Use your GPU for scientific computing

Most computers are equipped with a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) that handles their graphical output, including the 3-D animated graphics used in computer games. The computing power of GPUs has increased rapidly, and they are now often much faster than the computer's main processor, or CPU.

Some BOINC-based projects have applications that run on GPUs. These applications run from 2X to 10X faster than the CPU-only version. We urge BOINC participants to use them if possible. Just follow these instructions:

1) Check whether your computer has a capable GPU

Identify the model name of your GPU. On Windows, right-click on your desktop, and select Properties / Settings / Advanced / Adapter. Note the Adapter Type and Memory Size.
To find out if your NVIDIA GPU is compatible: check NVIDIA's list of CUDA-enabled products. If your GPU is listed here and has at least 256MB of RAM, it's compatible.
ATI GPUs: you need a platform based on the AMD R600 GPU or later. R600 and newer GPUs are found with ATI Radeon HD2400, HD2600, HD2900 and HD3800 graphics board. A full list is here.

2) Get the latest BOINC software

Download and install version 6.6.36 or later of the BOINC software.
ATI GPUs: you'll need 6.10.3 or later.

3) Get the latest driver

Run BOINC, and look at the Messages. If BOINC reports a GPU, your current driver is OK. Otherwise

4) Attach to projects with GPU applications

Projects with NVIDIA applications:

Projects with ATI applications:

Collatz Conjecture
Milkyway@home (coming soon)

You're done! Soon you'll be racking up big credit numbers. Of course, you can attach to other projects too; BOINC will keep both your CPU and GPU busy.

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Last modified 3:14 PM UTC, November 13 2009.
Copyright © 2009 University of California. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation.