Which folding program to use?

[Chrisman]

I've been looking around at the different programs for folding, and I've tried the uniprocessor client and the GPU client, and both have worked for me.
I'm wondering, if the SMP gives more points for the extra processing power, and if it's worth it, instead of running a normal F@H.

So what do you suggest, for the most points?

Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i7 280 @ 2.8 GHz (8 CPUs(quad core with hyperthreading))
GPU: GeForce GT 230
OS: Windows 7 x64

Another question, can I fold from two computers to the same account? (My PC and my PS3

[PantherX]

Welcome to F@H Forum Chrisman,

These are my recommendation depending on your PC's usage:

Use Classic Client if:
1) System isn't running 24/7.
2) You want a set-and-forget software that doesn't need any monitoring.
3) Not savvy for points and would like to do your best without much efforts.
4) Points aren't your priority.
5) You want F@H to remain unobtrusive.

Use GPU2 Client if: (Officially on Windows Only)
1) You have a discrete GPU (preferred Nvidia due to current situation with GPU2 Client).
2) System is on for 15+ hours.
3) Would like to get some more points with least possible effort.

Use SMP2 Client if:
1) You have a powerful system.
2) Know their way around with F@H cores.
3) System is on 24/7.
4) Would like to contribute the most to F@H in terms of scientific value plus get the advantage of high points.
5) Use a Windows password or non-Windows OS.

You can fold with as many systems as you want (as long as you have permission) and if you want all those points to be under one name, make sure that you use the same Username/Passkey combination on all systems. Note that the PS3 doesn't support the Passkey but your points will be added to the Username.

Also regardless of what Client you are using, all of them make valuable contribution to the Science.

[Chrisman]

Why does my system need to be on 24/7 to use the SMP client?
Can I use multiple classic clients to work on multiple cores?

[Russ_64]

So what do you suggest, for the most points?

SMP and GPU - set SMP to Idle priority and GPU to Low (will only have a minor effect on SMP ppd) or use -smp 7 flag. Also, set different machine ID's on each.

Another question, can I fold from two computers to the same account? (My PC and my PS3

Yes, you can. Just use same Username, Team, and Passkey.

[Russ_64]

Why does my system need to be on 24/7 to use the SMP client?

Each work units has a deadline which is usually 2 to 4 days - your SMP should take less than 1 day to complete so 24hrs is not really an issue if you fold regularly, otherwise incomplete WU's will miss their deadline and be deleted with no points given.

Can I use multiple classic clients to work on multiple cores?

Yes, you can but it takes more manual work and I would recommend using something like WinAFC to assign fahcores to discrete CPU's (one each).

[PantherX]

@Chrisman: Also the SMP2 WUs use a Bonus Point system which ensures that the quicker the WU is returned after being processed, the higher points you get. Any unnecessary delay will decrease your points. My system i7-860 @ 3.6 would take 6.5 hours to fold a WU and would get a credit of ~3200 Points (This is an example of my system only). Some WUs can take longer to finish but as long as you fold within the Preferred Deadline, you will get Bonus Points.

@Russ_64: AFAIK, if you configure 8 Classic Clients to run from individual folders with unique Machine ID, Windows will automatically distribute them over the 8 CPUs that is available to it.

[bruce]

These are my recommendation depending on your PC's usage:
. . .
Use SMP2 Client if:
1) ...
2) ...
3) ...
4) ...
5) ...

6) You're willing to wade through a rather difficult Windows installation procedure, following the guide line by line.

It should be noted that the current SMP software is still considered beta and it's in transition to something newer. There should be a simpler client "soon" that doesn't have all of the complications that this client has. It may be called v7, or if v7 is still farther in the future, it may be called v6.3x. In either case, you should be able to avoid some of the complications if you wait.

(Around here "soon" is always undefined.)

[Chrisman]

These are my recommendation depending on your PC's usage:
. . .
Use SMP2 Client if:
1) ...
2) ...
3) ...
4) ...
5) ...

6) You're willing to wade through a rather difficult Windows installation procedure, following the guide line by line.

And by difficult, you mean typing some CMD commands and answering some questions?

[PantherX]

...And by difficult, you mean typing some CMD commands and answering some questions?

Well, when you put it like that, it sounds simple enough Hope you don't run into any problems with the MPICH or anything

[bruce]

And by difficult, you mean typing some CMD commands and answering some questions?

Feel free to help out the folks that have troubles . . . like viewtopic.php?f=58&t=15195 . . . without insulting them, of course.