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Guide to running multiple GPU work units

Running the HCC GPU and CPU wu's only seems to be doing well (8 GPU wu's on 4 cores plus 4 CPU wu's on the other 4 cores). I think I can hit close 100k ppd on the rig with this setup! :toast:

The 7870 is just a bit laggy when using the TV tuner but otherwise the rig runs fine and is actually 4-5C cooler than running with all CPU wu's :)
 
Basically, it's disctributed computing. If you decide to take the plunge, it helps to turn crossfire off for stability.
 
Running the HCC GPU and CPU wu's only seems to be doing well (8 GPU wu's on 4 cores plus 4 CPU wu's on the other 4 cores). I think I can hit close 100k ppd on the rig with this setup! :toast:

The 7870 is just a bit laggy when using the TV tuner but otherwise the rig runs fine and is actually 4-5C cooler than running with all CPU wu's :)

Wow--that's awesome! :toast:

So basically you're getting the same PPD from 1 GPU that I'm getting from 3 :eek:

@DIT @ vawrvawerawe: WCG is a project started and partially funded by IBM that uses volunteer computers to do humanitarian scientific research. If you're interested in joining, look at the link in my signature in post in our WCG/BOINC thread :toast:
 
I have crossfire so do I need to do anything special?

Nope, BOINC is intelligent enough to work around CFX being enabled however I did notice a little boost in performance when I disable CFX. I don't like turning it on and off all the time so I just leave it on.

I think it is time for me to run multiple WUs on my 6870s. I have a feeling that I can at least double my output.

Edit: So I reinstalled BOINC, threw my app_info.xml file in and now I'm not getting any projects at all. Communication is being established but it isn't getting anything new. I am getting some "File referenced in app_info.xml does not exist: <name of task>" errors, but I would assume that is because no projects have been downloaded yet?

Edit 2: I should have just read the OP and installed the version off WCG's website. Doh! Now stuff is almost ready to transfer but isn't. :|

Any idea why this is happening?
Code:
[error] No URL for file transfer of wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1
[error] No URL for file transfer of hcckernel.cl.7.05
[error] No URL for file transfer of wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86

My app_info.xml is this:
Code:
<app_info> 
	<app> 
		<name>hcc1</name> 
		<user_friendly_name>Help Conquer Cancer</user_friendly_name> 
	</app> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info>
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</name>
		<executable/>
   </file_info>
	<app_version> 
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name> 
		<version_num>705</version_num> 
		<platform>windows_intelx86</platform> 
		<plan_class>ati_hcc1</plan_class> 
		<avg_ncpus>0.33</avg_ncpus> 
		<max_ncpus>1.0</max_ncpus> 
			<coproc> 
				<type>ATI</type> 
				<count>.33</count> 
			</coproc> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</file_name> 
			<main_program/> 
		</file_ref> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</file_name> 
			<open_name>hcckernel.cl</open_name> 
		</file_ref> 
	</app_version>
	<app_version>
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name>
		<version_num>705</version_num>
		<platform>windows_intelx86</platform>
		<avg_ncpus>1.000000</avg_ncpus>
		<max_ncpus>1.000000</max_ncpus>
		<api_version>6.13.0</api_version>
		<file_ref>
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</file_name>
			<main_program/>
		</file_ref>
	</app_version>
</app_info>

Another edit: I think I was able to reset the project and it started downloading.
 
Last edited:
Nope, BOINC is intelligent enough to work around CFX being enabled however I did notice a little boost in performance when I disable CFX. I don't like turning it on and off all the time so I just leave it on.

I think it is time for me to run multiple WUs on my 6870s. I have a feeling that I can at least double my output.

Edit: So I reinstalled BOINC, threw my app_info.xml file in and now I'm not getting any projects at all. Communication is being established but it isn't getting anything new. I am getting some "File referenced in app_info.xml does not exist: <name of task>" errors, but I would assume that is because no projects have been downloaded yet?

Edit 2: I should have just read the OP and installed the version off WCG's website. Doh! Now stuff is almost ready to transfer but isn't. :|

Any idea why this is happening?
Code:
[error] No URL for file transfer of wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1
[error] No URL for file transfer of hcckernel.cl.7.05
[error] No URL for file transfer of wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86

My app_info.xml is this:
Code:
<app_info> 
	<app> 
		<name>hcc1</name> 
		<user_friendly_name>Help Conquer Cancer</user_friendly_name> 
	</app> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info>
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</name>
		<executable/>
   </file_info>
	<app_version> 
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name> 
		<version_num>705</version_num> 
		<platform>windows_intelx86</platform> 
		<plan_class>ati_hcc1</plan_class> 
		<avg_ncpus>0.33</avg_ncpus> 
		<max_ncpus>1.0</max_ncpus> 
			<coproc> 
				<type>ATI</type> 
				<count>.33</count> 
			</coproc> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</file_name> 
			<main_program/> 
		</file_ref> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</file_name> 
			<open_name>hcckernel.cl</open_name> 
		</file_ref> 
	</app_version>
	<app_version>
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name>
		<version_num>705</version_num>
		<platform>windows_intelx86</platform>
		<avg_ncpus>1.000000</avg_ncpus>
		<max_ncpus>1.000000</max_ncpus>
		<api_version>6.13.0</api_version>
		<file_ref>
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</file_name>
			<main_program/>
		</file_ref>
	</app_version>
</app_info>

Another edit: I think I was able to reset the project and it started downloading.

