[Mac OSX] Setting up the SMP (CPU) client

To start off, Mac aka OSX is a CPU SMP client only. There are no GPU clients out there for Mac. Your PPD may or may not match others PPD depending on the Mac version you are running. iMac, Mac Book, Mac Book Pro, Mac Air, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro (Desktop).


Preparation
When getting ready to run F@H client, here are two things you might want to get:

iStat

(You do not need to get the pro and this is not a trial)

FAH Limit/Fan Control

• The reason why I have iStat stated is because this is what helps you monitor your F@H. The two solid bars of red is the CPU and if they aren't full or running at half, its and indicator that your client isn't working and something has gone wrong OR it has finished a WU (Work Unit).

A passkey

• The reason behind you getting a Passkey is because it will help you better track your PPD and any other data you want to know from F@H client. It also helps keep it unique.

(ABOVE ARE OPTIONAL)



Installation
I have made youtube videos on how to setup various monitoring clients for Folding@Home and one on how to install the Folding@Home client.


When it asks for your password, it means your password you use to login (if you have one) or the admin password. This does not mean your passkey.


Next
You will want to get a F@H monitoring client. I have made 3 videos instead of 4 (merged two into one). There are plenty of monitoring clients out there for Mac but one is mentioned a lot here on OCN and that is FAHMon.


OR/BOTH

The other most popular client is InCrease, this client is more detailed up front than FAHMon. Its takes few more extra steps to get it setup but it doesn't hurt to have both running.



NOTE - YOU CANNOT RUN TAGS ON THE INSTALLER, YOU WILL GET AN ERROR OR YOUR STATUS WILL TURN RED AND STOP.


Others

There are two Dashboard widgets (for Vista users these are Gadgets but Widgets do not work on Vista since they are ONLY for Mac) these are:

F@H WUdget (Very Detailed)

OR/BOTH

Folding@Home Monitoring Widget






Different Installer (Console aka Terminal Only Client)

I will be making a video on how to install this later on. I will most likely have to do this on my Mac side of my Mac Book Pro which is currently running windows xp.

Step 1: You need to either follow the guide they provide or do it my way and only follow the important part of the guide. Download this Console Only Client (SMP2)

Step 2: Where ever you downloaded this to, you need to move it to your Library folder. You need to make a folder called

• Folding@home

And move the 2 files into this folder. If you have already downloaded the other installer, just put the files in the folder.

Step 3: You will only need to follow these steps and you will be all set.

cd ~/Library/Folding@home


Now you should have the SMP FAH client in place and you'll have to configure it. It can be done by running following command:
./fah6 -smp -local -configonly


After setting the configuration there are couple of ways to start the SMP FAH client. One way is to start it is by typing in each time the following command:
./fah6 -smp -local -verbosity 9


OPTIONAL: To make it a little easier for yourself, one can make a little script by running following commands: echo "./fah6 -smp -local -verbosity 9" > FaH
chmod +x FaH
Now you'll just have to run
./FaH


Credit to the above go to Here


NOTE - ONLY USE THE CONSOLE CLIENT IF YOU PLAN ON USING MAC MINI OR LAPTOP. WU COMPLETION IS VERY SLOW!!

NOTE - YOU WILL NEED TO USE THE INSTALLER CLIENT FOR OCN CHIMPIN. THE CONSOLE CLIENT ONCE CONFIGURED IS UNABLE TO MODIFIED UNLESS INSTALLED AGAIN.



PPD for Macs

I take no credit for these stats, they all go to Phantom

Mac Minis:

• CD 1.83 GHz 0.9K - 1.0K PPD
• C2D 2.00 GHz 1.2K PPD
• C2D 2.33 GHz 1.7K - 2.5K PPD

MacBook Pro 17:

• C2D 2.5 GHz 2.9K PPD

MacBook Pro 15:

• C2D 2.4 GHz 1.7k - 2.6k PPD

Mac Pro (Desktop):

• Dual C2D 2.66 GHz 5.0K PPD s

NOTE: Please report to this thread once you have complete one WU.


Notes/Updates
So far the best project yet

This guide is somewhat out dated because of the new macs that have come out. I will have to go on the hunt again to find the stats/averages.
Edited by Ryahn - 10/25/11 at 6:56pm

Thanks, I haven't really noticed many folding on Macs, well I kinda know why (they cant be overclocked). But I have been folding for a little over a month and already hit 1770 in team.

I have yet to compare which is what I am doing next. I will make a google doc sheet or something and compare.


I do have a Windows VMware Fusion machine on this mac. But I dont use it because it calls for a lot of resources.

Also this guide isnt for finding out what can be played on it and crysis is windows only.

I have three different projects that I have worked on. I get from 1700+ to 2100+ depending on the project and WU. I fold on an iMac 24 and soon to be on bootcamped windows on a Mac Book Pro 15".