Multi-GPU client help for everyone

[jasonelmore]

You're folding on a GTX295?

yes sir, I disabled SLI and installed the setup exactly to the settings he has up top in his image. I made two folders in "My Documents" and extracted the console version to both folders and ran them. Under adv options I named one of them -gpu 0 and the other -gpu 1

[p2501]

yes sir, I disabled SLI and installed the setup exactly to the settings he has up top in his image. I made two folders in "My Documents" and extracted the console version to both folders and ran them. Under adv options I named one of them -gpu 0 and the other -gpu 1

This isn't necessarily a client issue. If you have a clean install, configured everything correctly (you already added the GPU flags, but did you set different machine id's?) then let's work on. What are your drivers? Do you have dummy plugs on on ALL ports (so that's two dummies and one connected monitor, or what's your setup?)? Did you expand your desktop to ALL 3 "monitors"?

Ultimately, what are your drivers? I got mine working only with 185.20, with 181.20 all I got was blank screen on boot as soon as I disabled SLI. GTX295 drivers all open betas as it seems, they are most likely the reason for your problem.

[=[PULSAR]=]

having trouble setting up my 9800GX2 can someone help me

[MaK2000]

Most people are running Vista so this is specifically Vista. XP is the same but with different paths. I recommend the SysTray clients for GPU2. It is easy to set up.

Install the client and don't run it. Go to Program Files and copy the folder and paste it. Rename the second to whatever you want. Go to C:\Users\PROFILEX\AppData\Roaming and copy the Folding@home-gpu folder and paste it. Rename the second to whatever you want. Make a shortcut to "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu\Folding@home.exe -gpu 0" and put the start in as "C:\Users\PROFILEX\AppData\Roaming\Folding@hom e" and then do the same for the other client folder and change the start in to its folder. Use -gpu 1 at the end of it instead of -gpu 0. Run the card in Multi Display Mode, attach a DVI to VGA Dummy or monitor to the second GPU, you can use the same monitor if you have a monitor with DVI and VGA if you just run both cables to the same monitor, and then extend the desktop to the second monitor. Restart and make sure it sticks. If it does than start each client and set the Machine IDs to different IDs.


For the guy with the GTX295, the second card is the HDMI. The primary is the two DVI. That makes it more difficult because you need a monitor with HDMI to run the display from and then a DVI to VGA dummy or a monitor with HDMI and DVI/VGA but most at least have VGA since HDMI is a retarded idea for a monitor. An HDMI dummy would work but I have never seen a diagram for one. I am sure someone around here is smart enough to come up with instructions for us anti HDMI folk. I am planning on a late Christmas present from my beautiful tax deductions after the returns get back for a couple GTX295s so I hope someone does. I don't want to have to buy HDMI monitors for F@H.

[=[PULSAR]=]

I got everything figured out as of right now but may need some more help when my other 9800GX2 comes in later this week.

[p2501]

Mak, a HDMI dummy is as easy as the VGA dummy. You buy an HMDI to DVI adapter and put the usualy dummy on that, viola.

[MaK2000]

Nice. Didn't think of that.

[Lamb]

I think I tried every way I found to have 2 gpu clients working....with or without crossfirex...with CFX both clients simply dont work and without my 2nd card doesnt work (0% gpu load...)

I have 2 4870 with drivers up to date (8.12), 3 monitors ( 2 of them being plugged on the 1st card, the 3rd is on the 2nd card, it's my tv...) when I turn off CFX, 3rd screen isnt detected, don't know why (I'm new to CFX ^_^; )

Anyone mind explaining how I could setup everything so it works?

Thanks!

[jcool]

Hmpf. Against better judgement I decided to give FAH another try.. set it up according to MaK's method (used the VGA of my 24" to "extend" the desktop) but nothing has improved with this ty software.

1. It uses a whole (virtual) core of my i7 for just 1 GPU, loads it up permanently
2. GPU 2 doesn't work. It starts up, downloads the FAH core exe, and as soon as it starts calculating I get a popup saying "Fah core encountered a serious error and terminates itself now" or something like that.

