Faster GPUs with Nvidia 310.70?

Message boards : Number crunching : Faster GPUs with Nvidia 310.70?

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Author	Message
Cliff Harding Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 18 Aug 99 Posts: 648 Credit: 35,495,062 RAC: 41,275	Message 1314696 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 17:04:42 UTC
	Has anyone noticed that the Cuda _x41g tasks are processing faster under Nvidia beta driver 310.70 or is it just me? I have even increased my tasks per GPU for both the 1 x GTX660SC @ 2Gb and 1 x GTX460SE @ 1Gb from 2 to 3. Processing went from an average of 19-22 min to 15- 20 min. Temps for the GTX660SC remain below 67c & the GTX460SE below 57c. ____________ I don't buy computers, I build them!!
	ID: 1314696 ·

jason_gee Volunteer developer Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 24 Nov 06 Posts: 4189 Credit: 61,377,964 RAC: 33,713	Message 1314716 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 17:31:02 UTC - in response to Message 1314696.
	What Driver were you using Cliff ? I'm aware of gradual refinements in the drivers on an ongoing basis, along with some OS patches since June-July. Maybe they addressed some of my concerns about Cufft performance with older Cuda... Will see what testing turns up in due course. ____________ "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin
	ID: 1314716 ·

msattler Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 9 Jul 00 Posts: 34718 Credit: 355,359,986 RAC: 376,947	Message 1314719 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 17:33:00 UTC - in response to Message 1314716.
	Please do advise if you find anything worthwhile, Jason. The kitties are still running 304.79 on most of my faster rigs here. ____________ ****** "Ask not, what your kitty can do for you. Ask what you can do for your kitty." As it is kitten, so shall it be done.
	ID: 1314719 ·

jason_gee Volunteer developer Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 24 Nov 06 Posts: 4189 Credit: 61,377,964 RAC: 33,713	Message 1314739 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 18:05:46 UTC - in response to Message 1314719. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 18:09:14 UTC
	Please do advise if you find anything worthwhile, Jason. The kitties are still running 304.79 on most of my faster rigs here. A quick test here says there might be a percent or so for Cuda 4.2/5.0 on zb over aging Cuda 3.2 builds on my 680 (Kepler) on Win7 ... so no big deal but something. Cuda 3.2, so x41g release & subsequent test builds still flag significantly behind 4.2 & 5.0, indicating my old Cuda library FFT concerns haven't been addressed (as the rest of the code I test is fundamentally the same apart from CuFFT) In usual cases for Cuda & post-Fermi I recommend latest WHQL, and warn there are OS driver stack changes in Windows updates that should really be applied for stability/security reasons. In your 'special' case Mark, latest Beta driver & zb, 4.2 flavour for Fermi class, 4.2 or 5.0 for Kepler class, would be the go (on Win7 at least) The last series of driver betas have had a lot of tweaks since 304 related to synchronisation, so 'system specific' performance boost as Cliff's reporting is certainly possible, in particular if there was something clogging the specific setup before. When using latest Beta drivers on Win7, do keep in mind they likely correspond in some cases to Windows updates, so having both sets up to date is preferred. For a lot of people keeping both Windows & Video up to date is a bit much work, hence the standard recommendation of last WHQL. Jason ____________ "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin
	ID: 1314739 ·

Cliff Harding Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 18 Aug 99 Posts: 648 Credit: 35,495,062 RAC: 41,275	Message 1314748 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 18:14:49 UTC - in response to Message 1314716. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 18:23:22 UTC
	What Driver were you using Cliff ? I'm aware of gradual refinements in the drivers on an ongoing basis, along with some OS patches since June-July. Maybe they addressed some of my concerns about Cufft performance with older Cuda... Will see what testing turns up in due course. I was using 306.97 until I saw this on the Lunatics forum yesterday. Upgraded and noticed what seemed to be immediate results. After several hours I then bumped the tasks up from 2 to 3. Can't comment on the OS changes since the GTX660SC is only 1 1/2 months old. If this is now, can't wait until I swap out the GTX460SE for another 660 and the new Lunatics app whenever that may be. Does anyone have any word on when that will happen? http://lunatics.kwsn.net/12-gpu-crunching/latest-nvidiadriver-and-cudaversion.new.html#new [edit] In usual cases for Cuda & post-Fermi I recommend latest WHQL, and warn there are OS driver stack changes in Windows updates that should really be applied for stability/security reasons. I haven't updated anything from MS concerning video cards for a verrrrry long time and I always do a clean install when upgrading my Nvidia drivers. Should I do the MS changes and then re-apply the Nvidia drivers? [/edit] ____________ I don't buy computers, I build them!!
	ID: 1314748 ·

