Mr. Orange's Folding@home SMP Guide

[Mr. Orange]

Mr. Orange's Folding@home SMP Guide
also known as:
The Orange
mclarenvj


1. Play some good music. In my guide, I feature I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic! at the Disco
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2854/23671779.png


2. Download the latest Folding@home SMP Client. available here:
Direct Link: http://www.stanford.edu/group/pandegroup/folding/release/FAH6.29beta-win32-SMP-mpich.exe
Source Page:
Folding@home - High Performance Clients (http://folding.stanford.edu/English/DownloadWinOther)

and then run the program as an administrator...
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6261/95435176.png

[Mr. Orange]

3. Run the install, Make sure you install into a directory such as 'C:\FAHSMP'. Not a directory that features spaces(Program Files) and click next for everything.. apart from of course finish at the end :D
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9436/94924840.png
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1851/10271449.png
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/497/39152625.png
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/9519/38772577.png
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7269/43825789.png
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/8173/84201204.png
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4340/17428083.png
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9158/11744377.png

[Mr. Orange]

4. Now If you go to 'C:\FAHSMP', you will see...
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/2382/81559105.png

5. Right, now go to start, and type in 'cmd'
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7678/91744735.png

6. type in


cd C:\FAHSMP

and press enter
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/2310/85589799.png

7. type in


install

and press enter
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/523/74623779.png
Mine will be different to yours, as I already had MPICH2 installed.. sorry

You're instantly greeted with the config wizard.

Press Enter (Because it already has your computer name and user name. This needs to be correct)

8. Fill in your password twice.. (If none, just press enter.)
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7356/11292885.png

9. Type in


Folding@home-Win32-x86.exe -configonly

and press enter..

10. Fill everything as I have done... ;) (Blank spaces are just where I pressed enter.
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3143/72416585.png

[Mr. Orange]

Running Your SMP Client from a Batch File

to create a batch file.

1. Go to Start and type 'notepad' and press enter...
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7351/60203169.png

2. now copy and paste this.


@ECHO OFF
ECHO Changing Directory
cd C:\FAHSMP
ECHO Starting Folding@home SMP
Folding@home-Win32-x86.exe -smp -advmethods -forceasm -verbosity 9


and then set:
File name: Folding@homesmp.bat
Save as type: All Files
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4719/62790862.png
then click save.


3. Now, run the Batch file :D
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/5760/33940143.png

[Mr. Orange]

dammit what then? :) lol

-.-, Delete that post please.....



Now you can post.

[146Kilos]

That works ?

I have advmethods as yes and the below

extra_parms=-smp -advmethods -forceasm -verbosity 9

I created a short cut with the above in the config rather than rely on a .bat to put the parameters in and I knocked the usage down to 95% to give other tasks a bit of legroom (GPU), the meter claims 97% CPU use.

[Mr. Lime]

worked for me, but i have no idea how people get 4k a day

i get 315 ppd

[146Kilos]

CPU usage is ?

My latest CPU unit is worth 1726 & = 3300 ppd


I have had better, just over 4K ppd

[Mr. Lime]

See i get this all the time trying to configure it

[02:12:11] Entering M.D.
[02:12:14] in: p6314_sh3_with_ALA_frags
[02:12:14]
[02:12:14] Writing local files
[02:12:14] Extra SSE boost OK.
[02:12:15] Writing local files
[02:12:15] Completed 0 out of 500000 steps (0%)
[02:12:31] lding@home Core Shutdown: FILE_IO_ERROR

that happens when i put the flags you said in config or in the shortcut

it just doesnt work,

how exactly do i put them in

cause its all very well saying in config or shortcut, but how?

[146Kilos]

What OS are you using & where is your folder ?

[Mr. Lime]

Windows vista, and which one? the one with the smp client in?

program files(x86)

[146Kilos]

- Vista 32-bit or 64-bit: DO NOT INSTALL UNDER PROGRAM FILES or PROGRAM FILES (x86). It's recommended to install in either - C:\Users\[username]\ *OR* on the root of C:\. Create a sub-folder under either of those locations. Again, I like to create a Folder named FAHSMP.