FaHmon log entry looks like this:

Launch directory: C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Roaming\Folding@home-gpu 2
Arguments: -gpu 1

[16:43:48] - Ask before connecting: No
[16:43:48] - User name: jcool (Team 36362)
[16:43:48] - User ID: 77CE5BDC3ECCDFAA
[16:43:48] - Machine ID: 3
[16:43:48]
[16:43:48] Loaded queue successfully.
[16:43:48] Initialization complete
[16:43:48]
[16:43:48] + Processing work unit
[16:43:48] Core required: FahCore_11.exe
[16:43:48] Core found.
[16:43:48] Working on queue slot 01 [January 26 16:43:48 UTC]
[16:43:48] + Working ...
[16:43:48]
[16:43:48] *------------------------------*
[16:43:48] Folding@Home GPU Core - Beta
[16:43:48] Version 1.22 (Mon Dec 8 12:57:56 PST 2008)
[16:43:48]
[16:43:48] Compiler : Microsoft (R) 32-bit C/C++ Optimizing Compiler Version 14.00.50727.762 for 80x86
[16:43:48] Build host: amoeba
[16:43:48] Board Type: AMD
[16:43:48] Core :
[16:43:48] Preparing to commence simulation
[16:43:48] - Ensuring status. Please wait.
[16:43:58] - Looking at optimizations...
[16:43:58] - Working with standard loops on this execution.
[16:43:58] - Previous termination of core was improper.
[16:43:58] - Going to use standard loops.
[16:43:58] - Files status OK
[16:43:58] - Expanded 88375 -> 447304 (decompressed 506.1 percent)
[16:43:58] Called DecompressByteArray: compressed_data_size=88375 data_size=447304, decompressed_data_size=447304 diff=0
[16:43:58] - Digital signature verified
[16:43:58]
[16:43:58] Project: 4742 (Run 3, Clone 628, Gen 6)
[16:43:58]
[16:43:58] Entering M.D.
[16:44:06] CoreStatus = FFFFFFF6 (-10)
[16:44:06] Client-core communications error: ERROR 0xfffffff6
[16:44:06] This is a sign of more serious problems, shutting down.

I have extended the Desktop, assigned different machine IDs, it's no use.

HD4870X2, XSOS 08 (Win Server 08 x64 in Vista clothes), Catalyst 8.12

[initialised]

