Additional WU for my GPU?

Message boards : Number crunching : Additional WU for my GPU?
Message board moderation

To post messages, you must log in.

1 · 2 · Next

AuthorMessage
PKnowles

Send message
Joined: 24 Apr 10
Posts: 49
Credit: 8,347,432
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430422 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 19:54:03 UTC

I have a Win 7 PC, i7-4770K proc, GTX 650Ti GPU. I use it as a primary workstation and I am heavy power user; running S@H for fun. Currently using stock app (BOINC 7.0.4.64) for 1 app on GPU, 2 at a time on CPU.

Does anybody have input on running more than one task at a time on the 650Ti?

I found this app_config.xml suggestion posted by Claggy a few weeks back for somebody running a Titan:

<app_config>
<app>
<name>astropulse_v6</name>
<gpu_versions>
<gpu_usage>0.5</gpu_usage>
<cpu_usage>0.04</cpu_usage>
</gpu_versions>
</app>
<app>
<name>setiathome_v7</name>
<gpu_versions>
<gpu_usage>0.5</gpu_usage>
<cpu_usage>0.04</cpu_usage>
</gpu_versions>
</app>
</app_config>

I follow the settings for GPU, but am not sure what to set the cpu_uasge lines for? For now I want to leave CPU tasks as is.

And to confirm, this should go in C:\Users\All Users\BOINC, correct?

I appreciate the patience and indulgence of the pros on this matter for what must be the umpteenth time in discussing it!
ID: 1430422 · Report as offensive
OzzFan Crowdfunding Project Donor*Special Project $75 donorSpecial Project $250 donor
Volunteer tester
Avatar

Send message
Joined: 9 Apr 02
Posts: 15691
Credit: 84,761,841
RAC: 28
United States
Message 1430424 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 19:57:25 UTC - in response to Message 1430422.  

And to confirm, this should go in C:\Users\All Users\BOINC, correct?


Only if that's where you placed your BOINC data directory. Hint: this isn't the default location, so if you didn't change the default, then no, this is not the place it should go.

The default location is in a hidden folder called C:\ProgramData\BOINC. You'll want to put the app_config.xml file in C:\ProgramData\BOINC\projects\setiathome.berkeley.edu\ folder.
ID: 1430424 · Report as offensive
rob smith Crowdfunding Project Donor*Special Project $75 donorSpecial Project $250 donor
Volunteer moderator
Volunteer tester

Send message
Joined: 7 Mar 03
Posts: 22160
Credit: 416,307,556
RAC: 380
United Kingdom
Message 1430425 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 20:01:48 UTC

The path on my Win7 machines is:

C:\ProgramData\BOINC\projects\setiathome.berkeley.edu


The file name (Hen using the older "app_info" approach) is:
app_info.xml

So I'd assume that the newer "app_config" approach would be:
app_config.xml

Good luck
Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?
ID: 1430425 · Report as offensive
PKnowles

Send message
Joined: 24 Apr 10
Posts: 49
Credit: 8,347,432
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430430 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 20:05:48 UTC
Last modified: 18 Oct 2013, 20:08:05 UTC

Interestingly, following the paths suggested by you both get to the same data path as where I suggested (but I did not go deep enough down the tree). :-)

Now, ready for some input on whether the card should handle the extra task, and the particular on the cpu_usage line!
ID: 1430430 · Report as offensive
rob smith Crowdfunding Project Donor*Special Project $75 donorSpecial Project $250 donor
Volunteer moderator
Volunteer tester

Send message
Joined: 7 Mar 03
Posts: 22160
Credit: 416,307,556
RAC: 380
United Kingdom
Message 1430433 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 20:21:03 UTC

"ProgramData" is NOT the same path as "User/...". By default it is hidden under Win7 (a real pain given how much use is made of it).

Will your GTX750ti do two at a time? - with ease. Each WU will be slightly slower than doing one at a time, net (WU/hr) will be nearly double.

It is worth trying other values for the CPU_usage value, I've found the default 0.04 to be a bit conservative. Start with 0.04 for a couple of weeks, then try increasing it slightly to see what happens.
Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?
ID: 1430433 · Report as offensive
Profile Fred E.
Volunteer tester

Send message
Joined: 22 Jul 99
Posts: 768
Credit: 24,140,697
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430436 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 20:32:34 UTC

The Astropulse tasks will need more than .04 - the usual recommendation is to reserve a full core for each AP task. I sometimes experiment with lower values. Also, the .04 value for S@H v7 won't preclude crunching a cpu task, but reserving a full core for each AP task will. I use .1 for S@H but mileage varies, etc.

