Seti@Home optimized science apps and information

[Announcements] Windows Installer 0.37 Release by Jason G

28 Aug 2010, 07:06:31 am

Updated Unified Installers, v0.37 for Windows are at:
http://lunatics.kwsn.net/index.php?module=Downloads;catd=9

For Windows 32 & 64 bit (Nt/XP/Vista/Win7, x86 & x64 versions), changes since last release (v0.36) are:

- Fermi compatible Cuda 3.0 build introduced. Supports all Cuda enabled GPUs (theoretically)
- Slightly lowered video RAM Usage. Should run more happliy on integrated GPUs and lower VRAM cards.
- Minimum driver version 197.13+ (256+ series recommended, Current 258.96 WHQL driver highly reommended )
- V12 builds (both VLARKill & noKill) are deprecated.
- reduced susceptibility to '-12' errors over all prior releases (stock & opt). They still occur, but fairly rarely.
- Some mild Fermi optimisations applied. The reliability and performance make this the currently recomended build for Fermi.
- Some internal restructuring & testing of experimental code, applicable to future optimisation (All Cuda GPUs)

For Windows 98/ME:
- No changes. nVidia does not support Cuda on these operating systems, so no changes are applicable. Installer revision remains at last release 0.36.

WARNINGS:
- As always USE at YOUR OWN RISK, and 'Your mileage may vary'
- A Cuda Installation will install application support for 6.08(cuda), 6.09(cuda23) , and 6.10(cuda_fermi) app_versions. Which one Boinc actually chooses to mark yourr work doesn't matter, the tasks are all the same. Unlike stock, this build is intended to run on a wide range of hardware, so all versions are the same. This has consequences if your current tasks cache is marked with something other than any of the 3 stock standard version/plan_class labels, in that you would need to drain your cache first, to avoid losing work.

- Though not 'essential', <flops> app_info entries are highly 'recommended', but this installer doesn't put them in. We haven't come up with a good way for the installer to do this automatically yet, but when we do you can be sure there'll be another installer update.

Known Issues:
- Not Comaptible with Marius' Rescheduler 1.9. It is recommended to either stop rescheduling (due to server changes) or use Fred's variant which allows prevention of '-177' errors. Those errors are a feature of server side changes to the way task elapsed tiimes are estimated, rather than internal to the science application. Fred's variant has some support to prevent these errors if they become a problem for you.

FAQ -
- Todo (Keep this post bookmarked)
- Will be added here as your questions arise, so please check back to see if your issues have been answered.

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[] Lunatics Membership Policy Changes by Gecko

30 May 2010, 02:10:12 pm

Lunatics is an independent, 3rd party site dedicated to active development and testing of optimized Seti@Home applications.
Access to view public forum threads and public release applications is available to EVERYONE. Wink

Membership IS NOT REQUIRED to access public areas.

Actual membership is by invitation and/or approval of board developers and moderators and contingent upon active participation to support other members, and the testing and feedback of development applications.

Access to public beta testing applications requires Squire + member status.

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED ***

Memberships with 0 posts will automatically expire 90 days after joining.
Memberships with posts will automatically expire 180 days after last post.

Memberships will remain intact as long as there is at least a minimum level of regular participation.

Individuals who wish to actively participate as members of Lunatics may PM at the S@H main board, ID = Gecko, jason_gee, Josef W. Segur, Raistmer or Urs Echternacht. Include a link to your Seti@home or Seti Beta host, a brief description of your testing rig, and general experience level/comfort with CPU / GPU testing and ability to work with custom app_info.xml and config. files.

Thank you for your continued support of Seti@Home and Lunatics!

Regards,
Admin

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[Announcements] Optimized AstroPulse_v505 5.06 r237 for Mac OSX (Intel) and FreeBSD x64 OS by Gecko

11 Feb 2010, 09:41:37 pm

Optimized AstroPulse_v505 5.06 for OSX (Intel) x64 & x32 OS & FreeBSD x64 OS
Updated 2.10.09 w/ new Application_v505 5.06 & revision r237 available now at:
Lunatics AstroPulse for OSX (Intel) Public Downloads Area
or
Lunatics AstroPulse for Alternate Hardware Platforms Public Downloads Area

Hi Everyone,

SETI@Home AstroPulse optimized applications for Mac OSX (Intel) and FreeBSD (Intel/AMD) have been released.
This release offers significantly improved performance for computers running 64 and 32 bit versions of Mac OSX and 64 bit versions of FreeBSD.
Here are individual links for all the initial release builds:

Mac OSX Science Apps:

OSX 64 bit SSE3 Intel Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel CPUs, running 64 bit OSX 10.5+ (Leopard and Snow Leopard) that have SSE3 capability.

