WU Deadlines

[Kareeser]

Just wondering: What happens if you don't happen to meet the deadline for your particular WU?

I noticed that the model my Linux box was working on had a 4 month deadline, but my other computers only fold sparingly, and I'm not sure they would meet the deadline in time.

If the time limit is hit, would the program just drop everything and start on a new unit?

Second question: Are work units assigned based on benchmark scores? That is, would my 1.3 GHz P4 get a longer deadline compared to my 3 GHz P4/HT?

Third Question: How can I enable the hyper-threading capabilities on my P4/HT? Task manager reports CPU usage hovering at ~70% when running F@H. Would it be possible to run two instances of F@H, and if so, how would I go about doing so?

Fourth Question: With one instance of F@H running, my CPU temperature jumps to 62^oC. Would it not be advisable to run a second instance?

Thanks for your help!
- Kareeser

[Kov-Ice]

I posted your first two questions at the folding forums.


For running two instances, follow these directions from MaximumPC:

Two folds are better than one (Difficulty: Advanced) For those lucky users with dual-processor machines or rigs with hyperthreaded P4s, you can run two instances of the Console version simultaneously. It's rather involved, but well worth it to see both of your CPUs (or both of your virtual CPUs) being utilized to their fullest. These instructions assume you are running Win2K Pro or XP Pro. 1) First, create two separate directories and dump FAH3Console.exe in each one. 2) Then, you're going to have to make a shortcut to each FAH3Console.exe. Paste the Shortcuts into the Cocuments and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsStartup folder so that both FAH consoles will startup every time the system boots up. 3) Right click on each shortcut you've created. You'll see the "Target" line: "C:Program Filesetc.etc.FAH3Console.exe" Now, you MUST add the -local flag, if you haven't already done so here. Remember to add the -local flag for each shortcut. It's also a good idea to add -advmethods and -forceasm. 4) Now, you're almost set. Double click on one of the shortcuts you created. The first time you do, you'll be asked to configure FAH. Aside from your username and Team No. (select team No. 11108 for Team MPC), one of the configuration options is to set the Machine ID for the first FAH3Console.exe program to "1" (when you get to the point where we run the second FAH3Console.exe, you'll need to set the second one's Machine ID to "2"). 5) Now that one instance of FAH is up and running, go into your task manager and hit the "processes" tab. You'll see FAH3Console.exe there. Right click on it and choose "Set Affinity" and set it for CPU 0 only (uncheck CPU 1). You'll also see FAHCore_xx.exe running. Set that for CPU 0 too. 6) Now you're ready to run the second console (again, launch it by clicking on your second created shortcut). When you configure it, set it for a different machine ID ("2"). 7) In take manager, you'll set the Affinity for your second instance of FAH3Console.exe for CPU 1. Now, this will be tricky as you'll see two FAH3Console.exe's running. You can check which one is the first one by checking the affinity. The new one will have both CPU 0 and 1 checked, while the first one was just set to CPU 0. Cool Do the same thing with the second FAHCore_xx.exe. Set it to CPU 1 only. 9) Now you're running two instances of FAH, and they are taking full advantage of your processors. 10) As long as you don't close out the Console programs, they'll remember their affinity. If you close them, or restart or reboot your computer, you'll need to go back and set the affinity again.

As far as temps, I don't think that the second fold will create much more heat for your processor. Even though you'll be folding two cores, in reality the virtual second processor only gives you about a 30% boost in point performance. You may want to look into adding a fan to your case or something, tho.

[blue60007]

I don't see how they call adding a second client "advanced". In fact, I just did it last night and it took about 2 minutes. I just created two folders (the manila kind) and put the Console client download in each. Run it, configure, and be sure to set the machine ID appropriately for both. I didn't think you had to mess with affinity.

Running a second on your virtual core, might increase temps by a degree or two. More of the CPU is being worked out.

[enhanced08]

1. Once the deadline is reached the unit it either sent back half completed or dropped all together (not sure which) and a new unit is downloaded. Only partial points are awarded.

2. Not really sure

3. It is possible as Kov stated, but Stanford frowns on it because it actually takes longer to return the units. If you are more for the actual science of folding then run only 1 instance, if you like the extra points you get with running 2 then run 2. Its up to you, your helping either way.

4. 2 instances shouldnt add too much more heat. Try it and findout is the best answer I can give,

[Kov-Ice]

The site admin at the folding forums, Bruce, answered numbers 1 & 2.

There are two deadlines. The first deadline is also known as the "timeout" or the "preferred deadline" When it passes, the scientific value of the work is wasted because an identical WU will be sent to someone else. There is a preferred deadline on all WUs, including deadlineless WUs. The second deadline is also known as the "final deadline" or the "credit deadline" You'll still get points if you complete the WU by this deadline but the work you're doing will be duplicated by someone else. The deadlineless WUs will grant credit for WUs returned a long, long time after they've been issued, whether or not someone else has completed them. The deadline is not actually "forever" however. At some point, the scientist on the project shuts down the project, analyzes all the results, and reports the conclusions in a scientific paper.

If you don't complete by the final deadline, tho, the work is discarded and receives no value.

As for the benchmark, it does serve some purpose for assigning appropriate WUs, but he basically said it's not an exact science.

[Kareeser]

Ah, that all makes sense

Installed F@H Console in an AMD K6... still waiting for it to complete its first WU

[Kov-Ice]

Do you have EMIII installed to monitor your boxen? It'll tell you how long each frame takes and the amount of time to completion.