jason_gee Volunteer developer Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 24 Nov 06 Posts: 4189 Credit: 61,377,964 RAC: 33,713	Message 1314753 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 18:22:54 UTC - in response to Message 1314748. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 18:24:06 UTC
	What Driver were you using Cliff ? I'm aware of gradual refinements in the drivers on an ongoing basis, along with some OS patches since June-July. Maybe they addressed some of my concerns about Cufft performance with older Cuda... Will see what testing turns up in due course. I was using 306.97 until I saw this on the Lunatics forum yesterday. Upgraded and noticed what seemed to be immediate results. After several hours I then bumped the tasks up from 2 to 3. Can't comment on the OS changes since the GTX660SC is only 1 1/2 months old. If this is now, can't wait until I swap out the GTX460SE for another 660 and the new Lunatics app whenever that may be. Does anyone have any word on when that will happen? http://lunatics.kwsn.net/12-gpu-crunching/latest-nvidiadriver-and-cudaversion.new.html#new Yeah, quite a lot of underlying tech changes since 304/306. If you're ok with hand install, In response to old stock 6.10 starting to crack under changes, I promoted zb to public beta (as issued on the beta project, but usable here). You can find that, in advanced user 7zip package form, on my GPUUG sponsored site at http://jgopt.org. It's in that form while installer issues are being sorted out (taking longer than hoped). For you, the Cuda 4.2 build should be a decent jump over Cuda 3.2 in the same application version, and zb refinements some further boost. On Kepler class cards possibly as much as 20-30% over x41g(3.2) total for some cases. Jason ____________ "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin
	ID: 1314753 ·

Cliff Harding Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 18 Aug 99 Posts: 648 Credit: 35,495,062 RAC: 41,275	Message 1314755 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 18:25:51 UTC - in response to Message 1314753.
	What Driver were you using Cliff ? I'm aware of gradual refinements in the drivers on an ongoing basis, along with some OS patches since June-July. Maybe they addressed some of my concerns about Cufft performance with older Cuda... Will see what testing turns up in due course. I was using 306.97 until I saw this on the Lunatics forum yesterday. Upgraded and noticed what seemed to be immediate results. After several hours I then bumped the tasks up from 2 to 3. Can't comment on the OS changes since the GTX660SC is only 1 1/2 months old. If this is now, can't wait until I swap out the GTX460SE for another 660 and the new Lunatics app whenever that may be. Does anyone have any word on when that will happen? http://lunatics.kwsn.net/12-gpu-crunching/latest-nvidiadriver-and-cudaversion.new.html#new Yeah, quite a lot of underlying tech changes since 304/306. If you're ok with hand install, In response to old stock 6.10 starting to crack under changes, I promoted zb to public beta (as issued on the beta project, but usable here). You can find that, in advanced user 7zip package form, on my GPUUG sponsored site at http://jgopt.org. It's in that form while installer issues are being sorted out (taking longer than hoped). For you, the Cuda 4.2 build should be a decent jump over Cuda 3.2 in the same application version, and zb refinements some further boost. On Kepler class cards possibly as much as 20-30% over x41g(3.2) total for some cases. Jason I will d/l and install today, thanks!! ____________ I don't buy computers, I build them!!
	ID: 1314755 ·

jason_gee Volunteer developer Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 24 Nov 06 Posts: 4189 Credit: 61,377,964 RAC: 33,713	Message 1314767 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 18:33:33 UTC - in response to Message 1314755. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 18:34:03 UTC
	I will d/l and install today, thanks!! BTW: do read the readme for info on the possible advanced configuration. There's process priority (global or card specific), and pulsefinding parameters to play with. Depending on your usability needs, probably for 660 processpriority 'abovenormal', pfBlocksperSM of around 8, & pfPeriodsPerLaunch around 100 to 200 would be quick enough, though the Fermi+ defaults should 'just work'. ____________ "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin
	ID: 1314767 ·

