Optimising new computer build for folding at home

[Froskoy]

Hi,

I'm building a new computer and want to make it as good as possible for a graphics card client for Folding@home. I don't do anything else that really requires much from the graphics card, so think it would be ideal.

Would it be better for folding if I purchased one nVidia GTX-480 or two nVidia GTX-460s - I'd be able to run two clients on the two 460s but would one 480 be better?

Also, my old computer will be going into the garage to start a folding farm, together with a few other old computers I have. It currently has an 8800GTS. Would it be worth ebaying another 8800GTS and then I'd have two cards in that as well? Would there be a significant advantage to this.

What is mixing graphics cards like? For example I have a few odd mix and match cards from about 3-4 years ago that I reckon I could put to good use for Folding@home but is it OK to match different cards in the same computer?

Many thanks,

Froskoy.

[bruce]

Matched cards are easier to set up than mismatched cards, but either is possible. Early versions of drivers made it a lot more difficult than it is today, but it is getting easier. It's still quite a challenge to mix Fermi and/or the G80 and/or ATI in the same computer.

[PantherX]

Welcome to the F@H Forum Froskoy,

Here is a rough break down of the PPD for the GPUs (Please note that as the Client i still in BETA Stage, Credits may change)
1 X GTX 480 ~ 15000 PPD
2 X GTX 460 ~ 20000 PPD (10000 PPD each)

Please note that these are with overclocked GPUs and will vary according to WUs each folds. Personally, I would prefer 2 X GTX 460 as they are cheaper, less heat and power requirement.

Right now, mixing a Fermi GPU (GTX 400 Series) and Non-Fermi (Not GTX 400 Series) in a single system is slightly complicated but manageable in most cases. You can use Non-Fermi GPUs in a single system without jumping through much loops.

I would rather save the money for a later upgrade rather than spending it on 8800 GTS.

[7im]

Hello Froskoy, welcome to the forum.

The 460 seems to be a good bang for the buck compromise, so I'd go with 2 of those instead of one 480. And more points for about the same cost.

Instead of buying another 8800, sell the one you have and buy another 460.

[Zagen30]

Currently EVGA has some pretty cheap 8800 GTS's in their B-Stock. We're talking ~$45 cheap (not including shipping or tax). Granted, they're refurbs, but I've heard some good things about EVGA's refurbs, and they do have a 90-day warranty.

[divery4eyes]

Those cards from EVGA are the 96 shader versions, both the 320 and 640 MB cards.

[kiore]

Setting up 2 8800gts might be cheap initially, but selling the one you have and getting another GTX 460 instead as suggested would be better for future proofing and maybe cheaper power use wise.
I would only go the GTX 480 over the 2 x GTX 260s if you intended to add another GTX 480 later, otherwise twin GTX 460's looks awesome.

[Arnette]

2x 460's would be the best PPD for your money - but they will, in fact, use a bit more power (2x 150w TDP vs 1x 250w TDP)

You'll also need a power supply that supports 4x 6-pin pci-e if you go the dual 460 route, or a power supply with 1x 6-pin and 1x 8-pin if you go with the 480

It's your call!

[Napoleon]

Or you'd need lots of available molex connectors and adapters. With the adapters, you'd also have to be very careful not to exceed the current limitations of the connectors and the wires.