I believe the issue is that those three files are not installed by default but the app_info file is calling them. Resetting the project without the app_info file will usually take care of it, then suspend/get no more work, close BOINC, insert the file and restart.
 
Okay, here is the code that I just started running:

Code:
<app_info> 
	<app> 
		<name>hcc1</name> 
		<user_friendly_name>Help Conquer Cancer</user_friendly_name> 
	</app> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info>
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</name>
		<executable/>
   </file_info>
	<app_version> 
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name> 
		<version_num>705</version_num> 
		<platform>windows_intelx86</platform> 
		<plan_class>ati_hcc1</plan_class> 
		<avg_ncpus>0.5</avg_ncpus> 
		<max_ncpus>4.0</max_ncpus> 
			<coproc> 
				<type>ATI</type> 
				<count>.250</count> 
			</coproc> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</file_name> 
			<main_program/> 
		</file_ref> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</file_name> 
			<open_name>hcckernel.cl</open_name> 
		</file_ref> 
	</app_version>
	<app_version>
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name>
		<version_num>705</version_num>
		<platform>windows_intelx86</platform>
		<avg_ncpus>1.000000</avg_ncpus>
		<max_ncpus>1.000000</max_ncpus>
		<api_version>6.13.0</api_version>
		<file_ref>
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</file_name>
			<main_program/>
		</file_ref>
	</app_version>
</app_info>


I have several WU's showing "Ready to Start" with my video card, however none of them are running. I have 8 WU's running with the CPU with this configuration, however none of the GPU WU's are running.

Any ideas? Shouldn't there be 4 GPU WU's running?
 
Okay, here is the code that I just started running:

Code:
<app_info> 
	<app> 
		<name>hcc1</name> 
		<user_friendly_name>Help Conquer Cancer</user_friendly_name> 
	</app> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info> 
		<name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</name> 
		<executable/> 
	</file_info> 
	<file_info>
		<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</name>
		<executable/>
   </file_info>
	<app_version> 
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name> 
		<version_num>705</version_num> 
		<platform>windows_intelx86</platform> 
		<plan_class>ati_hcc1</plan_class> 
		<avg_ncpus>0.5</avg_ncpus> 
		[B]<max_ncpus>4.0</max_ncpus> [/B]
			<coproc> 
				<type>ATI</type> 
				<count>.25[B]0[/B]</count> 
			</coproc> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</file_name> 
			<main_program/> 
		</file_ref> 
		<file_ref> 
			<file_name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</file_name> 
			<open_name>hcckernel.cl</open_name> 
		</file_ref> 
	</app_version>
	<app_version>
		<app_name>hcc1</app_name>
		<version_num>705</version_num>
		[B]<platform>windows_intelx86</platform>
		<avg_ncpus>1.000000</avg_ncpus>
		<max_ncpus>1.000000</max_ncpus>
		<api_version>6.13.0</api_version>
		<file_ref>
			<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</file_name>
			<main_program/>[/B]
		</file_ref>
	</app_version>
</app_info>


I have several WU's showing "Ready to Start" with my video card, however none of them are running. I have 8 WU's running with the CPU with this configuration, however none of the GPU WU's are running.

Any ideas? Shouldn't there be 4 GPU WU's running?

I marked a few things in your file that differs from mine. Did you allow GPU work (Activities, Always allow GPU work or something like that, I have a Danish version). The file below works for me for 6 GPU (just change from 0.16 to 0.25) and no other work (i.e. CPU)

<app_info>
<app>
<name>hcc1</name>
<user_friendly_name>Help Conquer Cancer</user_friendly_name>
</app>
<file_info>
<name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</name>
<executable/>
</file_info>
<file_info>
<name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</name>
<executable/>
</file_info>
<app_version>
<app_name>hcc1</app_name>
<version_num>705</version_num>
<platform>windows_intelx86</platform>
<plan_class>ati_hcc1</plan_class>
<avg_ncpus>1.0</avg_ncpus>
<max_ncpus>1.0</max_ncpus>
<coproc>
<type>ATI</type>
<count>0.16</count>
</coproc>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__ati_hcc1</file_name>
<main_program/>
</file_ref>
<file_ref>
<file_name>hcckernel.cl.7.05</file_name>
<open_name>hcckernel.cl</open_name>
</file_ref>
</app_version>
</app_info>
 
Okay what does this refer to? "[error]No application found for task: windwos_intelx86 640; discarding"??????????

