So I have a brand new Lenovo Y50-70 running Windows 10 with a i7-4720, and a GeForce GTX 960M (4 GB) video card. The problem is it also has an Intel HD Graphics 4600 that takes over if the better video card isn't required at the moment, so all GPU work is happening on the Intel 4600 instead of the GeForce.

Is there a way that I can make both GPU's active, or at least get BOINC to use the GeForce instead of the Intel? Or is there a reason I should let it use the Intel instead of the GeForce?

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BOINC will by default use the best capable GPU only. It determines what is the best capable by comparing the capabilities of the GPU - depending on compute capability, software version, available memory and speed - in that order.

So if the Intel device is seen as being 'better' than the Nvidia, it is preferentially used above the Nvidia.

You can make BOINC use both devices by using a client configuration file cc_config.xml in the BOINC data directory with the following entries:

<cc_config>
   <log_flags>
   </log_flags>
   <options>
      <use_all_gpus>1</use_all_gpus>
   </options>
</cc_config>

Use Notepad or another default text editor to save this file named cc_config.xml in ANSI decoding format to the BOINC data directory, default a hidden directory at C:\Programdata\BOINC\ under Windows 10. Make sure to save as All Files (*.*), else it'll get a .txt extension we don't want.
No need to use an XML editor.

When saved and checked it's just called cc_config.xml - if it did get an extra .txt extension, you have to rename the file so it only reads cc_config.xml - exit BOINC in the normal way (BOINC Manager->File->Exit->check "Stop running tasks when exiting the BOINC Manager->OK), and restart BOINC (Start->All Programs->BOINC->BOINC Manager).

GPU detection decisions are only made at BOINC start, so rereading the config files doesn't do it.

When using the Exclusive applications menu in BOINC, or the Event Log options menu, a full cc_config.xml file with all available options will be written to the data directory. Perhaps it's easier to use that for making the file, and then just editing it with Notepad to change the <use_all_gpus>0</use_all_gpus> line to read <use_all_gpus>1</use_all_gpus>.

Via the cc_config.xml file you can also completely exclude the use of the Intel GPU (using <exclude_gpu>), or set BOINC to ignore it (using <ignore_intel_dev>N</ignore_intel_dev>). If you want to know either of that, let us know and someone will come by to help out.

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Awesome! That was exactly what I wanted!

The laptop now can run things at a cautious heat level!

Thank you!

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I'm having a similar problem with a pair of GS 8400s (PCI bus). Config file loads properly but my system doesn't task the 2nd coprocessor. Do I need for it to cycle through its current active tasks? Or have I done something wrong?

System is "boinc2" in my stable.

The PC is an old AOPEN AX4BS pro with 5 PCI slots and a 480 W ps. I was hoping to migrate a couple more GS 8400s in when my next package of ZOTAC GT 610s get here.

Any and all assistance greatly appreciated

None of your computers show "a pair of" NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS
http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/hosts_user.php?userid=10253250

Which means the second GPU was not detected by BOINC
Only after BOINC see the GPU may <use_all_gpus>1</use_all_gpus> have any effect.

There are 3 things you can try to make BOINC see the GPU
- connect Monitor to the second GPU

- connect "Dummy Plug" to the second GPU
"The 5-second VGA Dummy Plug"
http://blog.zorinaq.com/?e=11

"The 30 Second Dummy Plug"
http://www.overclock.net/t/384733/the-30-second-dummy-plug

"Dummy Plugs for Graphics Cards"
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=167450

Search:
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Dummy+DVI+Connector

- "Extend Desktop" to the second GPU

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- ALF - "Find out what you don't do well ..... then don't do it!" :)
 

Thanks. It solved itself when I added the third GPU. The pair were identical units (same manufacturer). The third was the same model, different manufacturer. System then recognized all three and tasked them.

I have followed every thing in this post and it will not detect the gtx470,, but is currently running my gtx660,, my gtx470 is considerably faster then cpu processing but annoyed it will not even list it at all..

http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/show_host_detail.php?hostid=7990263

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And your log is?
Event Log (Ctrl+Shift+E)

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- ALF - "Find out what you don't do well ..... then don't do it!" :)