Small but mighty?

[Skufer]

Hi all,

I've been folding for a little while now and I have been trying to come up with some ideas of new ways to increase my PPD. At the moment the only computer I have access to that is any good is my work laptop, an Intel i5 that stays in the office folding 24/7. What I'd like to do is find a way of having a second, smaller device on my desk doing the same thing.

I've been reading a few threads about FPGA/ASICs not being suitable for F@H so I guess that's a dead end, one option I have toyed with is getting a ViDock to plug into my laptop (Google ViDock to see what I mean) Can anyone suggest a small, unobtrusive but powerfull platform I could use?

Thank you!

[PantherX]

Welcome to the F@H Forum BestPony,

The idea of a portable dGPU (http://www.villageinstruments.com/tiki- ... age=ViDock) sounds very appealing. If it truly is hassle free and the laptop can access it without any issues or jumping through hoops, in theory, with the correct drivers and GPU model, you should be able to fold. However, unlike gaming, folding is very GPU intensive. I haven't come across anyone who has folded in this set-up so you are the first one. I would strongly suggest that before you purchase it, send them an email stating that you would like to fold on the GPU and give them the link to the F@H Site. Their reply can help you with the decision.

Alternatively, you could build a SFF (Small Form Factor) system which runs headless (no keyboard, mouse or monitor) with the exception of initial installation which would require those components. However, once configured, you can disconnect it and you can monitor it remotly either by V7 or other solutions (TeamViewer, Ultra VNC, TightVNC, RD). This article is a good start to see what a SFF can achieve (http://www.techspot.com/article/697-sma ... gaming-pc/).

[7im]

I would actually go so far as to ask them to run Folding@home to prove it works. Then they just opened up a new sales market.

[ChristianVirtual]

It seems a smart idea.it sure helps to utilize narrow slot setups and when riser cards are not an option. My biggest concerns would be heat and power supply. 224W might be borderline for monster cards like GTX 780/Titan. And there is no place for some supporting fans.
But seems a good for cards like 660TI.

[Jim Saunders]

Like he said, two six-pin PCI-e connectors is a limit, but that still gets you at least a GTX660. Interesting idea if it works.

Jim

[bruce]

I think you're going to be limited to PCIe-1 speeds, which will limit the throughput of the more powerful GPU cards. Even the GTX 6xx cards will slow down because they're limited by the external interface connection.