~What does this FAQ cover?~
• Which is the most suitable Folding@Home client for your computer
• How to set it up, and monitor its performance
• Where to check your stats
• Where to check your stats
NOTE: You can Fold on both the CPU and GPU at the same time. For people Folding on an SMP client and an ATi GPU, please pay attention to the GPU section below.
~CPU Clients~
There are 3 types of CPU clients available to you:
The Unicore client
This is a client that will only run on one core.
Use if:
• You have a single-core CPU
• You have a multiple-core CPU, but only run Folding@Home for a few hours a day
• You have a multiple-core CPU, but only run Folding@Home for a few hours a day
Unicore Guide (Windows)
The SMP client
The SMP client is a multi-threaded client that will use all cores of your CPU. It also has a bonus points system, which makes it one of the more desirable clients.
The SMP client is a multi-threaded client that will use all cores of your CPU. It also has a bonus points system, which makes it one of the more desirable clients.
Use this client if:
• You have a CPU with 2 or more cores
• You can run Folding@Home for the majority of the day (more powerful CPUs take less time to complete a Unit, so can be on less often)
• The SMP client has a bonus system in place. This system is time dependent. It is recommended you keep the client running as uninterrupted as possible once you download a Unit to get as many points as possible.
• You can run Folding@Home for the majority of the day (more powerful CPUs take less time to complete a Unit, so can be on less often)
• The SMP client has a bonus system in place. This system is time dependent. It is recommended you keep the client running as uninterrupted as possible once you download a Unit to get as many points as possible.
SMP Guide (Windows)
SMP Guide (Ubuntu)
The -bigadv client
This is client that requires a CPU with a minimum of 8 threads/cores. It gives the most PPD (Points Per Day) of any client.
This is client that requires a CPU with a minimum of 8 threads/cores. It gives the most PPD (Points Per Day) of any client.
Use this client if:
• You have an i7
• You have an overclock of at least 3.6Ghz
• You can Fold for ~20hrs a day
Without these requirements, you will not complete the Unit fast enough to qualify for bonuses. If you don't meet them, use the SMP client instead.
• You have an overclock of at least 3.6Ghz
• You can Fold for ~20hrs a day
Without these requirements, you will not complete the Unit fast enough to qualify for bonuses. If you don't meet them, use the SMP client instead.
SMP Guide (Windows) (Follow the instructions in red for i7s and -bigadv Folding)
Update:
You are now able to complete -bigadv WUs if using an OC'd AMD X6 CPU, or even a 2500K. However, we recommend 24/7 Folding if you intend to Folding -bigadv on these CPUs. It also requires a different method:
http://www.overclock.net/folding-hom...igadv-amd.html
Update:
You are now able to complete -bigadv WUs if using an OC'd AMD X6 CPU, or even a 2500K. However, we recommend 24/7 Folding if you intend to Folding -bigadv on these CPUs. It also requires a different method:
http://www.overclock.net/folding-hom...igadv-amd.html
~GPU Clients~
The GPU clients are simpler; there is one client for Fermi GPUs, and another client for all other GPUs. There is one guide for both; simply download the correct client, then follow the steps.
Use if:
• You have a minimum of an ATi 3 series GPU
• You have a minimum of an nVidia 8 series GPU
• You have a minimum of an nVidia 8 series GPU
GPU Guide (Windows)
NOTE: SMP/ATi Folders, you will also need to follow this guide. Otherwise, the GPU client will conflict with the SMP client, lowering PPD.
WinAFC Guide (Windows)
~The PS3 client~
Much simpler than the clients above. Simply follow these instructions, then leave your PS3 to Fold:
• Open up "Life with Playstation"
• Go to the Folding@Home channel (hold square and go to the last channel)
• Go to options (hold Triangle)
• Choose "Identity" (5th option)
• "Change donor name"> Your Folding Name
• Go back (press circle)
• "Join an Exisiting Team"> Team 37726
~Client Monitoring~
Most of the guides also have instructions on how to install HFM (usually the 2nd post of the guide). A monitor is essential, since it provide info such as PPD (used to gauge the performance of your client), Project number of the Unit you're Folding, as well as a log in case of errors.
However, you don't have to use HFM. Here are your options:
• HFM - Most used monitor. It has the most information, and also have a very nice remote monitoring feature (info here).
• Fahmon - Nicest looking monitor (in my opinion). However, it doesn't calculate bonuses for the SMP client, so only use it if you're Folding on GPUs. Also have a remote monitoring feature (here)
• FahSpy - Similar to HFM, though not as widely used HFM. Another option, however, if you use the SMP client but don't like HFM.
• FahSpy - Similar to HFM, though not as widely used HFM. Another option, however, if you use the SMP client but don't like HFM.
~Checking your Stats~
Once you complete your first Unit, you can start tracking your stats. It can take up to 6 hours for your stats to appear after your first complete Unit.
The 3 sites used are:
• Stanford - Stanford's own stats; no graphs or other information, but you can separate your points by passkey.
• EOC - The stats site we use most here. Nice graphs, and a good summary or conquests/threats.
• Kakao - Not used much here, but if you don't like the other two, it's an alternative.
If you have any questions, or any suggestions for the guide, please post in the thread, or even PM me.
Edited by zodac - 2/4/11 at 7:04am
Megadoomer
(14 items) |
Family Computer
(13 items) |
| CPU | Motherboard | Graphics | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q6600 | Asus PN5-D 750i | Evga GTS 250 | 2x2GB Crucial Ballistix |
| Hard Drive | Optical Drive | OS | Monitor |
| 750GB Hitachi | Samsung Super Writemaster | Windows 7 Professional x64 | 19" Dell |
| Power | Case | ||
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|
Megadoomer
(14 items) |
Family Computer
(13 items) |
| CPU | Motherboard | Graphics | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q6600 | Asus PN5-D 750i | Evga GTS 250 | 2x2GB Crucial Ballistix |
| Hard Drive | Optical Drive | OS | Monitor |
| 750GB Hitachi | Samsung Super Writemaster | Windows 7 Professional x64 | 19" Dell |
| Power | Case | ||
| Corsair 450VX | Antec 900 | ||
| View all | |||