1 - Mac OSX 10.5+ 64 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE3(r237) (Intel)

Mac OSX 10.4+ 32 bit SSE3 Intel Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel CPUs, running 32 bit OSX 10.4+ (Tiger) that have SSE3 capability.

2 - Mac OSX 10.4+ 32 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE3(r237) (Intel)

FreeBSD 64 bit Science Apps:

FreeBSD 64 bit SSE3 Intel Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel CPUs, running 64 bit FreeBSD that have SSE3 capability.

1 - FreeBSD 64 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE3(r237) (Intel)

FreeBSD 64 bit SSE2 Intel & AMD Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel and AMD CPUs, running 64 bit FreeBSD that have SSE2 capability.

1 - FreeBSD 64 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE2(r237) (Intel/AMD)

Build source is located HERE

VERY IMPORTANT!!! Note that correct install of these applications requires ADVANCED SKILLS.

A customized app_info.xml file WILL need to be properly created and edited if you also run a version of the S@H multi beam application (see below "issues & warnings"). Done incorrectly, you may trash your work unit cache and or not be able to receive work.

There will be some known issues and warnings to be aware of:

- As mentioned above, You WILL need to edit or create an appropriate app_info.xml file if you run any combination of Astropulse and Multi-beam applications.
- Ensure Boinc & seti@Home applications are already properly functioning on your machine, read carefully the documentation readmes and installation instructions.
- Ensure you choose a build that your CPU/OS will support. Ask for help If you need assistance determining this.
- FreeBSD users should know how to handle simple executables. No installers are included.

Which version to choose for your Mac ?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CPU/MacOSX-------|<=10.3----|---10.4---|---10.5=>-|
----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Core Duo------------|---none-----|----32-----|----32-------|
----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Core2 Duo----------|---none-----|----32-----|-32-or-64--|
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

- OSX packages contain a simple installer script (adapted of original by Dotsch). More complete installer packages are available by Arkayn HERE

Known issues:

- You can’t start a AP wu with one of the OSX apps (e.g. 10.5+) and restart/continue with the other (e.g. 10.4+). The intermediate files are NOT binary compatible.
- In OSX, when updating/switching to new executables, a message will appear that some permissions around BOINC are not correct and it won’t run or restart. Re-installing BOINC with the same version fixes the issue and will not harm work or data.
- There is no support for CPUs below SSE2 capability
- Borderline OC'ers be aware that you may need to back off to maintain stability, the increased throughput of this application will stress all system components more.
- As Always, use these apps AT YOUR OWN RISK.

And most Importantly of all:
Thanks to Urs Echternacht for updated source improvements and porting to FreeBSD and OSX, derived from original r112 by Crunch3r, Jason G & Raistmer.

Special thanks once again go to zvonas for motivating the FreeBSD builds, Arkayn and Gecko for OSX alpha testing & all the Lunatics members who performed final Beta testing, for their expertise, input & assistance.

To all of you we value your input and would like to hear from you at Lunatics'

Regards,
The Lunatics Team

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[Announcements] CPU/ATI GPU hybrid AstroPulse_v5.05 5.05 r280 for Windows by Gecko

07 Nov 2009, 10:00:22 am

HYBRID ATI GPU/CPU Optimized AstroPulse_v505 5.05 for Windows OS (r280)

Two editions available now at Hybrid ATI GPU/CPU AstroPulse for Windows Public Downloads area

Hi Everyone,

A SETI@Home AstroPulse optimized application for Windows has been released for use w/ HYBRID ATI GPU and CPU hardware.

This build uses ATI GPU as coprocessor to perform some part of AstroPulse algorithm on GPU instead of CPU. This will free CPU for other tasks.

Here are individual links for all the initial release builds:

HYBRID ATI/CPU AstroPulse_v505 5.05 for Windows r280 Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel & AMD CPUs with SSE3 capability & ATI Graphics Card, running Windows OS.

1 - Windows AstroPulse_v505, v5.05 SSE3(r280) (ATI GPU + INTEL/AMD)

HYBRID ATI/CPU AstroPulse_v505 5.05 for Windows r280_NO_DOUBLE Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel & AMD CPUs with SSE3 capability & ATI Graphics Card, running Windows OS.

