Trying to pinpoint the heat problems

Started by Timo van der Laan

wisky Lv 1

CPU: i7-3820 (10MB L3 cache) - clocked at 4.1GHz, 32GB memory, GeForce GTX 580 - 1.5GB video memory

Foldit info: Latest devprev update, view options: Score/Hydro/CPK, Cartoon view, Show all sidechains, all other options disabled.

All values are eyeball averages (i.e. if I see the temp fluctuating between 39-41, I say 40 C), unless the fluctuations are rather large

Baseline - 0 clients

-CPU fan: 1850 RPM
-CPU usage: 1.0%
-Temp: 35 C

1 client open, loaded into puzzle 861
Maximized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 2070 RPM
-CPU usage: 8.5%
-Temp: 40 C

Minimized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 	1950 RPM
-CPU usage: 	2.0-4.0%
-Temp: 		35 C

Maximized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2390 RPM
-CPU usage:	21-23%
-Temp: 		50 C

Minimized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2300-2360 RPM
-CPU usage: 	14%
-Temp: 		40-50 C (fluctuates)

After closing client
-CPU fan: 1860 RPM
-CPU usage: 1%
-Temp: 35 C

2 clients open, loaded onto puzzle 861
Both maximized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 2350 RPM
-CPU usage: 21-24%
-Temp: 45-50 C (fluctuates)

Both minimized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 	1970 RPM
-CPU usage:	2%
-Temp:		35 C

Both maximized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2540 RPM
-CPU usage:	42-45%
-Temp:		55 C

Both minimized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2540 RPM
-CPU usage:	27%
-Temp:		45-55 C (fluctuates)

After closing both clients
-CPU fan: 1850 RPM
-CPU usage: 1%
-Temp: 35 C

3 clients open, loaded to puzzle 861
All maximized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 2310 RPM
-CPU usage: 24-27%
-Temp: 45-40 C (fluctuates)

All minimized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 	1940 RPM
-CPU usage:	2-3%
-Temp:		35 C

All maximized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2630 RPM
-CPU usage:	60-61%
-Temp:		57-60 C

All minimized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2620 RPM
-CPU usage:	40%
-Temp:		50-57 C

After closing all clients
-CPU fan: 1850 RPM
-CPU usage: 1%
-Temp: 35 C

6 clients open (What I use on a regular basis), loaded

to puzzle 861
All maximized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 2520 RPM
-CPU usage: 49-53%
-Temp: 55 C

All minimized, no recipes running
-CPU fan: 	2000 RPM
-CPU usage:	2.5-3.5%
-Temp:		35 C

All maximized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2800 RPM
-CPU usage:	99-100%
-Temp:		62 C

All minimized, Rav GAB 2.0.6 running
-CPU fan: 	2800 RPM
-CPU usage:	80%
-Temp:		62 C

After closing all clients
-CPU fan: 1850 RPM
-CPU usage: 1%
-Temp: 35 C

smilingone Lv 1

Potential solution for others that is working for me. Although, the jury is still out on whether or not my clients will be slower.

I spent hours doing a lot of upgrading, including the bios. Nothing changed the temperature problem. I've only been able to run two clients on my laptop if the puzzles were small. Running three took my high tempt to 94 c. That's unacceptable and I just couldn't do it.

Interestingly, the solution for me was in the power settings. My computer was set at "Ultra Performance" and when I switched it to "Cool" it resolved my overheating issue. Running four clients now with the high temp about 35 degrees lower.

Here's a snap of my power options: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2a91vle&s=8#.UzD42vldWSo

Thanks to Karsten for the suggestion to view my Power options.

According to Susume, win7 usually only comes with three options. I have win7 professional on my laptop and have nine options. My desktop has win7 home edition and only has two options.

Those with overheating issues may want to take a look and experiment with these power settings.

I haven't a clue what changed in the recent foldit upgrades, but, my overheating started with the introduction of filters and became worse with the introduction of new chapter.

Hopefully, this information helps others.

Bruno Kestemont Lv 1

MacBook Pro (mid 2012)
2.9 GHz Intel core i7
8 Go 1600 MHz DDR3

3 clients running since 16-82 hours (2 devprev + 1 NC normal)

Now, "CPU usage":
puzzle 862, 70 residues —– 140%
puzzle 861, 57 residues ——130%
puzzle 863, 40 residues ——100%

Never had heating problem neither before neither after NC (ventilator noise the all time shows that CPU is working hard)

Bruno Kestemont Lv 1

I forgot to mention that this is a maximum: CPU charge = 95-99%

Before NC, I also always used to run 3 clients.
After NC, with a big protein in the list, I can only run 2 clients.

(so yes, NC is more resource consuming, may be something like 33% more)