How to get Folding @ Home console client working on your AMD 6xxx card

[Rob]

It took me a while to figure out how to get it going on my AMD 6950, but the final implementation is very simple. It just took me a long time getting there.

Quick disclaimer: I did all of this on Windows 7 64-bit. So if you're running anything other than Win 7 64-bit, I can't guarantee success, though I suspect you'll be fine.

1. Download either the v6.41 Windows XP/2003/Vista/7 GPU3 (required for Fermi) no-nonsense console client OR v6.23 Windows XP/2003 GPU2 console client OR v6.23 Windows Vista/7 GPU2 console client. You may go to the High Performance client page directly by clicking here.


2. !!FOR v6.41 ONLY!! -- If you attempt to run the installation file you will get this error: At present your GPU is not supported or you need a current driver. As seen this this picture:
01-Win7-first-run.jpg

Instead, you must create a shortcut to the v6.41 installation file. Now right-click the shortcut and choose Properties. On the Target line, add the switch -forcegpu ati_r800. As seen in this picture:
02-v6.41-Win7-forcegpu.JPG

Go to Step 4.


3. !!FOR v6.23 ONLY!! Unzip the v6.23 Zip file into a folder. Like v6.41, if you attempt to run the client you'll get the error your GPU is not supported. Instead, you must create a shortcut to the v6.23 executable. Now right-click the shortcut and choose Properties. On the Target line, add the switch -forcegpu ati_r700. As seen in this picture:
03-v6.23-Win7-forcegpu.JPG


4. Execute the edited shortcut and go through the first-time configuration menu. Enjoy!

There is a reason why I used the switch -forcegpu ati_r800 on v6.41 and -forcegpu ati_r700 on v6.23. I spent a *long* time reading the official F@H forums and saw where the maintainer of the F@H switch wiki said ati_r800 is not understood by v6.23, but it is in v6.41. Thus, for v6.23 you need to use the older switch ati_r700.

[James86]

if I only had a 6xxx series to fold on
thanks for the info

[Rob]

You're welcome. Don't feel bad about not having a 6xxx card. I just got my 6950 last week after using a single ATI 4850 for four years.

[James86]

that is the card I have
I'm crossing my fingers for this months contest

[mrcmark]

You're welcome. Don't feel bad about not having a 6xxx card. I just got my 6950 last week after using a single ATI 4850 for four years.

good upgrade =)

[Rob]

that is the card I have
I'm crossing my fingers for this months contest

Ahh, then I know what you mean about wanting a new card. The 4850 was good, but after four years it just couldn't keep up. Good luck!

good upgrade =)

Indeed it is. I can crank up lots of games to max settings now. It's really amazing. This card doesn't even break a sweat or ramp up the fan to compensate for the increased workload. I've never seen it get much over 60 C.

[James86]

I'm def in need of an upgrade but my son takes all my expendable cash diapers and baby food cost a lot

[zachig]

Thanks Rob for the detailed and informative post. I'll definitely try to fold on my HD6950 with either v6.23 or v6.41 in the next day or two...


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[Blacksmith1]

I'm def in need of an upgrade but my son takes all my expendable cash diapers and baby food cost a lot

It doesn't get much better when they get bigger. just don't have any more, or there will be no expendable anything left....

[Rob]

Thanks Rob for the detailed and informative post. I'll definitely try to fold on my HD6950 with either v6.23 or v6.41 in the next day or two...


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You're welcome. I still don't know which client is faster. I've just stuck with the v6.41 client. It works and I crunch through work units...so I guess it's ok.

[James86]

It doesn't get much better when they get bigger. just don't have any more, or there will be no expendable anything left....

I know that's why I'm entering all the contests I can find for new pc parts

[zachig]

You're welcome. I still don't know which client is faster. I've just stuck with the v6.41 client. It works and I crunch through work units...so I guess it's ok.

I think I'll try the v6.41 first. I'll keep you updated.


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[Rob]

I think I'll try the v6.41 first. I'll keep you updated.


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It should work fine. But as far as speed goes, I really have no idea how fast it should or should not be. Good luck!

[zachig]

It should work fine. But as far as speed goes, I really have no idea how fast it should or should not be. Good luck!

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it'll work OK. Especially if I'll be using your 'tips'...

Hopefully I'll find the time to test it in the next day or two. I'll surely keep you updated.

[zachig]

UPDATE:

Unfortunately I'm so busy at work lately , so I didn't find time (just not yet) to try folding on my HD6950. Hopefully I'll manage to try it this coming weekend...

I'll keep you updated of course.