2 - Windows AstroPulse_v505, v5.05 SSE3_NO_DOUBLE(r280) (ATI GPU + INTEL/AMD)

Build source is located HERE

VERY IMPORTANT!!! Note that correct install of these applications requires ADVANCED SKILLS.

A customized app_info.xml file WILL need to be properly created. Done incorrectly, you may trash your work unit cache and or not be able to receive work.

For better use of hardware resources I recommend to use this app as addition to opt CPU SETI MB app (AKv8b) and to take participation into some other project that can make use of ATI GPUs like MilkyWay.
Currently it’s possible to run up to 2 app instances per GPU.
For a quad with 2 ATI GPUs installed it’s possible to run 4 SETI CPU MB + 4 SETI hybrid AP tasks at once.

Catalyst 9.x drivers required.
List of supported GPUs one can see here:
http://developer.amd.com/gpu/ATIStreamSDK/pages/ATIStreamSystemRequirements.aspx#cards

Please, take note that NO_DOUBLE modification should be used for GPUs w/o double precision support.

Approximate app_info.xml section that could be used to run this app on SETI project:

Code:

<app>
<name>astropulse_v505</name>
</app>
<file_info>
<name>ap_5.05_win_x86_SSE3_BROOK_r280.exe</name>
<executable/>
</file_info>
<app_version>
<app_name>astropulse_v505</app_name>
<version_num>505</version_num>
<avg_ncpus>0.1</avg_ncpus>
<max_ncpus>1</max_ncpus>
<coproc>
<type>ATI</type>
<count>0.01</count>
</coproc>
<file_ref>
<file_name>ap_5.05_win_x86_SSE3_BROOK_r280.exe</file_name>
<main_program/>
</file_ref>
</app_version>

Please, edit <max/avg_ncpus> and <count> tags values as appropriate for your config.
This example taken from host that runs 4 SETI CPU MB + 2 SETI hybrid AP + 2 Milkyway ATI GPU opt app v20.
Corresponding <count> value for MW project is 0.48

- As mentioned above, You WILL need to edit or create an appropriate app_info.xml file if you run any combination of Astropulse, or Multi-beam applications.
- Ensure you choose a build that your CPU/OS will support. Ask for help If you need assistance determining this.
- Ensure Boinc & seti@Home applications are already properly functioning on your machine, read carefully the documentation readmes and installation instructions.
Known issues:
- There is no support for CPUs below SSE3 capability
- Borderline OC'ers be aware that you may need to back off to maintain stability, the increased throughput of this application will stress all system components more.
- As Always, use these apps AT YOUR OWN RISK.

And most Importantly of all:
Thanks to Raistmer for introducing a new ATI GPU-compatible optimized application.

Special thanks go to Jason G and Josef W. Segur for app features, algorithm discussions and useful hints, alpha testers: Arnulf, arkayn, heinz and Urs Echternacht for early spot of some app issues and useful comments about app behaviour, Gipsel for sharing some MW design approaches about sharing GPU between apps and all beta testers who tried app usability on their hosts.

To all of you we value your input and would like to hear from you at Lunatics'

Regards,
The Lunatics Team

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[Announcements] Optimized Astropulse v5.06 - r168 for Linux by Gecko

18 Sep 2009, 12:19:40 am

Optimized AstroPulse_v505 5.06 for Linux 64 & 32 Bit OS
Updated 9.17.09 w/ new Application_v505 5.06 & revision r168

Five Linux OS specific editions available now at Lunatics AstroPulse for Linux Public Downloads area

Hi Everyone,

A SETI@Home AstroPulse optimized application for Linux has been released.

This release offers significantly improved performance for SSE, SSE2 & SSE3 capable computers running 64 and 32 Bit versions of Linux.
Here are individual links for all the initial release builds:

Linux 64 Bit Science App:

Linux 64 Bit SSE3 Intel/AMD Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel & AMD CPUs, running 64 bit Linux that have SSE3 capability.

1 - Linux 64 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE3(r168) (INTEL/AMD)

Linux 64 Bit SSE2 Intel/AMD Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel & AMD CPUs, running 64 bit Linux that have SSE2 capability.

2 - Linux 64 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE2(r168) (INTEL/AMD)

Linux 32 Bit Science App:

Linux 32 Bit Intel/AMD Compatible Science App:
Intended for Intel & AMD CPUs, running 32 bit Linux that have SSE, SSE2 or SSE3 capability.

