- Joined
- Dec 18, 2009
- Messages
- 2,406 (0.43/day)
- Location
- London, UK
| System Name | Slick |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel i5 2467M |
| Motherboard | Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook |
| Memory | 8GB Corsair Value |
| Storage | Crucial M4 7mm 256GB |
| Display(s) | 13" |
| Software | Windows 8 Pro x64 |
DISCLAIMER: Use this at your own risk! It is entirely down to each user to update as needed!
Index:
1) Why run multiple GPU work units?
2) Prerequisites
3) Auto-setup utility for app_config.xml
4) Manual setup guide for app_config.xml
5) Troubleshooting
6) Old app_info method
1) Why run multiple GPU work units?
By default World Community Grid is setup to run a single GPU WU on your machine. This guide will show you how to get better performance from your GPU by running more than 1 WU at a time. This can increase the output of both your PPD (point per day) and the runtime per day. This is achieved by creating a file called app_config.xml to detail how to use your hardware
2) Prerequisites
Before creating the app_config.xml file you will need:
3) Auto-setup utility for app_config.xml
The fastest way to setup the file is using m&m's easy to use utility. Enter your desired numbers and everything will be created for you in the right place. Remember to restart your BOINC Manager aftwerwards in order for the file to be read correctly:
Link to post / file download link: Utility to run multiple GPU work units
4) Manual setup guide for app_config.xml
If you would prefer to make all changes manually you can follow the steps listed below. (If you've already used the auto-setup in previous point, you can skip this entirely).
max_concurrent can be used to limit the HCC WU. For example if you have 8 CPU threads and want to use 2 for other projects you can set the value for HCC max_concurrent to 6.
5) Troubleshooting
6) Old app_info method
This is for reference only. Not supported in future.
Updates to this tutorial
03-Feb-'13: Updates to utility link and prerequisites
03-Jan-'13: Setup utility by m&m included as preferred method
22-Dec-'12: Full OP update for app_config method.
12-Dec-'12: Updated the NVIDIA code to correct default settings
10-Dec-'12: Added info for multiple GPU setups
26-Nov-'12: Added links to "all-project" app_info files
14-Nov-'12: Added HCC GPU & CPU code
10-Nov-'12: Updated Version number on all templates
10-Nov-'12: Added CPU settings information
Sources:
http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/forums/wcg/viewthread_thread,33962_offset,90
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283509-Working-app_info-files
(Credit to original posters, this is is just a simplified version to share with this community.)
- Users of app_info.xml method: This method will not be supported by WCG in the future. Please check the prerequisites list below and use the new setup guide. This is much simpler, with no AMD/NVIDIA specific code and avoids a lot of issues we encountered in the past
Index:
1) Why run multiple GPU work units?
2) Prerequisites
3) Auto-setup utility for app_config.xml
4) Manual setup guide for app_config.xml
5) Troubleshooting
6) Old app_info method
1) Why run multiple GPU work units?
By default World Community Grid is setup to run a single GPU WU on your machine. This guide will show you how to get better performance from your GPU by running more than 1 WU at a time. This can increase the output of both your PPD (point per day) and the runtime per day. This is achieved by creating a file called app_config.xml to detail how to use your hardware
2) Prerequisites
Before creating the app_config.xml file you will need:
- Install BOINC version 7.0.40 or above. Currently 7.0.42 is available as BETA but should be stable.
Download page for all versions: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/download_all.php
- Check you have the latest NVIDIA or AMD drivers for your graphics card. (Complete install is best to make sure all needed files are there)
Download page for NVIDIA: http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx
Download page for AMD: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx
For AMD crunchers under Windows 8: You will need to use 13.2beta drivers or higher (13.2b4 works for sure) to avoid instant WU errors.
- Make sure your graphics card is supported! The link below shows a list of cards that are NOT compatible:
https://secure.worldcommunitygrid.org/help/viewTopic.do?shortName=GPU#610
- Login to the WCG website and check your project lists include HCC and that the option to do GPU work is ticked on the profile assigned to your computer.
