb vid cards ffor those who dont want to go the "all in one" route. i personally like to keep my puters in pieces so when things do go out or break, i can service one part, instead of whole board.. anyway i will be posting in classifieds in next couple of days for those interested :)