1 - Linux 32 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE3(r168) (INTEL/AMD)

2 - Linux 32 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE2(r168) (INTEL/AMD)

3 - Linux 32 bit AstroPulse_v505, v5.06 SSE(r168) (INTEL/AMD)

Build source is located HERE

VERY IMPORTANT!!! Note that correct install of these applications requires ADVANCED SKILLS.

A customized app_info.xml file WILL need to be properly created and edited if you also run a version of the S@H multi beam application and or CUDA MB application (see below "issues & warnings"). Done incorrectly, you may trash your work unit cache and or not be able to receive work.

There will be some known issues and warnings to be aware of:

- Warning for Ubuntu 9.04 (and derivatives) with kernel versions 2.6.28 and newer. Please watch the first ~dozend AP wus you crunch with these apps closely for errors saying : Segmentation Violation or Error 11. If you see such errors please do not use the optimized applications. You will not get credit for your work, because of these errors.
The only known solution for this problem is to change to an earlier kernel version than 2.6.28.

- As mentioned above, You WILL need to edit or create an appropriate app_info.xml file if you run any combination of Astropulse, Multi-beam, and CUDA MB applications.
- Ensure you choose a build that your CPU/OS will support. Ask for help If you need assistance determining this.
- Ensure Boinc & seti@Home applications are already properly functioning on your machine, read carefully the documentation readmes and installation instructions.
Known issues:
- There is no support for CPUs below SSE capability
- Borderline OC'ers be aware that you may need to back off to maintain stability, the increased throughput of this application will stress all system components more.
- As Always, use these apps AT YOUR OWN RISK.

And most Importantly of all:
Thanks to Urs Echternacht for his Linux port of r168 by Jason G & Raistmer!!!

Special thanks once again go to Josef W. Segur, Sunu, the Alpha Testers, & all the Lunatics members who performed final Beta testing for their expertise, input & assistance.

To all of you we value your input and would like to hear from you at Lunatics'

Regards,
The Lunatics Team

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[Announcements] Beta Testing of AstroPulse 5.06 for 64bit and 32bit Linux by Gecko

30 Aug 2009, 04:53:06 pm

Beta Testing of AstroPulse 5.06 for 64bit and 32bit Linux

Hello!

[updated by Gecko] A Public Beta Test of AstroPulse 5.06 for 64bit and 32bit Linux is available to Squires + in the Public Beta Release Applications section of the Downloads area.

There is one build for Astropulse v5.06 for 64bit linux and sse3 capable CPUs and another especially made for AMD64 SSE2 CPUs for download available. This is for Beta test only, on SaH/AP beta.
Update: Three more linux applications for 32bit have been added to the Public Release Beta Test Download section. Please consider a test at SaH/AP beta.

As its unclear how (un)available work is on main, it would be better to start in a smaller circle at beta project for the moment.
AP5.06 work should be available in a limited amount on beta project. Please don't forget to revert back to stock beta application after testing.

Do not count on that these are 'release' packages, as they may have hidden issues (or not).

NOT FOR RELEASE. Not Intended for distribution or use on main.

Please if you're attached to beta project, consider thorough testing of this build there, and report issues here.

Thanks, Urs

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[Announcements] Lunatics Unified Installer for Windows v0.2 by Gecko

16 Jul 2009, 06:03:11 pm

Lunatics Unified Installer for Windows v0.2
Three Windows OS specific editions available now at Lunatics Windows Public Downloads area

This release is designed to install optimised Seti@Home applications on your Windows PC, that already has Boinc installed, is attached to, and is processing work for the Seti@Home project.

[WARNING - drain cache first, recommend detach/reattach as effective release of tasks prior to installation] Added 30th November 2009

These installers are specifically designed to minimise the effort, confusion and difficulty sometimes encountered with installing Lunatics' third party optimised applications for Seti@Home, while not impeding further customisation & enhancements.

Choose From 3 editions, a short summary of features is below. Please see the Readme/FAQ at our site for further information that will be progressively extended.

Common Features:
- Astropulse_v505 5.05r168 in SSE or SSE3 variants.
- Multibeam 6.03, AKv8b applications, SSE upwards (Minor cosmetic updates over AKv8)
- nVidia Cuda enabled Multibeam 6.08 V12 VLarKill (Win32 & Win64 only, with supported nVidia GPUs only.)

