Folding with Ubuntu...want to give it a try

[JrClocker]

I have 2 old laptops that I have folding in Windows (both Windows 10)...and they turn in a paltry 4K PPD each.

From what I have been reading, CPU folding is more efficient in Linux than Windows. Most of these were dated a few years ago...is this still true?

If it is true, then I finally have a reason to bite the bullet and learn Linux (been successfully avoiding it all of these years...need a project that won't cause me spending $$ - have my daughter's wedding to pay for - hehe!)

So, is it better to do a dual boot setup, or will I still get good efficiency running it in a VM?

I'll try on one laptop first...and if successful, I'll setup the second one.

(Already reading through the guides in here about how to setup...but I may be asking questions.)

 

[DNRDustin]

I have 2 old laptops that I have folding in Windows (both Windows 10)...and they turn in a paltry 4K PPD each.

From what I have been reading, CPU folding is more efficient in Linux than Windows. Most of these were dated a few years ago...is this still true?

If it is true, then I finally have a reason to bite the bullet and learn Linux (been successfully avoiding it all of these years...need a project that won't cause me spending $$ - have my daughter's wedding to pay for - hehe!)

So, is it better to do a dual boot setup, or will I still get good efficiency running it in a VM?

I'll try on one laptop first...and if successful, I'll setup the second one.

(Already reading through the guides in here about how to setup...but I may be asking questions.)

Dual boot if youre not ready to take the plunge.

 

[JrClocker]

Yeah - going to go the VM route first!

 

[DNRDustin]

Yeah - going to go the VM route first!

I dont think youll have acces to the physical gpu address through a vm...... 128mb video mem max allocated....

 

[caddi daddi]

I'm thinking that if you're not 100% sure you might want to boot Ubuntu from a flash drive to test the waters.
Linux is not so tough, but the number of options!!!!!!!
Ubuntu is more or less plug and play.

 

[JrClocker]

The video card in one laptop is a Radeon mobility 4850 (no longer supported by folding) and the other is an iGPU (not supported by folding)...so no loss... Only cpu folding!

 

[JrClocker]

OK:
1. VM is up
2. Ubuntu installed (took longer than it should have to get screen resolution right )
3. F@H installed (thanks guides)
4. Folding in VM on laptop

Will report back with before and after ppd. (Only running 7 threads in VM...1 reserves for Windows)

 

[JrClocker]

5.87% into first fold...ppd estimate is 4.9K...ppd estimate on last fold in Windows was 3.9K.

 

[JrClocker]

Converted both laptops to Ubuntu dual boot systems. Currently up and folding (CPU only - GPUs too old to fold on).

Both laptops are folding in the 5.2 K ppd range...both before where in the 3.9 K ppd range.

Not a bad improvement!


Is there a way in Ubuntu to force the higher processor clock? On one of the laptops (4 core / 8 thread) the CPU frequency would oscillate between 1500 MHz and 1800 MHz in Windows 10. The same machine with Ubuntu, it is sitting at a constant 1600 MHz. Could get another 12.5% gain if I could get it to run at 1800 MHz all the time.