New to folding! Hello!

[WestX64]

Oh yeah, I didn't know the 760 used the older architecture. I was looking into the possibility of two 760s or 750 Tis. From what I know now, two 750 Tis would offer better points per watt value but cost more per CUDA core. The 760s would cost less per CUDA core but have less points per watt. Honestly, I would rather spend less, get the more efficient 750 Ti and get more points per watt (electric is expensive these days). I know I would get far less points per day though which is kind of a let down. Say I had a budget of somewhere in the ballpark of $1000 and $2000. What would you pick as your go to components for that build? The budget should give you a lot of room to play. Here is what I was thinking personally:
Case = Fractal Design ARC MINI R2 MicroATX Mini Tower (lots of features in a small package including support for liquid cooling) *$100
Power Supply = Corsair HX650 650W Modular Active PFC 80 Plus Gold (I trust corsair, 650w would offer some expandability down the road, and the 80 plus gold rating would save money on the electric bill) *$110
Motherboard = MSI Z97M Gaming LGA 1150 Micro ATX (Nice price, nice features, and the PCI Express 3.0 X16 slots line up with the Fractal Design PCI expansion slots) *$160
Processor = Intel Core i5-4690S Haswell Quad-Core 3.2GHz LGA 1150 65W (It's a powerful processor but only uses 65w to save on electric once again) *$215
HDD/SSD = Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 2.5" 120GB SATA III (It's about as much as a lower priced HDD and would save power and space in the case) *$65
Memory = G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600Mhz (It has over a thousand five star reviews, is a decent price, and I figured 8Gb would be a nice amount to have) *$80
GPUX2 = (TWO) GeForce GTX 750 Ti Superclocked 2GB 128-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 (because of our discussion above) *$140X2 = $280

Hardware grand total = $1010
I would probably install a light distribution of linux. Maybe even Ubuntu or Linux Mint to save money on the OS. However, if linix distros are still haveing troubles with this newer hardware, then I'll probably fork over $100 extra for a copy of Windows 8.1 64-bit. Also, I would have to reserve some more money (up to $100) for a good CPU cooler that isn't stock. Probably wouldn't need to go full liquid cooling on this as I don't think these components will output too much heat. So really the whole system could cost anywhere from $1010 to $1210. What would you do different? Like I said, I'm thinking about building a dedicated folding machine in a few months so this would help me out a lot.

[jrweiss]

For a dedicated Folding machine, I want quiet and low power draw. MANY of the choices reflect personal preference only, and can easily be replaced. Today I like Lian Li cases (aluminum), MSI MoBos (nice UEFI), and Samsung EVO SSDs. I'd spend about $100 more than your rig, based on today's Newegg prices, but I'd wait for sales on individual components to save 10-15% overall:

Lian-Li PC-7HB $100
Rosewill Tachyon 550 PSU $124
MSI Z87-G45 MoBo $100
Intel i7-4770S 65W $315
GSkill Ripjaws X DDR3-2133 2x4GB $85
Sasung 840EVO 250 SSD $151
2x EVGA GTX750 Ti Superclocked $260
Win7 Pro 64 $143
Total $1278

Depending on how quiet it turns out, I might replace the fans and CPU cooler with Noctuas, but that could wait...

All that is still predicated on my previous statement that I would not likely buy today anyhow, but wait for the full Haswell-E rollout and all supporting MoBos (2Q15?). Then I'd decide on newer/better or cheaper/older...

Monitor, KB, and mouse would add some, unless you have a KVM switch setup...

[WestX64]

Monitor, KB, and mouse would add some, unless you have a KVM switch setup...

A wireless keyboard and mouse combo only costs $10 and I could find a cheapo monitor for around $50 too. Since I wouldn't use these things much except to check up on the Folding@Home application and general maintenance of the computer.

All that is still predicated on my previous statement that I would not likely buy today anyhow, but wait for the full Haswell-E rollout and all supporting MoBos (2Q15?). Then I'd decide on newer/better or cheaper/older...

Yeah, I hear you on that. A few months from now I'll have a better idea on what's coming out and I could always tweak what I want in my build then. But it's always nice to figure it all out now with today's best parts for the money and then just tweak it later when the newer parts come out. It provides a nice foundation to work off of in a way.

For a dedicated Folding machine, I want quiet and low power draw. MANY of the choices reflect personal preference only, and can easily be replaced. Today I like Lian Li cases (aluminum), MSI MoBos (nice UEFI), and Samsung EVO SSDs. I'd spend about $100 more than your rig, based on today's Newegg prices, but I'd wait for sales on individual components to save 10-15% overall:

It looks like quite a nice machine you've put together there. I'm going to have to do some research and mix and match some of your components with some of mine. Just curious, why did you choose that computer case? Good personal experience with that brand? I see that PSU has an 80 plus platinum rating which is darn nice for the money. It's also modular which is great for easy cable management! I've never used a Rosewill PSU before though.