How I do it:
Example for three GTX295s on Vista 64/Windows 7 64
0: Right Click Desktop, NVIDIA Control Panel, SLi/Multi GPU, Disable SLI/Multi GPU rendering, Apply
1: Instal nv GPU client (does not start on boot)
2: CUT C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Folding@hom e-gpu
3.0: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu0
3.1: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu1
3.2: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu2
3.3: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu3
3.4: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu4
3.5: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu5
4: Browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu
5: Create Short Cut to C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu\Folding@home
6: CUT Short Cut
7.0: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu0
7.1: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu1
7.2: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu2
7.3: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu3
7.4: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu4
7.5: Paste and rename C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu5
8.0: Right Click C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu0 Short Cut, Properties
Target = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu" -gpu 0
Start In = "C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Folding@ho me-gpu0"
8.1: Right Click C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu1 Short Cut, Properties
Target = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu" -gpu 1
Start In = "C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Folding@ho me-gpu1"
8.2: Right Click C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu2 Short Cut, Properties
Target = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu" -gpu 2
Start In = "C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Folding@ho me-gpu2"
8.3: Right Click C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu3 Short Cut, Properties
Target = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu" -gpu 3
Start In = "C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Folding@ho me-gpu3"
8.4: Right Click C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu4 Short Cut, Properties
Target = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu" -gpu 4
Start In = "C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Folding@ho me-gpu4"
8.5: Right Click C:\...\Folding@home-gpu to C:\...\Folding@home-gpu5 Short Cut, Properties
8.6: Paste All Short Cuts to Desk Top (optional)
Target = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Folding@home\Folding@home-gpu" -gpu 5
Start In = "C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\Folding@ho me-gpu5"
9: Windows + M
10.0: Right Click, Personalise, Display Settings
10.1: Plug in Monitor cable into GPU1, Right Click, Monitor 2, Attached, Extend Desktop to this monitor, Apply, remove cable
10.1: Plug in Monitor cable into GPU2, Right Click, Monitor 3, Attached, Extend Desktop to this monitor, Apply, remove cable
10.1: Plug in Monitor cable into GPU3, Right Click, Monitor 4, Attached, Extend Desktop to this monitor, Apply, remove cable
10.1: Plug in Monitor cable into GPU4, Right Click, Monitor 5, Attached, Extend Desktop to this monitor, Apply, remove cable
10.1: Plug in Monitor cable into GPU5, Right Click, Monitor 6, Attached, Extend Desktop to this monitor, Apply, remove cable
11 DO NOT CLOSE Display Settings
12.0: Double Click gpu0 Short Cut, Enter User Name and Team#, Set Machine ID to 1, OK
12.1: Double Click gpu1 Short Cut, Enter User Name and Team#, Set Machine ID to 2, OK
12.2: Double Click gpu2 Short Cut, Enter User Name and Team#, Set Machine ID to 3, OK
12.3: Double Click gpu3 Short Cut, Enter User Name and Team#, Set Machine ID to 4, OK
12.4: Double Click gpu4 Short Cut, Enter User Name and Team#, Set Machine ID to 5, OK
12.5: Double Click gpu5 Short Cut, Enter User Name and Team#, Set Machine ID to 6, OK

You should now have 6 instances on Folding@home-gpu in your Task Bar

For now this is theory for six GPUs for now but I have used this method for single GTX295 systems in Vista 64



and dual GTX295 systems in XP 32



Oh, and check Project 5770, 1 hour 10 minutes 1 second on Vista 64 with an i7 920 on x58 and 6GB DDR3 and 36 seconds quicker on XP-32 with a Q6600 (which is so bored its speed stepped to 6x) on P45 with 4 GB (2GB Effective). nVidia Folding@home is now totally GPU bound.

For ATI users this method does not work on 48x0x2 cards (I just tried it on my rig in my sig) I believe that this is because CrossFireX cannot be disabled in the current drivers (9.1) but should work on multiple single GPU cards.

For cards with HDMI on GPU1 use an HDMI-DVI adapter then a DVI-VGA adapter

[WFO]

Nice guide! My experience with Vista is you can't unplug a monitor. It needs dummy plugs. In x86 XP you can unplug a monitor. Other than that... that's pretty much how I set up my multi gpu rigs.

[MikeB12]

on my 2 vista 64 boxes, I can unplug the second monitor after the desktop is extended and it's fine, but if I reboot I have to plug back in... also need to make sure power save is not turning off the monitor.

I have those 2 machines that dual gpu.. 2 8800gt's in one and a 9800gx2 in the other...
the way I've handled the monitor thing id run a cable from the secondary vga output of my main monitor (ss below- 22" acer) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009145

here's what I mean...
-the blue connector in the ss is the secondary...
-so plug the main card into the dvi and the secondary card into the vga.. (ss below)
-extend the desktop through right click desktop-personalize-display settings. (ss below)
-start the clients.
-make sure power savings is never turn off monitor and unplug the vga connection.
-when you reboot either make sure the vga is plugged into the second card beforehand.
OR after you boot plug it in and make sure the desktop is extended (ss below).

as long as you dont have power settings turning off the monitor, the extended dektop will stick until you reboot, and you can unplug both monitors if you want and fold until the next reboot...

[initialised]

Nice guide! My experience with Vista is you can't unplug a monitor. It needs dummy plugs. In x86 XP you can unplug a monitor. Other than that... that's pretty much how I set up my multi gpu rigs.

