Low-power folding GPU?

[JD]

Don't know if such a thing exists, but I'm planning on overhauling my server, which is all that's currently folding for me. I'm trying to make it as efficient as possible, so to replace the 8800GTS 320M I'm using now, is there's something that can roughly do 4-5k PPD and use less power?

I know, I don't make a huge contribution, but every little bit helps

[Soultribunal]

I think the new 9800GT's that EVGA and SParkle have are good at power consumption.
Or a GTS250.

That or the new GT240's but I don't know what PPD they get (basically a revised, and better 9600GSO).

My thoughts at least,
ST

[_dangtx_]

havent kept up with the 55nm gt's but i think they sacrificed core/shader speed a tad. now if you want to clock them high, you will probably need to work on the volts.

was curious about the new 40nm nvidia cards as well. i mean even if they arent gread ppd'ers, they have probably good ppd/watt numbers

[Zero82z]

9800GT is your best bet. A GT240 would use less power but only do about 4k PPD, and a GTS250 would do about 6k PPD but use more power.

[_dangtx_]

Originally Posted by Zero82z

9800GT is your best bet. A GT240 would use less power but only do about 4k PPD, and a GTS250 would do about 6k PPD but use more power.

gt240@4kppd. thats overclocked right? if its stock, good god thats nice, ppd/w wise.

[Zero82z]

That would be overclocked. The GT240 is roughly equivalent to an 8800GS/9600GSO, so it would need to have a shader clock of ~1600MHz to reach that amount of PPD. Even so, it wouldn't consume much power.

[_dangtx_]

very interesting. time to wait for 40nm parts to go down into used form, and get a few :)

i particularly like the passive solutions from gigabyte. more than possible with the power package on those.

[Zero82z]

Passive GPUs and folding don't go together very well.

[Soultribunal]

Originally Posted by Zero82z

Passive GPUs and folding don't go together very well.

I'm gonna have to agree with you on that one. Espically since some of the WU's really are good at making heat.

ST

[JD]

Well both the 55nm 9800GT and the GT 240 go for around $100-120. But the GT 240 seemingly uses half the amount of power. And well I'm not out to set any folding records, just provide solid 24/7 support.

Though my NCIX order is already sitting at $820 Stuff adds up far too quickly. Might have to suspend folding for a while, or just keep using my 8800GTS.