3) Auto-setup utility for app_config.xml
The fastest way to setup the file is using m&m's easy to use utility. Enter your desired numbers and everything will be created for you in the right place. Remember to restart your BOINC Manager aftwerwards in order for the file to be read correctly:
Link to post / file download link: Utility to run multiple GPU work units
4) Manual setup guide for app_config.xml
If you would prefer to make all changes manually you can follow the steps listed below. (If you've already used the auto-setup in previous point, you can skip this entirely).
- Alternatively if you prefer to manually edit your file the nextOpen notepad or other text editor and copy the following code into it:
- Edit the following according to your setup:
- max_concurrent: This specifies the maximum number of WU the app can run at a time. Best to set this to the number of total HCC1 WU your computer will be doing at a time.
- gpu_usage: This specifies the % use of the GPU per WU. Set this according to how many WU you want to run per GPU.
1 / Desired WU per GPU = gpu_usage
- cpu_usage: This specifies the % use of CPU threads per GPU WU. The default value is 1, but if you want to run more GPU WU than you have CPU cores edit it accordingly.
Total CPU Threads / Total GPU WU = cpu_usage
- max_concurrent: This specifies the maximum number of WU the app can run at a time. Best to set this to the number of total HCC1 WU your computer will be doing at a time.
- Save the file as "app_config.xml" into your WCG project folder.
(Default Windows 7: C:\Program Data\BOINC\Data\projects\www.worldcommunitygrid.org)
(Default Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\BOINC\Data\projects\www.worldcommunitygrid.org)
- Open BOINC and you're done!
max_concurrent can be used to limit the HCC WU. For example if you have 8 CPU threads and want to use 2 for other projects you can set the value for HCC max_concurrent to 6.
5) Troubleshooting
- How many WU to run?
Your mileage may vary, as factors like CPU speed and numer of threads have an impact on performance. The best way to determine what works best for you is to find out how long a single WU takes then see how much longer it takes to complete multiple WU. Below is a simple list for ballpark figures:
- Most NVIDIA: 2-3 WU
- AMD 6970: 4 WU
- AMD 7770: 3-4 WU
- AMD 79xx: 8-12 WU
- Mixed/Multi GPU
If you're using mixed cards by default BOINC uses the best one, and in some cases may not use all your GPU even if they're the same. To use more than one GPU in the same machine go to the BOINC data folder (normally: C:\Program Data\BOINC) and look for file "cc_config.xml". If it doesn't exist, create it but the contents should have the following:
Code:<cc_config> <options> [B]<use_all_gpus>1</use_all_gpus>[/B] </options> </cc_config>
- Driver crahses:
If you are having driver crahses, the following registry modification might prevent that:
(Source: Bun-Bun from XS)
Code:Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Watchdog] "DisableBugCheck"="1" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Watchdog\Display] "EaRecovery"="0"
6) Old app_info method
This is for reference only. Not supported in future.
What is this?
ATI/AMD users will notice that by default their GPU isn't loaded to 100% and NVIDIA users may have GPU's that are capable of more compute work. This allows you to manually set how many work units you want to crunch simultaneously on your GPU.
How does it work?
You create a file called app_info.xml inside the project folder of your BOINC Data folder (normally: C:\Program Data\BOINC\Data\projects\www.worldcommunitygrid.org). The contents of this file will determine:
- How many GPU WU to run at a time
- Which WCG projects to run
Intestested! Where do I start?
The basic steps to this are:
GPU User settings
(Please modify these to suit your system. If in doubt, ask.)
Replace the number in <count>.5</count> according to how many GPU WU you want to run at same time:
1 / Desired GPU WU Total = count
(example: 1 / 4 GPU WU = 0.5 coprocessor count)
This applies to both single and multiple GPU setups.