I do love Samsung SSDs though! I've had very good luck with them so far, I just chose the one I did because it was cheaper, but yeah, I would like the Samsung better. I would probably get the cheaper 120Gb model myself for this build since everything would sit nicely on there and still have tons of unused space. Why did you choose the Core i7 over something else like an i5? Better folding performance? Why did you choose Windows 7 over 8.1? Personal preference? I'm just curious as to your personal reasons for choosing some things, not saying they are bad or good decisions.

[jrweiss]

Lian Li: I've had Lian Li cases for 10+ years now. Very good fit & finish, lots of design options. I want aluminum for its weight and heat transfer ability (albeit minor).

PSU: It was the cheapest 80+Platinum PSU I could find. I suspect its performance would be just fine; otherwise it wouldn't get the Platinum rating; IMO, quality is inherent in component choice for the upper ratings. I would prefer fanless (I have 2 Kingwin Stryker 500s), but a controlled 140mm should be idle or at low speed most of the time with the minimal waste heat of the Platinum rig.

New Samsung line was just released, so there should be even better deals on the 740s. While a 120GB SSD is adequate for an OS and minimal apps, the 250s have twice the bandwidth for better overall performance. While not essential for Folding, I would look at it as an emergency backup drive for my main machine. The RAM cache software on the Samsungs is also really neat!

I'm not impressed with Win8, from the little I've used it. I still have a copy in my drawer, uninstalled. IF I had a tablet or other touch screen, I'd use it. Otherwise, Win7 (or Linux) is perfectly adequate for Folding.

i7 for CPU Folding alongside the GPU Folding -- run 2 GPUs and still have 6 cores for the SMP WU. Why waste 65W on an i5, when you can get more performance for little marginal cost?

[gwildperson]

I'm not impressed with Win8, from the little I've used it. I still have a copy in my drawer, uninstalled. IF I had a tablet or other touch screen, I'd use it. Otherwise, Win7 (or Linux) is perfectly adequate for Folding.

I don't think any of the "old timers" are impressed with Windows 8. Stick with Win7 or Linux if there's any way to avoid Win8 except maybe on a cheap smart-phone where it comes pre-installed.

[WestX64]

I don't think any of the "old timers" are impressed with Windows 8. Stick with Win7 or Linux if there's any way to avoid Win8 except maybe on a cheap smart-phone where it comes pre-installed.

Yeah, I hated Windows 8 at first too and stuck to Windows 7 for the longest time. Then, after I experimented with Windows 8.1 again later on, I decided I really liked the increase in speed / snappiness. I still hate the default interface with everything being designed around the metro start screen, but a quick plugin like Start8 (my favorite) or classic shell (free), I can setup Windows 8.1 to look and operate just like Windows 7. So yeah, Windows 8.1 with Start8 installed is now my OS of choice. However, Ubuntu would be my OS of choice when trying to save money. Would Ubuntu or another linux distro work properly with this newer hardware? The last time I tried installing Ubuntu 14.04 LTS on my computer, the GUI kept crashing and the mouse would leave these long trails and only refresh every ten seconds or so. I tried reinstalling it with the same results. Then a month later I built a budget gaming PC for a friend of mine and tried putting Ubuntu 14.04 LTS on that (it used a Haswell based Celeron, an H97 based motherboard, and a GTX 750 Ti), it just would not detect the graphics card at all and I had to use the Celeron's built in Intel HD graphics to see anything. An install of Windows 8.1 fixed all the issues and it worked perfectly. No idea why I have had so many problems with Ubuntu on this newer hardware, I have done dual boots with it on most of my previous builds, and sometimes I would use it as the primary OS with no problems ever, until recently with the newer release...

i7 for CPU Folding alongside the GPU Folding -- run 2 GPUs and still have 6 cores for the SMP WU. Why waste 65W on an i5, when you can get more performance for little marginal cost?