Agree with Rob, the 650 ti should do 2 at a time fairly well.
Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.
ID: 1430436 · Report as offensive
Claggy
Volunteer tester

Send message
Joined: 5 Jul 99
Posts: 4654
Credit: 47,537,079
RAC: 4
United Kingdom
Message 1430437 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 20:41:32 UTC - in response to Message 1430433.  
Last modified: 18 Oct 2013, 20:42:32 UTC

It is worth trying other values for the CPU_usage value, I've found the default 0.04 to be a bit conservative. Start with 0.04 for a couple of weeks, then try increasing it slightly to see what happens.

As I've told told you before, the cpu_usage value is used as a management feature by Boinc, once all those 0.04's add up to 1, Boinc will then run one less CPU app, What it Won't do is change the amount of CPU usage used by the GPU app, it'll use what it needs.

If you want to make sure that Cuda GPU app is fed well enough then adjust the priority settings in the mbcuda.cfg file, either to 'normal' or 'abovenormal' rather than the default 'below normal'

Claggy
ID: 1430437 · Report as offensive
PKnowles

Send message
Joined: 24 Apr 10
Posts: 49
Credit: 8,347,432
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430453 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 21:27:58 UTC

Right now, my app is showing the GPU running a task with 1 CPU and 0.0828 CPU. So maybe set cpu_usage at .17? Sorry if I'm being obtuse on understanding this.

Now for the fallback question: If I just want to get back to where I am now, do I just remove the xml file and restart BOINC? Sounds logical, but...
ID: 1430453 · Report as offensive
Profile Fred E.
Volunteer tester

Send message
Joined: 22 Jul 99
Posts: 768
Credit: 24,140,697
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430456 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 21:41:42 UTC
Last modified: 18 Oct 2013, 21:45:46 UTC

Right now, my app is showing the GPU running a task with 1 CPU and 0.0828 CPU. So maybe set cpu_usage at .17? Sorry if I'm being obtuse on understanding this.

Now for the fallback question: If I just want to get back to where I am now, do I just remove the xml file and restart BOINC? Sounds logical, but...

Assume that's a typo and it says 1 gpu. Is it only running one? Don't double the actual usage per task. The cpu value is per instance. As
Claggy points out, the difference won't affect anything, so leave it at .04.

Yes, just remove or rename that file to not have it read at BOINC startup. And I assume that the BOINC version in your first post was just a typo and you have 7.0.64?
Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.
ID: 1430456 · Report as offensive
PKnowles

Send message
Joined: 24 Apr 10
Posts: 49
Credit: 8,347,432
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430463 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 21:54:29 UTC - in response to Message 1430456.  

Yep, that's me. Can't type and chew gum at the same time! Correct on both of my typos...

I plunked the xml file as I had it pasted into place. Running 2 GPU apps and all seems well!

Should I expect any screen degradation on anything?
ID: 1430463 · Report as offensive
Profile Fred E.
Volunteer tester

Send message
Joined: 22 Jul 99
Posts: 768
Credit: 24,140,697
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430465 - Posted: 18 Oct 2013, 22:01:02 UTC

You might experience some lag, it depends a lot on the system and other activity. I set my computing preferences in BOINC to not use while computer is in use. Then I set the activity menu to ignore those prefences (use gpu always). That way I can toggle them on pretty easily when I'm doing something important.


Another Fred
Support SETI@home when you search the Web with GoodSearch or shop online with GoodShop.
ID: 1430465 · Report as offensive
bill

Send message
Joined: 16 Jun 99
Posts: 861
Credit: 29,352,955
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430535 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 1:53:05 UTC - in response to Message 1430453.  

So why are you being obtuse? Why are you
keeping your computers hidden?

That causes lots of problems for people trying to help you.
ID: 1430535 · Report as offensive
kittyman Crowdfunding Project Donor*Special Project $75 donorSpecial Project $250 donor
Volunteer tester
Avatar

Send message
Joined: 9 Jul 00
Posts: 51468
Credit: 1,018,363,574
RAC: 1,004
United States
Message 1430536 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 1:54:56 UTC - in response to Message 1430535.  

So why are you being obtuse? Why are you
keeping your computers hidden?