[Mr. Lime]

- Vista 32-bit or 64-bit: DO NOT INSTALL UNDER PROGRAM FILES or PROGRAM FILES (x86). It's recommended to install in either - C:\Users\[username]\ *OR* on the root of C:\. Create a sub-folder under either of those locations. Again, I like to create a Folder named FAHSMP.

does this mean i wont get the extra smp speed if they are?

[rampageturke]

bookmarking this

i will try it this afternoon, kudos if it works :thumbs:

[Mr. Orange]

Windows vista, and which one? the one with the smp client in?

program files(x86)

modified Step 3. for wallies like you that don't like pictures..

[Aegis]

Thank you mr orange,

That is brilliant i have bookmarked it,

I have also tried it again following your guide, and i still have the same problem, i can get it in so far then i fail.

[07:10:15] Entering MD
[07:10:15] Writing local files
[07:10:15] Extra SSE Boost OK
[07:10:15] Writing local files
(07:10:15) Completed 0 out of 500000 steps (0%)
[07:10:15] lding@home Core Shutdown: FILE_IO_ERROR

Then i have too withdraw and start all over again.

I am using windows xp pro.
I did get it working on one computer, but did not get anywhere near the 4000ppd that was 146kilos was claiming , left it on all night and all i got was 315ppd and that was with a 965.

Please for a wally like me could you please tell me what i am doing wrong,

[Mr. Orange]

Did you put it into C:\FAHSMP ?.

Try deleting everything in the Folder until you're just left with what is in the first picture of step 4.

[Mr. Orange]

That works ?

I have advmethods as yes and the below

extra_parms=-smp -advmethods -forceasm -verbosity 9



It does work.
I added in your extra_parms, as they do seem to give a bit of a boost to the PPD... Although... I'm only getting 2840PPD, nowhere near the 4K...
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2119/61717935.png

[Andrew Moore]

Using 2x gtx295/ and a gtx285 results in around 38k here. Is suggest gpu folding if numbers are your thing,


Andy

[Aegis]

Did you put it into C:\FAHSMP ?.

Try deleting everything in the Folder until you're just left with what is in the first picture of step 4.

Thank you mr orange.

Yes i did put it into C:\FAHSMP, but i dont have half off what you have in yours, just install and the folding at home sign.

I am just too thick too set this up so i am going too forget it.

Thanks for your patience with me.

[rampageturke]

works a treat, thanks orange

[copter]

If your just running your rig folding at 100% and don't want to use it for anything else whilst this is working, I can highly recommend firing your machine up with a live distro of linux and using the linux smp client on a memory stick. Ubuntu 9.04 works really well.

[Mr. Orange]

Thank you mr orange.

Yes i did put it into C:\FAHSMP, but i dont have half off what you have in yours, just install and the folding at home sign.

I am just too thick too set this up so i am going too forget it.

Thanks for your patience with me.

woah, I can only conclude that the client you're downloading... is wrong. or is corrupt
ok.

Go to Control Panel -> Uninstall Program...
http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/1297/59400119.png

then, uninstall it.
Go to the C Drive in Explorer, and delete the FAHSMP folder (if it remains).
Then follow my guide again, and download using the link i've linked to in step 2.

[Mr. Orange]

If your just running your rig folding at 100% and don't want to use it for anything else whilst this is working, I can highly recommend firing your machine up with a live distro of linux and using the linux smp client on a memory stick. Ubuntu 9.04 works really well.

I have no issues with it running at 100%, I can browse the net, play internet games, listen to music be on msn etc. with no issues. Then I'll just quit when I do something a bit more computer intensive e.g Playing games, virtual machining.

[rampageturke]

how does one check how ''fast'' they are folding?

[Mr. Orange]

how does one check how ''fast'' they are folding?

Give me a few minutes, I'll knock up a quick guide

[Superewza]

Would you mind doing a Linux version of this guide? ;)

There seems to be a lack of guides assuming no prior experience of Distributed Computing... thanks for putting this up.