Yeah I see your point. So I have made updates to my build of choice based on your suggestions. Here is my new hardware:

Case: Fractal Design ARC MINI R2 (I still really love this case and all it offers at it's size) *$100
Power Supply: Rosewill Tachyon 550 (I agree with you and really like the idea of an 80 plus platinum rating) *125
Motherboard: MSI Z97M Gaming LGA 1150 Micro ATX (I wanted the 9 series chipset since it works out of the box with the Haswell series processors easily, should probably find a cheaper 9 series motherboard though - also the PCI Express slots still line up with the case's expansions slots) *160
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790S Haswell Quad-Core 3.2GHz (This was actually $15 cheaper than the 4770s and 100Mhz faster, so I figured, why not?) *$300
HDD/SSD: SAMSUNG 840 EVO 120GB SATA III (Since this would be a dedicated folding machine and used for nothing else, I thought I would save a little extra money and go with the 120Gb) *$90
GPUX2: 2x EVGA GTX750 Ti Superclocked (Still seems like a great bet!) *$260
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600Mhz (not much to decide on here) *$80
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 120x120x25 Self-stabilising oil-pressure bearing *$70
Case Fans: Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition 120mm 2XDual Pack (I could get two of these for the same cost as a single Noctua fan) *$55

Total cost in my Newegg shopping cart with all these things right now = $1250

[jrweiss]

For $5, why not get the faster 2133 RAM? If you don't use the XMP setting, it reverts to 1600, but was already certified at the higher performance, so technically should be more reliable.

The Noctua NF-P12 PWM fan pushes 54.3 CFM at 19.8 dbA; the Corsair pushes 37.8 CFM at 23 dbA (their AF120 pushes a little more air, a little quieter than the SP120). That's a big case of "get what you pay for"...

[WestX64]

For $5, why not get the faster 2133 RAM? If you don't use the XMP setting, it reverts to 1600, but was already certified at the higher performance, so technically should be more reliable.

I thought the speed of the memory doesn't really effect folding performance at all?

Also, yeah I see what you mean about the fans. It would be nice to have the much quieter Noctua fans...

[jrweiss]

True. My point was that RAM certified at a higher speed would likely be more reliable at the lower [default] speed. Just a matter of how many extra $5 bills you want to spend, and where...

It took me a LONG time to figure out why specs on fans were hard to come by -- mfgrs of the cheaper ones don't want you to know how bad they really are!

[WestX64]

Ah, I get what you're saying now! Yeah, $5 is not much to spend when it comes to a little extra stability. Also, I'd probably spend a little extra and get the Noctua case fans. What do you think about that CPU cooler for that processor?

Also, does anyone else want to share what their ideal folding components would be at that price range too??

[jrweiss]

I have the NH-D14 in both my rigs; LNA used for the 3770S. The NH-U12S should be plenty for any low-power rig, though, especially in a small case -- the NH-D14 is HUGE!

My 4770K rig is at my left knee. I thought I couldn't hear it with the original Lian-Li fans, but I was surprised at the quiet when I replaced them with Noctuas for more airflow when I upgraded to the hotter CPU: 2x S12A PWMs in the front and an S12B in the back. The lower airflow exhaust (directly in line with the CPU cooler) ensures positive pressure, so more exhaust is directed over the heat sinks on the GPU and PSU, then through slotted backplanes.

[7im]

Also, does anyone else want to share what their ideal folding components would be at that price range too??

Intel i7-4770K @ 4.5 GHz, 16 GB DDR3-2133 Corsair Vengeance (black/red), EVGA GTX 760 @ 1200 MHz, on an Asus Maximus VI Hero MB (black/red), in a blacked out Antec P280 Tower, with a Xigmatek Night Hawk (black) HSF, Seasonic 760w Platinum (black case, sleeves, wires), 4 SilenX 120mm Case fans with silicon fan gaskets and silicon mounts (all black), a 512GB Samsung SSD (black), and a 3TB Black Western Digital HD (silver/black).

~$1600, fast and quiet, with room to grow.

Didn't need the SSD, extra 8 GB Mem, extra quiet fans, or the 3 TB drive for folding, which pulls this config down to ~$1200 USD with current pricing and rebates, not including applicable taxes, shipping, etc. One change, would switch to a 750 TI if I bought the GPU today.

[WestX64]

Now, from all the 2133Mhz memory I'm seeing, they have higher timings than the 1600Mhz and also most of them operate at 1.6 - 1.65v instead of 1.5v like the 1600Mhz. The higher voltage seems to offset the small gain in stability to me... Also, those timings look crazy, haha!

I'm still hoping to get some more feedback / opinions on people's ideal builds dedicated to folding at the budget I set. While I'm waiting, I have just a couple more questions. If someone had an idea that could help the developers and people behind Folding@Home with what they are doing, how would they be able to get in touch with them? I don't see any way on the Folding@Home website where someone could contact the developers directly. I had a simple idea that may be able to help us folders improve our folding, but it requires them to do some things software side. How might I get in touch?