What do you mean by a dummy, just a DVI-VGA or is it modded? I have boxes of spare DVI-VGAs so this could be an easier workaround than finding a spare monitor.

[WFO]

What do you mean by a dummy, just a DVI-VGA or is it modded? I have boxes of spare DVI-VGAs so this could be an easier workaround than finding a spare monitor.

It's modified with 3 resistors.

http://soerennielsen.dk/mod/VGAdummy/index_en.php

I'm lazy. I don't go to all that trouble. I just insert the resistors in the appropriate places on the DVI/VGA adapter.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

It's modified with 3 resistors.

http://soerennielsen.dk/mod/VGAdummy/index_en.php

I'm lazy. I don't go to all that trouble. I just insert the resistors in the appropriate places on the DVI/VGA adapter.

+1

I have mine inserted and spaced apart so they don't touch. I have 3 that work 24/7/365.

[initialised]

It's modified with 3 resistors.

http://soerennielsen.dk/mod/VGAdummy/index_en.php

I'm lazy. I don't go to all that trouble. I just insert the resistors in the appropriate places on the DVI/VGA adapter.

Thanks for that, off to Maplin at lunch!

[initialised]

I tried the above on Windows 7 (32-bit) but could not get the second GPU to function the card is the same model I used for a Vista 64 setup (2xDVI + HDMI) I think that it was because the HDMI was not connected. I only had two monitors available but three in Vista, will try using an HDMI-DVI if I can find one. Everything looked right, Multi GPU off, Two monitors connected, correct Target and Start in paths, the second client launched but I got unstable machine errors and an EUD exceeded error in the log file.

[WFO]

I tried the above on Windows 7 (32-bit) but could not get the second GPU to function the card is the same model I used for a Vista 64 setup (2xDVI + HDMI) I think that it was because the HDMI was not connected. I only had two monitors available but three in Vista, will try using an HDMI-DVI if I can find one. Everything looked right, Multi GPU off, Two monitors connected, correct Target and Start in paths, the second client launched but I got unstable machine errors and an EUD exceeded error in the log file.

Make sure you install Rivatuner. it's invaluable for trouble shooting. With Windows 7, the OS can actually say your desktop is extended but... If Rivatuner can't see and OC the 2nd GPU it won't fold. It also identifies which gpu is connected to which monitor. My 75 ohm resister dummy plugs don't seem to do the job for the HDMI/DVI adapter. I bought some 100 ohm resisters yesterday as tha't what P2501 got working. I'll be giving those a try later today.

[initialised]

Make sure you install Rivatuner. it's invaluable for trouble shooting. With Windows 7, the OS can actually say your desktop is extended but... If Rivatuner can't see and OC the 2nd GPU it won't fold. It also identifies which gpu is connected to which monitor. My 75 ohm resister dummy plugs don't seem to do the job for the HDMI/DVI adapter. I bought some 100 ohm resisters yesterday as tha't what P2501 got working. I'll be giving those a try later today.

I have RivaTuner installed, will check OCability of the GPUs. Thanks.

For now it seems as if Windows 7 is less multiGPU folding friendly than Vista.

[initialised]

There are people out there running these monsters, 2,3, and even 4 card behemoths out there destorying all that stand in their path.

Three GTX295s on XP 32

[initialised]

I think I tried every way I found to have 2 gpu clients working....with or without crossfirex...with CFX both clients simply dont work and without my 2nd card doesnt work (0% gpu load...)

I have 2 4870 with drivers up to date (8.12), 3 monitors ( 2 of them being plugged on the 1st card, the 3rd is on the 2nd card, it's my tv...) when I turn off CFX, 3rd screen isnt detected, don't know why (I'm new to CFX ^_^; )

Anyone mind explaining how I could setup everything so it works?

Thanks!

Use the guide I posted, It worked for me today on a pair of 4850 1GBs on XP32
CFX off
One monitor plugged into each card
Displays enabled & extended using Windows Display Settings (switching between CCC/NCP and Windows display controls can cause/solve problems)
The only problem I had with this set up was forgetting to plug in the PCIe power to the second card and getting BSODs.