I have a bunch of these.
 
Okay what does this refer to? "[error]No application found for task: windwos_intelx86 640; discarding"??????????

I have a bunch of these.

That means the server is sending you work that your app_info file isn't setup to do. You should log into the WCG page and make sure the profile you set for your computer has only the projects you setup in the app_info (which in this case I imagine is HCC). Whilst there, under the projects list there should be an option to process work on GPU (maybe that's why you weren't receiving GPU WU to crunch?)
 

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That means the server is sending you work that your app_info file isn't setup to do. You should log into the WCG page and make sure the profile you set for your computer has only the projects you setup in the app_info (which in this case I imagine is HCC). Whilst there, under the projects list there should be an option to process work on GPU (maybe that's why you weren't receiving GPU WU to crunch?)

Okay, now I know that the different work can be added to the app_info, but where is that added in the code?
 
Okay, now I know that the different work can be added to the app_info, but where is that added in the code?

Well, the format of the file is explained here, if you want to add something else to it: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/wiki/Anonymous_platform

This thread on XS has the code for the other projects: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283509-Working-app_info-files

I've not dabbed into it myself, but Norton I believe has set it up though with some problems on GFAM. Might be worth shooting him a PM?
 
Well, the format of the file is explained here, if you want to add something else to it: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/wiki/Anonymous_platform

This thread on XS has the code for the other projects: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283509-Working-app_info-files

I've not dabbed into it myself, but Norton I believe has set it up though with some problems on GFAM. Might be worth shooting him a PM?

I did try it out but the errors were pretty extreme and I don't know enough about the files yet to be able to fix them. The rig ran fine but WCG showed a couple of hundred GFAM errors in less than 24 hrs :(
 
I did try it out but the errors were pretty extreme and I don't know enough about the files yet to be able to fix them. The rig ran fine but WCG showed a couple of hundred GFAM errors in less than 24 hrs :(

Did it work fine without GFAM?
 
Did it work fine without GFAM?

Couldn't get it working. Tried a couple of times but I stepped away from it for a little while so I wouldn't keep throwing errors into my WCG file.

Switched to HCC cpu and gpu for now but I have an early Xmas gift coming that will allow me to keep my output up and try the All app_info again early next week :)
 
okay, added the app_info file from xtremesystems. I tweaked the HCC file. Seems to be working so far. Probably too early to tell for sure.

Under the projects tab though, my "work done" number does not seem to be changing or gaining? Even though it has completed about 20 or so work units. Is that normal?
 
Couldn't get it working. Tried a couple of times but I stepped away from it for a little while so I wouldn't keep throwing errors into my WCG file.

Switched to HCC cpu and gpu for now but I have an early Xmas gift coming that will allow me to keep my output up and try the All app_info again early next week :)

Look forward to whatever it is.

okay, added the app_info file from xtremesystems. I tweaked the HCC file. Seems to be working so far. Probably too early to tell for sure.

Under the projects tab though, my "work done" number does not seem to be changing or gaining? Even though it has completed about 20 or so work units. Is that normal?

Can happen sometimes. Best thing to do is check on the WCG page under "Results status" see if you can find recent WU's in Pending Validation list. If it's not coming up might be worth just hitting the updated button a few times and perhaps reboot.
 
Can happen sometimes. Best thing to do is check on the WCG page under "Results status" see if you can find recent WU's in Pending Validation list. If it's not coming up might be worth just hitting the updated button a few times and perhaps reboot.

:toast: Okay, I see what that is now. Took me a minute. :laugh:

Yea, I have 13 pages of "Pending Validation" going on! About 10 pages are from today alone.
 
Cool Stinger you set man. :toast:
 
Capture026.jpg


Decided to test 2 WU's on my laptop.
So far worked fine, even on client 7.0.28.
 
I'm still waiting for a fix to get multi WUs working on Windows 8. If someone finds a fix, I hope they post it. :)
 
I'm still waiting for a fix to get multi WUs working on Windows 8. If someone finds a fix, I hope they post it. :)

If I found one I would definitely post it for you ;)

Will be bringing an early Xmas gift online later tonight.....:pimp:
 
If I found one I would definitely post it for you ;)

Will be bringing an early Xmas gift online later tonight.....:pimp:

You are the Pimp indeed, no jokes :toast:
 
I may have discovered my problem:

POBue.png
 
Well, I got it working properly. It seems that you need to let the manager download at least one of all of the types of work units mentioned in the app_info file before you actually put the file into place.
 
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