[iGoD ReleNtLeS]

how does one check how ''fast'' they are folding?

Yes you can use the new Beta Client Monitor thing.... HFM.NET

[Mr. Orange]

Mr. Orange's HFM.NET Guide



HFM.NET is an Open Source (GPLv2) Project written to monitor and track progress of Folding@Home Clients. Based on the Microsoft .NET (v2.0) Platform, HFM.NET runs in either 32-bit or 64-bit mode on Windows XP, Vista, & Windows 7. HFM.NET is also compatible with the Mono Framework, version 2.4 or higher. The UI is inspired by the popular client monitoring application FahMon. You will find many similarities in the look and feel of HFM.NET vs. FahMon. This project has been derived from the FAHLogStats.NET code base by author David Rawling. I would like to thank David for his contribution to the Folding@Home community.
http://code.google.com/p/hfm-net/

1. Download the HFM.NET installer:
Direct Link (http://hfm-net.googlecode.com/files/HFM%20Release%200.4.10.156.msi)

2. Install the program as you would any other program (Just click next :D)

3. Double-click on the icon on your desktop. and the program will launch in your system tray. Right click the icon in your system tray, and select 'restore'
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6164/17473534.png

4. You're greeted by a window like this :D
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/121/70342940.png
Yes it looks complicated.. but it's not, honest :D
Ok,
Go to Clients -> Add Client. And set it up like I have done
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4916/53753300.png
Note: 'Client Processor Mhz' needs to be your processor speed. In my case it's 4Ghz, so I have put 4000

5. Now, Press 'Ctrl+S' to save the configuration and save it appropriately.
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5039/43850715.png

[Mr. Orange]

6. Go to Edit -> Preferences. and copy these settings :D

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9530/50070871.png

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5994/90710662.png
Click the '...' and choose where your configuration file that you set up earlier. This will load automatically :D

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9642/29620312.png

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/4187/46372267.png

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9236/68925100.png

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/9100/93829615.png

[Mr. Orange]

Would you mind doing a Linux version of this guide? ;)

There seems to be a lack of guides assuming no prior experience of Distributed Computing... thanks for putting this up.

I can try, but I have no experience with Linux. which distribution should I use?
Oh, and I'll do it within Virtual Box

[Superewza]

I dunno, does it have to be 64bit? If you've no prior experience then Mint might be a good choice.

[Mr. Orange]

I dunno, does it have to be 64bit? If you've no prior experience then Mint might be a good choice.

Well I'm doing it 64-Bit, I can try. I'll try later If i'm free.

[Mr. Lime]

So your saying that even without the advanced parameters i should be getting a lot more?

Well my smp client is now running an GRO-A3 core worth 1301 points for 1153.5 ppd on a Q6600 with a percent happening roughly every 16 minutes

That sounds a lot better :)

[146Kilos]

Using 2x gtx295/ and a gtx285 results in around 38k here. Is suggest gpu folding if numbers are your thing,


Andy


We are harnessing unused CPU power for the ATI folders amongst us and to give the competitive Nvidia users that little something extra for no outlay. Agreed it will never live with your rig, but then again it is free if you already have it and as Tesco says, "Every Little Helps". :)

[rampageturke]

this is all correct? just making sure :D

http://i40.tinypic.com/dvgcjq.png

[Mr. Orange]

this is all correct? just making sure :D

http://i40.tinypic.com/dvgcjq.png

yup
looks good :D

[rampageturke]

brill, upto 42% :D

[Mr. Lime]

Dammit only a percent every 16 minutes lol

[rampageturke]

15 minutes here lol

[Mr. Orange]

8mins :P
hehehe

[Mr. Lime]

up to 21 minutes now :(

but up to 2735 ppd now with SMP and GPU

[Mr. Orange]

up to 21 minutes now :(

but up to 2735 ppd now with SMP and GPU

woahhh...
i'm onto 5715.9 PPD.. only on SMP..

[rampageturke]

my PPD is slowly creeping up with every precent :D