That causes lots of problems for people trying to help you.

Don't insult him by calling him obtuse.
Maybe nobody asked or explained that to him before. Come on.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

ID: 1430536 · Report as offensive
bill

Send message
Joined: 16 Jun 99
Posts: 861
Credit: 29,352,955
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430540 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 2:04:13 UTC - in response to Message 1430536.  

So why are you being obtuse? Why are you
keeping your computers hidden?

That causes lots of problems for people trying to help you.

Don't insult him by calling him obtuse.
Maybe nobody asked or explained that to him before. Come on.


Hey, he's the one who said he's being obtuse. I just asked him why?
ID: 1430540 · Report as offensive
kittyman Crowdfunding Project Donor*Special Project $75 donorSpecial Project $250 donor
Volunteer tester
Avatar

Send message
Joined: 9 Jul 00
Posts: 51468
Credit: 1,018,363,574
RAC: 1,004
United States
Message 1430541 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 2:10:13 UTC - in response to Message 1430540.  

So why are you being obtuse? Why are you
keeping your computers hidden?

That causes lots of problems for people trying to help you.

Don't insult him by calling him obtuse.
Maybe nobody asked or explained that to him before. Come on.


Hey, he's the one who said he's being obtuse. I just asked him why?

OK, he opened the door, you just walked through it.
I give up....LOL.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

ID: 1430541 · Report as offensive
PKnowles

Send message
Joined: 24 Apr 10
Posts: 49
Credit: 8,347,432
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430550 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 2:24:37 UTC
Last modified: 19 Oct 2013, 2:29:36 UTC

Uh, I didn't realize my computer was hidden?

Reason for my self deprecation was that I am generally a technical person (long career in IT). When it come to logic, though, like scripts and settings though, I just seem to go deer in the headlights.
ID: 1430550 · Report as offensive
kittyman Crowdfunding Project Donor*Special Project $75 donorSpecial Project $250 donor
Volunteer tester
Avatar

Send message
Joined: 9 Jul 00
Posts: 51468
Credit: 1,018,363,574
RAC: 1,004
United States
Message 1430554 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 2:27:35 UTC - in response to Message 1430550.  

Uh, I didn't realize my computer was hidden?

I think that may be the default on new accounts. Been so long, I could not be sure.
Point is, what is being asked is that you unhide them.
It makes it possible for others to look at their work and results, and presents no security problems at all, they cannot access your account, just view what your computers are doing.
It may take a bit for the servers to update things once you make the change, so don't be surprised if it take a few hours or so.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

ID: 1430554 · Report as offensive
PKnowles

Send message
Joined: 24 Apr 10
Posts: 49
Credit: 8,347,432
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430559 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 2:34:05 UTC - in response to Message 1430554.  
Last modified: 19 Oct 2013, 2:34:41 UTC

Thanks, Mark:

I've followed your many posts over time.

I've actually been around quite a while (3 years). I still don't see where to hide/unhide my PC?

Besides, I thought I provided a pretty good description (typos not withstanding) in my original post...
ID: 1430559 · Report as offensive
kittyman Crowdfunding Project Donor*Special Project $75 donorSpecial Project $250 donor
Volunteer tester
Avatar

Send message
Joined: 9 Jul 00
Posts: 51468
Credit: 1,018,363,574
RAC: 1,004
United States
Message 1430561 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 2:39:10 UTC - in response to Message 1430559.  

Thanks, Mark:

I've followed your many posts over time.

I've actually been around quite a while (3 years). I still don't see where to hide/unhide my PC?

Besides, I thought I provided a pretty good description (typos not withstanding) in my original post...

Home account page.
Seti@home preferences.
Should Seti@home show your computers on it's website. YES.
Hit the update button.
Wait a bit.

Meow.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

ID: 1430561 · Report as offensive
PKnowles

Send message
Joined: 24 Apr 10
Posts: 49
Credit: 8,347,432
RAC: 0
United States
Message 1430562 - Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 2:39:37 UTC - in response to Message 1430559.  

Found the preference setting and updated.

Thank you all for the configuration advice and other helpful comments!
ID: 1430562 · Report as offensive
1 · 2 · Next

Message boards : Number crunching : Additional WU for my GPU?


 
©2024 University of California
 
SETI@home and Astropulse are funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, and donations from SETI@home volunteers. AstroPulse is funded in part by the NSF through grant AST-0307956.