In your case, TV might not work to get the 2nd GPU fired up (unless it is HDMI/VGA/DVI) so plug the 2nd monitor into the 2nd card.

Each F@H process took 19-23% of the Q8200 CPU core - 2 CPU cores at 85-95%.

*Awaiting Obligatory Screenshot

[mstp2009]

In addition to STATS work, we've been putting together a set of guides.

Since you guys were looking for it, here is a draft of our guide for Multi-GPUs

http://www.xcpus.com/Folding/FoldingGuideGPU2.aspx


Comments on improvement are welcomed.

[initialised]

In addition to STATS work, we've been putting together a set of guides.

Since you guys were looking for it, here is a draft of our guide for Multi-GPUs

http://www.xcpus.com/Folding/FoldingGuideGPU2.aspx


Comments on improvement are welcomed.

1: If you use the NV client (3) it doesn't create a shortcut to the startup folder (both clients work for both vendors)
2: This can also be done from any explorer window. Organise->Folder & Search Options->View->Show Hidden
3: see 1
4: If you copy the path C:\...\roaming\folding@home gpuX from step 3 it is harder to get the shortcut 'Start in' location wrong
5: I prefer to create the shortcuts by right clicking on the exe, again harder to get it wrong on a 64 bit machine
6-9: np
10: I make the extra shortcuts at 5
11: Copy the contents of C:\...Roaming\Folding@home-gpu except for the 'Work', FAHlog & queue.dat to the additional folding folders then change the Machine ID in Client.cfg this saves additional download time and manually preparing each client.

One major omission: Attach a monitor (or DVI dongle Dummy) to each GPU, Open display settings, Attach and Extend desktop before running subsequent clients, either don't unplug the extra monitors or don't close display settings.

Feel free to use my guide from above but let people know who wrote it and where you found it

In my opinion a guide can only go so far, what is needed is a single file that runs the installer, finds your OS & GPU count and type, asks for your team# & username, creates the folders and shortcuts, opens display settings and prompts you to Attach & Extend enough monitors and turn 10 minutes faffing into an extra 10 minutes of multi GPU folding.

HTH

btw: anyone got multi GPU folding going on windows 7 yet?

[mstp2009]

1: If you use the NV client (3) it doesn't create a shortcut to the startup folder (both clients work for both vendors)
2: This can also be done from any explorer window. Organise->Folder & Search Options->View->Show Hidden
3: see 1
4: If you copy the path C:\...\roaming\folding@home gpuX from step 3 it is harder to get the shortcut 'Start in' location wrong
5: I prefer to create the shortcuts by right clicking on the exe, again harder to get it wrong on a 64 bit machine
6-9: np
10: I make the extra shortcuts at 5
11: Copy the contents of C:\...Roaming\Folding@home-gpu except for the 'Work', FAHlog & queue.dat to the additional folding folders then change the Machine ID in Client.cfg this saves additional download time and manually preparing each client.

HTH

Thanks for the input, but we are going for as simple and as streamlined as possible to aid novice/beginning folders to get up to speed. While these suggestions are all valid and would work, they are no simpler (and sometimes more complex) than what is already laid out.

[Sparky]

OK Two issues!!!

I just stuck dual 8800gs cards in fold6. Rivatuner won't control the fan on the 2nd card but controls the clocks ok (or so it appears). So as a result, the second GPU runs at over 80C. But the even bigger issue is, it won't work It starts, but won't even make it to 1% before throwing an EUE. The first GPU does just fine and dandy though.



*EDIT* wait never mind, something is wacky.... gpu0 is running the client on gpu1 according to rivatuner, and the clockspeeds are backwards... agh. let me reload rivatuner.

*EDIT 2* OK get this: The client with -gpu 0 flag is running on the second 8800GS and the client with -gpu 1 flag is running on the first 8800GS Whatever, it works, so I don't care!