Use your NVIDIA 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.

NVIDIA (a leading GPU manufacturer) has developed a system called CUDA that uses GPUs for scientific computing. With NVIDIA's assistance, some BOINC-based projects have applications that run on NVIDIA GPUs using CUDA. 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:

(Note: CUDA apps are supported only on Windows and Linux; Mac OS X support is coming soon.)

1) Check whether your computer has a CUDA-capable GPU

CUDA programs work on most newer NVIDIA GPUs. To find out if your GPU is compatible:

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.
Check NVIDIA's list of CUDA-enabled products. If your GPU is listed here and has at least 256MB of RAM, it's compatible.

2) Get the latest BOINC software

Download and install version 6.4.5 or later of the BOINC software.

3) Get the latest NVIDIA driver

Run BOINC, and look at the Messages. If BOINC reports a CUDA device, your current driver is OK. Otherwise download and install the latest driver (a reboot will be required).

You're done! Now start up BOINC, and soon you'll be racking up big credit numbers.

Projects with CUDA applications:

Of course, you can attach to other projects too; BOINC will keep both your CPU and GPU busy.

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Last modified 11:17 PM UTC, December 18 2008.
Copyright © 2008 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.