Perhaps at some stage the present task allocation and reporting system could be developed to incorporate the ability to use partially completed (failed) tasks?
For example, if a task fails after 3h, perhaps the data up to the failure point could be made useful and the resend could start slightly before the failure point (with some overlap for confirmation).
Such a system may not be feasible, due to server overhead or programming requirements, but if it could be done it would be a massive boost to crunchers and retain the services of many would be defunct CC1.1 cards, as well as deal with the random/inconspicuous errors that occur.
This has been eluded to in the past (trickle feed results for example), but I think the failed results could just be uploaded, if this approach was doable. Obviously if a task failed within a few minutes a full resend would be required, but after several hours it could really start to help.

It's just a series of calculation, so I don't think so; it does not matter which calculator you use, just that you start from the correct palce. So it may be possible to pick it up from the last checkpoint.
If for example 42% of a task runs before failing, send the results back to the server, repackage say the last 60% and reissue the task (from just before the failure point). That way there would be a 2% overlap, rather than 42% wasted runtime. Also the task could fail again at the same place, so it would be better not to crunch the first 42% again. That would be 84% of the time to crunch one task wasted, in total. When a task fails at around 99% its a big loss. If it has to start from scratch again and then fails at the same place, its a double blow.

A 8500GT is too slow; 16 shaders is not enough, especially for a Compute Capable 1.1 card.
9800GTX+ may work, but there are two types; the older 65nm version and a 55nm version. Even with the 55nm version you are likely to get the odd error every now and then. These are usually due to driver bugs, and GPUGrid can do little about them (either NVidia fixes them or they don't). Sometimes the card is just not up to the task; it has degraded (been badly overclocked, ran too hot for too long, or used a poor power suply), but if you have one you could try it.

My general opinion is that if you want to crunch, sell your old components on and get new ones. A GTX480 would make a significant contribution here.

I hope you are using swan_sync = 0 for your GTX470, and you leave a CPU core free (especially if the GTX480 ends up in the same system). Also hope you have raised the fan speed, to keep the card cooler; doing so lengthens the life expectancy and slightly reduces power consumption.

Thanks and good luck,

Thanks,
____________
FAQ's

HOW TO:
- Opt out of Beta Tests
- Ask for Help

Perhaps at some stage the present task allocation and reporting system could be developed to incorporate the ability to use partially completed (failed) tasks?

Anyway, the new failure recovery should take care of most situations which the initial suggestion targeted. The main difference is that now the original host itself tries again from the last checkpoint, instead of another host as suggested.

That doesn't help if the original host is in a strange state and fails again, where another host would have completed the task. In this case the x% already done are gone. But I don't think it would be straight forward to reuse them anyway, without considering the post-processing, because simulations might rightfully fail (not the hosts fault) or the last checkpoint might be corrupted.. I don't expect this to be easily distinguishable.

MrS
____________
Scanning for our furry friends since Jan 2002