Win32 edition features:
- For 32 bit versions of Windows, from Windows 2000 upwards.
- SSE or Higher CPUs
Win64 edition features:
- For 64 Bit Windows Editions
- SSE3 or Higher INTEL/AMD
- Now includes a 32 bit build of Multibeam that proved faster on AMD cpus with SSE3 support
Win98me edition features:
- For Windows 98, and Windows Millenium edition.
- Installs Multibeam 6.03(CPU) and Astropulse applications

Special nVidia Cuda Multibeam (V12 VLARKill) Build Notes:
- Updated Cuda libraries to v2.2
- Requires nVidia display driver version 185.85(or higher)
- Requires 220MiB+ AVAILABLE video RAM.
- General improved performance with reduced startup time over V11
- A V12 build without VLARKill feature is available via our downloads page, FOR ADVANCED USERS that know exactly what they're getting themselves into. Most Lunatics use and recommend the use of the evolving 'rebranding' tools to move tasks from GPU to CPU, and hope these tools, and application improvements with respect to the handling of 'very low angle range' tasks, will improve for inclusion in future installer releases.

Lastly, there are many people responsible in the development and testing of this new tool, but the vision & main development is owed to Jason G. A special thanks for the continued dedication of Richard Haselgrove, Josef W. Segur, Raistmer and the Alpha Testing Team.
AND.....a big welcome and THANK YOU to the inaugural group of Lunatics member Beta Testers that pitched-in and helped to test multiple installation needs on a variety of platforms. Their testing greatly expedited the trouble-shooting process that allows this release.

Lunatics welcomes your comments and suggestions as to current ease, difficulty, functionality, and suggested improvements for future versions.
Please feel free to post here on the boards or @ Seti Main Number Crunching board.

Thanks,

Lunatics Team

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[Announcements] Optimized Astropulse v5.05 - r168 for Windows (transitional package) by Gecko

16 Jul 2009, 11:30:24 am

Optimized AstroPulse 5.05 for Windows Updated 7.15.09 w/ new Application 5.05 version & revision r168

This is a REQUIRED UPGRADE if you are currently running optimized application 5.03 r112

Hi Everyone,

A SETI@Home AstroPulse optimized application UPDATE has been released.

This release offers significantly improved performance for SSE & SSE3 capable (or Higher) PC's running Windows.

Here are individual links for all the initial release builds:

Windows AP_v5.05 SSE3 Science App (transitional package):
Intended for Intel & AMD CPUs, running Windows that have a minimum of SSE3 capability.

1 - Windows 32 bit AstroPulse v5.05 + v5.03 SSE3 (INTEL/AMD) (transitional package)

Windows AP_v5.05 SSE Science App (transitional package):
Intended for Intel & AMD CPUs, running Windows that have a minimum of SSE capability

2 - Windows 32 bit AstroPulse v5.05 + v5.03 SSE (INTEL/AMD) (transitional package)

Build source is located HERE

VERY IMPORTANT!!! Note that correct install of these applications may require ADVANCED SKILLS.

A customized app_info.xml file WILL need to be properly created and edited if you also run a version of the S@H multi beam application and or CUDA MB application (see below "issues & warnings"). Done incorrectly, you may trash your work unit cache and or not be able to receive work. If you are not very comfortable and familiar with writing app_info.xml files, you should use the Lunatics' Unified Installer v0.2!!!

There will be some known issues and warnings to be aware of:

- As mentioned above, You WILL need to edit or create an appropriate app_info.xml file if you run any combination of Astropulse, Multi-beam, and CUDA MB applications.
- Ensure you choose a build that your CPU/OS will support. Ask for help If you need assistance determining this.
- Ensure Boinc & seti@Home applications are already properly functioning on your machine, read carefully the documentation readmes and installation instructions.
Known issues:
- There is no support for CPUs below SSE capability
- Borderline OC'ers be aware that you may need to back off to maintain stability, the increased throughput of this application will stress all system components more.
- As Always, use these apps AT YOUR OWN RISK.

And most Importantly of all:
Thanks to, Raistmer & Jason G for continuing their efforts!!!

Special thanks once again go to Josef W. Segur & Richard Haselgrove and the Alpha Testers for their expertise, input & meticulous testing of the development builds.

To all of you we value your input and would like to hear from you at Lunatics'

Regards,
Gecko

0 Comments | Reply

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