CPU User settings
If you want to run more GPU work units than you have CPU cores, change the <avg_ncpus>1.0</avg_ncpus> line to specify how much of a thread to use on average:
Total CPU Threads / Total GPU WU Total = avg_ncpus
(example: Dual core CPU / 4 GPU WU = 0.5 avg_ncpus)
This applies to both single and multiple GPU setups.
Multiple card setup
If you're using mixed cards by default BOINC uses the best one, and in some cases may not use all your GPU even if they're the same. To use more than one GPU in the same machine go to the BOINC data folder (normally: C:\Program Data\BOINC) and look for file "cc_config.xml". If it doesn't exist, create it but the contents should have the following:
Templates
(Current HCC version: 7.05)
If you want to crunch all projects, you can use this link for reference information: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283509-Working-app_info-files.
An example of this in use by Norton: http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2786213&postcount=394
ATI/AMD GPU ONLY (No CPU work)
ATI/AMD GPU and CPU HCC (HCC GPU and HCC CPU only)
ATI/AMD GPU and GFAM (HCC GPU and GFAM CPU only)
NVIDIA GPU Only (No CPU work)
NVIDIA GPU and CPU HCC (Both GPU and CPU Work units of HCC only)
Troubleshooting
Alternate method: If this setup doesn't work, an alternate method is described here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283512-How-To-run-multiple-BIONC-clients-on-one-machine-not-an-app_info-method
Driver crahses:
If you are having driver crahses, the following registry modification might prevent that:
(Source: Bun-Bun from XS)
How many WU can my GPU handle?
This is hard to say. I am currently running 2 on my HD7770's. People with OC'd 6970's can do up to 6! Again, treat this as a test starting low.
Other useful tips:
ATI/AMD users will notice that by default their GPU isn't loaded to 100% and NVIDIA users may have GPU's that are capable of more compute work. This allows you to manually set how many work units you want to crunch simultaneously on your GPU.
How does it work?
You create a file called app_info.xml inside the project folder of your BOINC Data folder (normally: C:\Program Data\BOINC\Data\projects\www.worldcommunitygrid.org). The contents of this file will determine:
- How many GPU WU to run at a time
- Which WCG projects to run
Intestested! Where do I start?
The basic steps to this are:
GPU User settings
(Please modify these to suit your system. If in doubt, ask.)
Replace the number in <count>.5</count> according to how many GPU WU you want to run at same time:
- .5 for 2 GPU work units
- .33 for 3 GPU work units
- .25 for 4 GPU work units
1 / Desired GPU WU Total = count
(example: 1 / 4 GPU WU = 0.5 coprocessor count)
This applies to both single and multiple GPU setups.
CPU User settings
If you want to run more GPU work units than you have CPU cores, change the <avg_ncpus>1.0</avg_ncpus> line to specify how much of a thread to use on average:
Total CPU Threads / Total GPU WU Total = avg_ncpus
(example: Dual core CPU / 4 GPU WU = 0.5 avg_ncpus)
This applies to both single and multiple GPU setups.
Multiple card setup
If you're using mixed cards by default BOINC uses the best one, and in some cases may not use all your GPU even if they're the same. To use more than one GPU in the same machine go to the BOINC data folder (normally: C:\Program Data\BOINC) and look for file "cc_config.xml". If it doesn't exist, create it but the contents should have the following:
Code:
<cc_config>
<options>
[B]<use_all_gpus>1</use_all_gpus>[/B]
</options>
</cc_config>Templates
(Current HCC version: 7.05)
If you want to crunch all projects, you can use this link for reference information: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283509-Working-app_info-files.