Manuel Palacios Send message Joined: 2 Nov 99 Posts: 64 Credit: 14,164,609 RAC: 745	Message 1314883 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 22:13:53 UTC - in response to Message 1314767. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 22:33:15 UTC
	Hello, i'm currently using the GTX 460 1gb, as per the read me I would be most benefited by using the 4.2 correct? Also, how would I go about installing this? I have forgotten manual installations of these things ever since the nifty installer was added at Lunatics. I guess i'm not so rusty after all, I got it functioning just fine. Thanks! ____________
	ID: 1314883 ·

jason_gee Volunteer developer Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 24 Nov 06 Posts: 4189 Credit: 61,377,964 RAC: 33,713	Message 1314890 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 22:31:42 UTC - in response to Message 1314883. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 22:39:45 UTC
	Hello, i'm currently using the GTX 460 1gb, as per the read me I would be most benefitted by using the 4.2 correct? Also, how would I go about installing this? I have forgotten manual installations of these things ever since the nifty installer was added at Lunatics. Yes, Cuda 4.2 build with recent drivers would likely be the best choice for that card. 2 ways: Going from a prior installer setup with x41g I would either: - Unzip the files into the project folder - make sure there are aistubs for your existing apps (and replace the Cuda one with the one supplied, removing the old one) - optionally edit the <count> s, all instances in the cuda app aistub file - run the aimerge batch file - restart Boinc or, - Unzip the files into the project folder - modify the Cuda application section of the app_info.xml, using the supplied aistub file as a guide (The entries are different) - optionally edit the <count> s, all instances in the app_info.xml file - restart Boinc Jason ____________ "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin
	ID: 1314890 ·

Manuel Palacios Send message Joined: 2 Nov 99 Posts: 64 Credit: 14,164,609 RAC: 745	Message 1314892 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 22:35:39 UTC - in response to Message 1314890. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 22:37:54 UTC
	Thank you! I was able to get it sorted, but I am sure this will help others not so familiar with the old manual process! I'll report back what improvements I see, I have my instances set to <count>.33</count> Also, would you recommend updating to the beta drivers? I have the most recent WHQL drivers installed. ____________
	ID: 1314892 ·

jason_gee Volunteer developer Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 24 Nov 06 Posts: 4189 Credit: 61,377,964 RAC: 33,713	Message 1314893 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 22:39:28 UTC - in response to Message 1314892. Last modified: 13 Dec 2012, 22:43:16 UTC
	Thank you! I was able to get it sorted, but I am sure this will help others not so familiar with the old manual process! I'll report back what improvements I see, I have my instances set to <count>.33</count> Also, would you recommend updating to the beta drivers? I have the most recent WHQL drivers installed. I'd see how it goes with the WHQL first, and if you see any odd behaviour like memory copy failures (seen in result stderr content online) look at drivers & overall system. Every system's a bit different these days, so the best suggestion for one may not be the best for another. ____________ "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin
	ID: 1314893 ·

Manuel Palacios Send message Joined: 2 Nov 99 Posts: 64 Credit: 14,164,609 RAC: 745	Message 1314894 - Posted: 13 Dec 2012, 22:45:21 UTC - in response to Message 1314893.
	Great I will do that, i've got about 60 wu's to be crunched so i've set nnt and i'll let it burn through them to make sure all is stable. If so, i'll experiment a bit with the beta drivers and check to see any improvements. Thanks again for the help! ____________
	ID: 1314894 ·

