We've posted another small update that adds a 'Reduce network bandwidth' option to the general options menu. The game should use less bandwidth overall than before, but checking this box will cause it to use even less, at the cost of less frequent updates of information.
I don't see that option box in Foldit Developer Preview Beta Client. Maybe it has not been included there yet… or maybe bandwidth reduction is on by default. Updates do not occur as quickly as they have in the past. Thanks!
In my case using irc disabled clients only for processing, I've noticed a huge improvement in the ability of my clients to stay updated over what was occurring before the server upgrades that were made as a result of influx of new people. Exactly what caused this HUGE improvement I cannot say, but I do know my extremely intermittent wifi is still the same.