The next step (for a beginner)

[grumpydaddy]

So I've had a few weeks folding on an old duron using the graphical client.

Now the new folding box (Q6600 G0, P5e VM, 2Meg ram)is almost ready (16 hours of prime95 aiming for 24) and overclocked to 3.4Gig

I have experience of overclocking but otherwise am really best described as a "user" (I'm old enough to remember using dos but too old to remember how) who wants to learn as much as possible in order to help others just starting out on our forums' re-started folding team.

Should I jump in with both feet and devote this box to the high performance clients or in the view of you more experienced members is that just asking for trouble?

I'm running windows, eagerly awaiting the release of Nvidia client as I have a spare card waiting

This thread is started because I've read another here from a guy giving up due to various problems he has encountered.

So chaps, in view of the above comments what should I run on this box???

[John Naylor]

(16 hours of prime95 aiming for 24) and overclocked to 3.4Gig

I would use StressCPU2 (from here)to stress test your machine if its going to be folding. Prime95 is regarded as something of a joke around these parts (StressCPU2 uses Gromacs to stability test, the same code used by F@H, and is therefore fairly reliable for F@H-level stress testing. Prime95 will show you that your comp is windows stable but not necessarily F@H stable)

Should I jump in with both feet and devote this box to the high performance clients or in the view of you more experienced members is that just asking for trouble?

The GPU2 clients don't seem too bad, but SMP is a hornets nest of issues on windows, so I would only recommend installing that if you want a challenge.

So chaps, in view of the above comments what should I run on this box???

A combination of single CPU clients and the nVidia GPU2 client when it is released IMO.

[bruce]

The q6600 will work nicely with the SMP client -- but the WinSMP client is the least cooperative beta client, so be prepared for some challenges. If I had a supported nVidia GPU, I'd certainly wait for the nVidia GPU2 beta to show it's face.

If you choose to run SMP, you'll be running one client. If you're NOT running SMP, you'll probably be running four clients, either uniprocessor or GPU2, so be sure you understand how to configure them. (See http://fahwiki.net/index.php/FAH_%26_SM ... le_Clients )

Prime95 is a reasonable stability test, but FAH pushes some components harder than prime95, meaning it's not good enough. Get StressCPU2. (See viewtopic.php?f=14&t=52 ) and do run memory diagnostics separately.

EDIT: John Naylor beat me to it, but we do agree.

[v00d00]

<pedant>
I'd increase your memory a bit to maybe 1GB, as i dont see 2MB cutting it nowadays.
</pedant>

But yes, enjoy folding.

[jrweiss]

The SMP client will likely give your CPU a stress test more grueling than the utility you are using now. If you can get SMP to run stably and within CPU temp limits, you're likely to have a stable machine overall. If not, back off on the OC until it does run stably.

If the SMP overstresses the machine and it will not run stably, try the GPU2 client if you have the proper GPU, and run 2 or 3 of the single CPU clients (at partial [75%?] CPU usage, if necessary) alongside.

[John Naylor]

try the GPU2 client if you have the proper GPU, and run 2 or 3 of the single CPU clients (at partial [75%?] CPU usage, if necessary) alongside.

If it isn't SMP stable, then run 3 CPU clients and a GPU2 client.. if that isn't stable you need to back off your overclock. If it is SMP stable then run what you like But always try and set the processor usage as high as possible without it affecting your use of the computer (I have my CPU client at 95% because the remaining free 5% stops vista stuttering lol)

[bruce]

But always try and set the processor usage as high as possible without it affecting your use of the computer (I have my CPU client at 95% because the remaining free 5% stops vista stuttering lol)

On WInXP and older versions, this isn't a significant issue. Almost every non-Vista client that I know about runs at 100% except for some laptops with marginal cooling.

[science man]

So I've had a few weeks folding on an old duron using the graphical client.

Now the new folding box (Q6600 G0, P5e VM, 2Meg ram)is almost ready (16 hours of prime95 aiming for 24) and overclocked to 3.4Gig

I have experience of overclocking but otherwise am really best described as a "user" (I'm old enough to remember using dos but too old to remember how) who wants to learn as much as possible in order to help others just starting out on our forums' re-started folding team.

Should I jump in with both feet and devote this box to the high performance clients or in the view of you more experienced members is that just asking for trouble?

I'm running windows, eagerly awaiting the release of Nvidia client as I have a spare card waiting

This thread is started because I've read another here from a guy giving up due to various problems he has encountered.

So chaps, in view of the above comments what should I run on this box???

I think you should run a high proformance client. My recommonedation would be version v5 5.91.It's a bit hard to get running but once you do, IT IS SO WORTH IT!!! Read this topic to get it going. http://foldingforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3062

[grumpydaddy]

<pedant>
I'd increase your memory a bit to maybe 1GB, as i dont see 2MB cutting it nowadays. ;)
</pedant>

But yes, enjoy folding. :)

I should pay more attention That build should read 2Gig and to date all is well (almost)

I'm running 4 singles presently and since midnight sunday the work units and points have been racking up just fine,(I'll take an average at the end of 5 days running to check output) The core temps hover around 50 degC so I'll leave the 3.4Gig o'clock until I've seen the temps on a HOT day. Also I want to try the Nvidia client and see where that leads...

Today though, I've just got home to find 1 core "unable to send results to server" for the first time and as all has been well to date I've assumed that the problem is at Stanford end.

How long should I let this continue attempting to send before I take a more pro-active stance?? (I ask because of deadlines)

ps. If anyone wants me to show what I'm seeing you'd best tell me how!! (this old git doesn't remember)

[dschief]

As long as it downloads the next wu, so you don't lose production time you should be ok.

You can also use the "server status" link at the top of the page to check for issues with the particular server your client is trying to upload to .

If it still has not uploaded after 12 hours or so , I'd post it in the " Issues with a Particular Server " Thread.

Some one on the Up-Stream side would be able to walk over and give it a kick