the new GPU2 client is out

[sbohdan]

the new high performance GPU2 BETA client is out! it supports the new generation 3850 and 3870 ATI cards as well as the 2xxx series cards! if you have one of these cards and would like to try folding for our team, than check this out:

We're (finally) ready to start the QA process outside Stanford & ATI for the next generation GPU client (nicknamed FAH GPU2). We've gone through a limited alpha and a larger closed beta test, and we think the client is now ready for an open beta, i.e. a public release of the software that's still in an early stage. That's not to say that it's flawless, but there don't appear to be any "show stoppers" so far.

If you have a 2xxx or 3xxx card, please feel free to check out the new GPU client? You can download it from here

http://www.stanford.edu/~beberg/Folding ... ystray.zip

and a FAQ is here

Folding@home - FAQ-ATI2

We will next put this on our main download page, assuming that this stage of beta testing looks good.

Please keep in mind that this is beta software. The client/core may be unstable (although it looks ok so far), the points benchmarking may change due to software or policy changes, etc. With that in mind, we'd appreciate any comments you may have -- please post them in this forum section. Thanks!

Also the good news is that the new GPU2 client doesn't interfere with games or other 3D apps like the old one did :

Can I still use my GPU when the client is running?
Yes. Unlike the original GPU client, which interfered with many operations that used the GPU, the new CAL-based client does not. Playing videos and playing games either have no effect on the action of the GPU client other than a slow-down in processing, or cause a temporary suspension of folding. The new client will automatically back off whenever an application requests exclusive DirectX mode, although it is not reported in the client logfile. DirectX programs that do not request exclusive mode will cause the GPU client to slow down, and may in some instances have a detrimental effect on application performance. Full screen video is unaffected by the GPU client.

of course the very high point rewards for the GPU2 client comes with tight deadlines just like the SMP client so expect running F@H 24/7. in return GPU folding gives the highest scores (20x - 40X faster than conventional CPU code)
note that the new GPU2 client isn't compatible with previous generation ATI cards.

[screwballl]

very cool!!