Maximum PC

Well there they are. A bunch of pretty cards in a row. I read on a forum that it's possible to run up to four GPU2 clients on one core in WinXp because the 100% utilization is due to a loop in the code. I was able to get three, but not four, running off of only core 3. The fourth client just hangs in "Starting GUI Server..." when attempting the fourth on the one core. This is a great thing because anyone wanting multi-gpu can run up to four cards on a dual-core processor.

According to my UPS the system is drawing 400-415watts. I think my PSU might not be rated for four gpu's requiring 24A on the rails. I have it using a pair of pci-e connectors on a 28A line but had to use two adapters from an 18A line. My PSU is giving off an eerie high-pitched squeel when using that lower-rated rail. I'll look to invest in a more capable and efficient PSU.

These cards are factory overclocked to run speeds of 600mhz core / 1700mhz shaders / 2x900mhz memory. I'll try some over-clocking on a more stable PSU.

Unfortunate for me, the quad-gpu rig is literally millimeters shy of fitting into my antec sonata case. The 7-expansion-slot openings are enough, but there's just not enough room at the bottom. I'll have to start looking for a case with that tiny bit more clearance at the bottom. In the mean-time I'm considering only running three cards so that I can stuff it into the antec case and not have to keep this ear-piercing thing in my room.

Overall, I'm much happier with this setup for multi-gpu folding. These 9600GSO's were $85 apiece (initial payout with free shipping) but each have a $20 MiR.

Frickin awesome dude. I wonder if the PSU will stop squealing if you take one card out.

Also glad to hear you survived a night of insanity! For my bachelor party my buddies surprised me with a trip up to sand lake, MI and rented some dune buggies for the day, it was frickin sweet.

The noise actually seems to come from one of the cards. There's no noise when the clients aren't folding. It's noticeable when two clients are running and gets louder as the third and fourth are started. I'm still thinking it's the amps. I ordered a 750watt corsair psu on sale with a nice rebate which has one massive 60A rail and four 6pin pci-e connectors. I'm also returning one of the ASUS cards for the single-slot EVGA 9600GSO superclocked as it has a big ol' $50 MiR through October. Once I get this all together it'll fit nicely into the Antec Sonata case.

The current four-gpu rig will stay the course until about friday.

Fits nicely in the ol' mid-tower case. Air-flow is pretty good too. Temp on the EVGA card (at the bottom) is 50*C idle. I'm comfortable with anything under 75*C when folding. I'll see how it goes!

That's a neat idea for adding fans to the case. I might explore that if I don't pick up the new Cooler Master HAF case for my main rig and give the Antec 900 to the multi-gpu one Working overtime has given me some nice savings

The only issue I'm having is the EVGA card isn't being detected properly. It shows up in Device Manager and GPU-Z but the speeds are all wrong and it folds at half the speed it should...

It's so weird. I didn't change anything in the BIOS or windows after putting it inside the case. The evga card works just fine in the other three slots. Maybe it is a strange air-flow issue. When it's in the fourth slot it's detected and the desktop is extended, it just wont run at the proper speeds...

Nice lookin 4 gpu rig there Gweedo. How come you chose the preoverclocked 9600gso? Also with that 1 card that is different, assuming the shaders are the same in number(they are) then you do not have any issues running the different cards right?


And finally, thanks for that link for the 5.25 bay Video Card PS. Its a wonder the things they come out with. That will go nicely in my second PC once I get ready to max that machine out.

Weird, Have you monitored the RPMs and temps on the EVGA card when you move it around? Take the mobo out of the case just to test the EVGA card in the 4th slot. I don't remember where but I read the fastest card needs to be in the 4th slot.
Let me know how it works out. I have thought about the heat/airflow issue for my 4 9600 GSO system. The shipping is very slow but I expect them this week.
My two solutions:
a) Drill a hole in the bottom of the case to make room for the ASUS 9600 cooler
b) Try to use a single slot 8800GT in the 4th slot. Drill a hole in the side panel and add a BIG fan.
http://www.directron.com/250mmfans.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... name=250mm
I have cheap Cooler Master elite 330 cases so I don't mind drilling them into pieces.

They're cheap. I'm going to use them with linux and I don't want to worry about OCing them. I will still use nvclock but it nice knowing I don't need too. Your never guaranteed a good overclock either, every card varies.

I purchased two new ASUS 9600 GSOs for $129 (64.99 each after two $30 MIRs.) I picked up another two open box for $130.50 ($65.25 each without a rebate.) Thats 4 video cards for 260.99 if my math is correct. They will each get around 5000ppd with the New nVidia core v1.13.

You can get two for only $109.99 (10,000ppd) after two $30.00 MIRs now.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814121251

I know they are cheap and some of the best ppd. I was just curious why the proverclocked ones, which usually would be a bit more $$$. Running them on linux would probably be easier to get them preoverclocked.

I just checked on newegg and the cheapest 9600 GSO is the ASUS EN9600GSO MAGIC, $79.99 and $49.99 after a MIR. Its slower then the TOP. The preoverclocked ASUS 9600 GSO Top is $84.99 and $54.99 after a MIR so its only $5 more with or without a rebate. I know EVGA had some deals not long ago and people got some for something like $35 after a rebate and a code. They had dual slot designs that pulled the hot air out of the case too. That's nice but none of them are guaranteed a decent OC. I can't get all of the rebates either because my stuff is shipped to an APO address. ASUS was nice to me EVGA was not so kind.

Speaking of that top vs magic, I am going to start a new thread about it.

Who needs space, as long as you don't care about looks, mount the fans to the ouside of the case! I've seen at least one person do this with a water cooling system. Mounted a dual fan radiator on top of the case over the blowholes with the fans on top of that sucking air out of the case and up through the rad. When I saw that there was still room inside the case, and asked why he didn't mount either the radiator or the fans inside, he decided to put another pair of fans inside - I'm such an instigator