Horacio Send message Joined: 14 Jan 00 Posts: 536 Credit: 33,693,979 RAC: 114,663	Message 1314975 - Posted: 14 Dec 2012, 1:43:53 UTC
	Is it worth to try the x41zb with an old 9500GT? (It will be worth if it's known that it will be faster (or at least expected) or if there is no data about how the new app will work on this GPU and the test will add to the KB) ____________
	ID: 1314975 ·

jason_gee Volunteer developer Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 24 Nov 06 Posts: 4189 Credit: 61,377,964 RAC: 33,713	Message 1314978 - Posted: 14 Dec 2012, 1:51:57 UTC - in response to Message 1314975.
	Is it worth to try the x41zb with an old 9500GT? (It will be worth if it's known that it will be faster (or at least expected) or if there is no data about how the new app will work on this GPU and the test will add to the KB) While you won't see the performance gains later generations achieve, I'd suggest there would be some. Also the added reliability & ability to optionally tweak things for usability could be handy. The Cuda 3.2 or 2.3 builds would likely be the best performing choice for that GPU (though 2.3 variant must not be used if there are any Fermi or newer cards in the same system) Jason ____________ "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin
	ID: 1314978 ·

Horacio Send message Joined: 14 Jan 00 Posts: 536 Credit: 33,693,979 RAC: 114,663	Message 1314984 - Posted: 14 Dec 2012, 2:41:04 UTC - in response to Message 1314978.
	Is it worth to try the x41zb with an old 9500GT? (It will be worth if it's known that it will be faster (or at least expected) or if there is no data about how the new app will work on this GPU and the test will add to the KB) While you won't see the performance gains later generations achieve, I'd suggest there would be some. Also the added reliability & ability to optionally tweak things for usability could be handy. The Cuda 3.2 or 2.3 builds would likely be the best performing choice for that GPU (though 2.3 variant must not be used if there are any Fermi or newer cards in the same system) Jason Thanks!! Now I have work for the weekend!! LOL... ____________
	ID: 1314984 ·

Bill G Send message Joined: 1 Jun 01 Posts: 241 Credit: 19,691,592 RAC: 18,346	Message 1315375 - Posted: 15 Dec 2012, 1:35:47 UTC - in response to Message 1314984. Last modified: 15 Dec 2012, 1:36:24 UTC
	None of my video cards are really great but I have switched to the new drivers and every one of my computers seems to be doing more......take a look at me and my computers. ____________
	ID: 1315375 ·

Paul D Harris Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 1 Dec 99 Posts: 1113 Credit: 26,074,854 RAC: 25,197	Message 1315385 - Posted: 15 Dec 2012, 2:04:34 UTC
	I am confused is Jason multibeam x41zb Cuda, supposed to replace the lunatics unified installer as if being faster or better than the lunitics? ____________
	ID: 1315385 ·

msattler Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 9 Jul 00 Posts: 34718 Credit: 355,359,986 RAC: 376,947	Message 1315391 - Posted: 15 Dec 2012, 2:13:07 UTC - in response to Message 1315385.
	I am confused is Jason multibeam x41zb Cuda, supposed to replace the lunatics unified installer as if being faster or better than the lunitics? There is no installer for it, but everything Jason does WAS Lunatics..... Since his split with them over 'artistic issues', shall we say, he has been working as an independent. So, you have to install it by hand, there is no automatic way to do so for now. ____________ ****** "Ask not, what your kitty can do for you. Ask what you can do for your kitty." As it is kitten, so shall it be done.
	ID: 1315391 ·

msattler Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 9 Jul 00 Posts: 34718 Credit: 355,359,986 RAC: 376,947	Message 1315392 - Posted: 15 Dec 2012, 2:13:49 UTC - in response to Message 1315375.
	None of my video cards are really great but I have switched to the new drivers and every one of my computers seems to be doing more......take a look at me and my computers. What apps are you running when you see this improvement? ____________ ****** "Ask not, what your kitty can do for you. Ask what you can do for your kitty." As it is kitten, so shall it be done.
	ID: 1315392 ·

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Message boards : Number crunching : Faster GPUs with Nvidia 310.70?