My last question is, what has Folding@Home done so far? Has it managed to bring any major benefits to medications which are being developed? I know Folding@Home has been in operation for quite some time now, and I have seen all the papers they have published, which is nice as I can see it's helping us to increase our understanding of protein folding. However, are there any medications or treatments currently in the works or that have been released that have benefited from the research done by Folding@Home?

[7im]

The devs read the forum. Post your ideas here.

Accomplishments... In rough estimation, the first 5 years where to develop software that could accurately model protein folding and misfolding. The second 5 years applied that knowledge and started some serious research. The results of those last 5 years are details in the Papers, and in the News Blog. As always, the next 5 years will be the most interesting.

[Napoleon]

...I have made updates to my build of choice based on your suggestions. Here is my new hardware:

Case: Fractal Design ARC MINI R2 (I still really love this case and all it offers at it's size) *$100
Power Supply: Rosewill Tachyon 550 (I agree with you and really like the idea of an 80 plus platinum rating) *125
Motherboard: MSI Z97M Gaming LGA 1150 Micro ATX (I wanted the 9 series chipset since it works out of the box with the Haswell series processors easily, should probably find a cheaper 9 series motherboard though - also the PCI Express slots still line up with the case's expansions slots) *160
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790S Haswell Quad-Core 3.2GHz (This was actually $15 cheaper than the 4770s and 100Mhz faster, so I figured, why not?) *$300
HDD/SSD: SAMSUNG 840 EVO 120GB SATA III (Since this would be a dedicated folding machine and used for nothing else, I thought I would save a little extra money and go with the 120Gb) *$90
GPUX2: 2x EVGA GTX750 Ti Superclocked (Still seems like a great bet!) *$260
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600Mhz (not much to decide on here) *$80
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 120x120x25 Self-stabilising oil-pressure bearing *$70
Case Fans: Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition 120mm 2XDual Pack (I could get two of these for the same cost as a single Noctua fan) *$55

Total cost in my Newegg shopping cart with all these things right now = $1250

I used the shopping cart at a my "local" webstore, and came up with the following list. It is slightly more budget-oriented - and adventurous. Replace € with $, amd you'll probably end up with very similar figures. Probably less.

1. Case: Corsair Obsidian 350D - 100€. Unlike ARC MINI R2, it has 5 expansion slots and seems a bit less crowded to me
2. PSU: Super Flower 550W Golden King Platinum - 104 €. Of course there are plenty of good PSUs to choose from, such as the equivalent Kingwin PSU mentioned in the review
3. Motherboard: MSI Z97M-G43 - 113€. It has some (debatable) advantages:
   • The upper PCIE slot is strictly x16 gen3, and there is triple slot headroom for the graphics card. So you could slap in something utterly wild like a 375W (!) Titan Z and/or come up with creative (water) cooling solutions of your own
   • Thanks to the 5th expansion slot in the 350D case, you could drop in a dual slot GPU to the bottom PCIE slot. It has only PCIE x4 gen2 bandwidth, so you probably won't want to put a top notch GPU there. However, a (dual slot) 750Ti should be just fine with it
4. CPU: i3 4130T boxed - 129€. 2.9GHz dualcore with HT, only 35 Watts, so chances are you'll get by with the boxed cooler, at least initially. IMHO, it's good enough to feed two GPUs, and with the HT you can sneak in CPU:2 (or NaCl) folding if you're so inclined, although GPUs will your biggest producers by far
5. HD/SSD: 64GB Transcend M.2 SSD - 56€. The mobo has a M.2 slot and 64GB is plenty for a dedicated folding setup. You'd probably get by with the slightly cheaper 32GB model in a pinch. It'll also allow you to remove the 3.5" and 2.5" cages in order to improve case airflow. I have no personal experience with M.2 SSD though; buyer beware...
6. GPUX1: I picked a similarly priced Asus 750Ti for the calculator - 130€. The Asus card requires no external power, while the EVGA needs one 6pin. You'll probably want to stick to the EVGA, though. The 6pin power allows for overclocking, and the PSU I picked has plenty of connectors
   • I'd start with just one 750Ti to wait and see what the upcoming high-end Maxwell GPUs will be like. Assuming they'll be equally awesome as the 750Ti in their price & power consumption range, then spend on a single monster GPU to make most of the QRB
7. Memory: 2x4G Kingston KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G - 99€. Compatible according to MSI

Grand total: 731€. Most likely you'll get by with the bundled coolers and fans for starters. To repeat, splurge on a monster GPU a bit later, move the single 750Ti to the slower bottom slot and improve case and CPU cooling if needed. You should get by with the single-rail 550W PSU: 75W (750Ti) + 35W (CPU) + 375W ("monster" GPU) == 485W, so there's some (overclocking) headroom even in the worst case scenario.