An example of this in use by Norton: http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2786213&postcount=394
ATI/AMD GPU ONLY (No CPU work)
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>
<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>.5</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>
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>1.0</avg_ncpus>
<max_ncpus>1.0</max_ncpus>
<coproc>
<type>ATI</type>
<count>.5</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>
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>
<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>.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>
<name>gfam</name>
<user_friendly_name>GO Fight Against Malaria</user_friendly_name>
</app>
<file_info>
<name>wcgrid_gfam_vina_6.12_windows_x86_64</name>
<executable/>
</file_info>
<file_info>
<name>wcgrid_gfam_vina_prod_x86_64.exe.6.12</name>
<executable/>
</file_info>
<file_info>
<name>wcgrid_gfam_gfx_prod_x86_64.exe.6.12</name>
<executable/>
</file_info>
<app_version>
<app_name>gfam</app_name>
<version_num>612</version_num>
<platform>windows_x86_64</platform>
<avg_ncpus>1.0</avg_ncpus>
<max_ncpus>1.0</max_ncpus>
<flops>3347548492.458962</flops>
<api_version>7.1.0</api_version>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcgrid_gfam_vina_6.12_windows_x86_64</file_name>
<main_program/>
</file_ref>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcgrid_gfam_vina_prod_x86_64.exe.6.12</file_name>
<open_name>AutoDockVina64.exe</open_name>
</file_ref>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcgrid_gfam_gfx_prod_x86_64.exe.6.12</file_name>
<open_name>graphics_app</open_name>
</file_ref>
</app_version>
<app_version>
<app_name>gfam</app_name>
<version_num>612</version_num>
<platform>windows_intelx86</platform>
<avg_ncpus>1.000000</avg_ncpus>
<max_ncpus>1.000000</max_ncpus>
<flops>3347548492.458962</flops>
<api_version>7.1.0</api_version>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcgrid_gfam_vina_6.12_windows_x86_64</file_name>
<main_program/>
</file_ref>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcgrid_gfam_vina_prod_x86_64.exe.6.12</file_name>
<open_name>AutoDockVina64.exe</open_name>
</file_ref>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcgrid_gfam_gfx_prod_x86_64.exe.6.12</file_name>
<open_name>graphics_app</open_name>
</file_ref>
</app_version>
</app_info>
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__nvidia_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>nvidia_hcc1</plan_class>
<avg_ncpus>1.0</avg_ncpus>
<max_ncpus>1.0</max_ncpus>
<coproc>
<type>CUDA</type>
<count>.5</count>
</coproc>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__nvidia_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>
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__nvidia_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>nvidia_hcc1</plan_class>
<avg_ncpus>1.0</avg_ncpus>
<max_ncpus>1.0</max_ncpus>
<coproc>
<type>CUDA</type>
<count>.5</count>
</coproc>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86__nvidia_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>
<file_ref>
<file_name>wcg_hcc1_img_7.05_windows_intelx86</file_name>
<main_program/>
</file_ref>
</app_version>
</app_info>Troubleshooting
Alternate method: If this setup doesn't work, an alternate method is described here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283512-How-To-run-multiple-BIONC-clients-on-one-machine-not-an-app_info-method
Driver crahses:
If you are having driver crahses, the following registry modification might prevent that:
(Source: Bun-Bun from XS)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Watchdog]
"DisableBugCheck"="1"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Watchdog\Display]
"EaRecovery"="0"How many WU can my GPU handle?
This is hard to say. I am currently running 2 on my HD7770's. People with OC'd 6970's can do up to 6! Again, treat this as a test starting low.
Other useful tips:
Updates to this tutorial
03-Feb-'13: Updates to utility link and prerequisites
03-Jan-'13: Setup utility by m&m included as preferred method
22-Dec-'12: Full OP update for app_config method.
12-Dec-'12: Updated the NVIDIA code to correct default settings
10-Dec-'12: Added info for multiple GPU setups
26-Nov-'12: Added links to "all-project" app_info files
14-Nov-'12: Added HCC GPU & CPU code
10-Nov-'12: Updated Version number on all templates
10-Nov-'12: Added CPU settings information
Sources:
http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/forums/wcg/viewthread_thread,33962_offset,90
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?283509-Working-app_info-files
(Credit to original posters, this is is just a simplified version to share with this community.)
Last edited:
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