Competition - Win a Sapphire Radeon HD 3850 - bit-tech.net Forums

Sifter3000 · 23rd Apr 2009, 12:28

Originally posted by PlasmaBomb

Fancy winning some new kit?

Custom PC is currently running a competition whereby one lucky person each month could Win a Saphire HD 3850 graphics card.

So you ask how do I enter this competition and win some shiny new hardware?

Well all you have to do is complete one work unit for FAH to enter the lucky dip.

Don't know what FAH is? Don't worry I will give a brief explanation.

The human body makes at least 50,000 different proteins, and possibly twice that many. They are the essential working parts of living matter.

Proteins are polymers made up from amino acids and when they are made they are initially linear molecules. However they then fold from a complex 3D structure and each protein has a particular shape and function. The shapes and functions, in fact, are inextricably linked.

Sometimes however these clever little molecules don't fold correctly, and this can result is serious consequences. Improperly formed proteins are linked to a number of diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gherig's disease, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, better known as mad-cow disease.

Still don’t get what this has to do with computers and winning kit?

Well understanding how and why these proteins mis-fold could lead to cures for certain of these diseases. However even small proteins are large molecules containing hundreds of atoms, as a result of this the calculations required to simulate a protein folding are very complicated. In fact, it takes about a day to simulate a nanosecond (1/1,000,000,000 of a second). Unfortunately, proteins fold on the tens of microsecond timescale (10,000 nanoseconds). Thus, it would take 10,000 CPU days to simulate folding -- i.e. it would take 30 CPU years! That's a long time to wait for one result!

As a result of this the Pande group (at Stanford) breaks the total computations into small chunks called work units. Work units are assigned to computers that join folding@home. When the computer is idle, it does computations in the background. When the work unit is completed and internet connection is established the results are sent to a data base at Stanford servers. Researchers can access these data bases and extract valuable information. Unlike other distributed computing projects, Folding@home is run by an academic institution which is a nonprofit institution dedicated to science research and education. Who do not sell the data or make any money off of it.

For each of the Work Units (WU) you return you receive a credit based on the length of time it takes for the WU to be completed on a test machine.

People often join groups and engage in a little bit of friendly competition either between different groups or within the group.

To find out more information about FAH
http://folding.stanford.edu/index.html

For frequently asked questions
http://www.stanford.edu/group/pandeg...lding/faq.html
http://fahwiki.net/index.php/FAQ

To download the software required to partake in FAH
http://folding.stanford.edu/download.html

The graphical client provides a pretty graphical representation of the protein that the computer is folding on, whereas the no-nonsense console is text only and causes minimal fuss. It is possible to run it whilst playing your favourite game or doing work (see the FAQs for more information).

If you have any further questions feel free to drop into the FAH forum.

We really are a friendly bunch and if you decide to take up the FAH challenge drop by and say hi!

Sifter3000 · 23rd Apr 2009, 12:30

Originally posted by jg_tech_ed

Its a monthly competition, so one reader who contributes to the folding team will win a graphics card every issue. The winner will be announced in the mag on the folding stats page.

von_stylon · 23rd Apr 2009, 15:22

wish i could my 8800 gtx is on RMA @ dabs lucky its still under warrenty gotta wait 6 weeks though :'( soooooooo bored right now!

Rkiver · 23rd Apr 2009, 15:24

This may be a dated question, but hell I'll ask it.

Why of all the cards offered is it one that isn't a decent folder?

kenco_uk · 23rd Apr 2009, 16:03

Do we have to be in a specific team for an entry to count, as I'm already folding for bit-tech?

500mph · 23rd Apr 2009, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenco_uk

Do we have to be in a specific team for an entry to count, as I'm already folding for bit-tech?

+1
I have worked up a few points on the bit-tech team, but I would consider joining the bit/custom team.

Lizard · 23rd Apr 2009, 17:15

Yes, the competition is only for the official Custom PC & bit-tech folding team, number 35947. If it's any incentive we're currently trying to negotiate a more desirable prize, details to be revealed soon.

roblikesbeer · 23rd Apr 2009, 21:03

I forgot about this compettition, thought it was a dead thread on the old forum as the prize was so old... (I have a 3850 AGP card!)

/edit - which I'm folding on!

1Razor · 24th Apr 2009, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sifter3000

Originally posted by PlasmaBombWell all you have to do is complete one work unit for FAH to enter the lucky dip.

Alex, is there ANY user input req'd? Or is a winner selected automatically by the team from the list of users?

Taffy · 24th Apr 2009, 21:05

I,m aso folding on a 3850 AGP, amd it works OK but have a GTX 275 in the pipeline, that prize is nearly as old as Me

btw these smilies are not as good as the old CPC ones

Lankuzo · 24th Apr 2009, 22:14

i think for some folders if they stopped folding for a week they could afford to buy one of these with the leccy bill menoy they would have saved. Not a bad card tough for something basic.

A new 9600gso would be alot better prize though

DocJonz · 26th Apr 2009, 07:48

I have to agree, an updated GPU is LONG overdue. So I'm looking forward to something more impressive being on offer for the avid Folders in Issue 70 of CPC .... hopefully

saspro · 27th Apr 2009, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocJonz

I have to agree, an updated GPU is LONG overdue. So I'm looking forward to something more impressive being on offer for the avid Folders in Issue 70 of CPC .... hopefully

I see your issue 70

and raise you a

Teq · 28th Apr 2009, 13:37

Anyone know if I made it into the mag this month? Bloody thing still hasn't arrived

vincentnone · 10th May 2009, 14:15

I already run it day and night, I might enter, it's not like my team gives me anything for it, but my morals might come in to question if I win.

Digitalize- · 10th May 2009, 15:17

Agree that a 9600 Should be the prize, as its a much better folder.

Off to the Folding Forum to ask some Q's now :P

Teq · 13th May 2009, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sifter3000

Originally posted by jg_tech_ed

Its a monthly competition, so one reader who contributes to the folding team will win a graphics card every issue. The winner will be announced in the mag on the folding stats page.

No idea who won last month my mag didn't arrive in the post :/

Sifter3000 · 13th May 2009, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teq

No idea who won last month my mag didn't arrive in the post :/

Hit up www.subsinfo.co.uk and they'll send a free replacement

jamir12 · 15th Aug 2009, 04:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sifter3000

Hit up www.subsinfo.co.uk and they'll send a free replacement

wish i could my 8800 gtx is on RMA @ dabs lucky its still under warrenty gotta wait 6 weeks though :'( soooooooo bored right now!

23rd Apr 2009, 12:28	#1
Sifter3000 Editor @ CPC bit-tech Staff Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The South Sea Bubble Posts: 760	Competition - Win a Sapphire Radeon HD 3850 Originally posted by PlasmaBomb Fancy winning some new kit? Custom PC is currently running a competition whereby one lucky person each month could Win a Saphire HD 3850 graphics card. So you ask how do I enter this competition and win some shiny new hardware? Well all you have to do is complete one work unit for FAH to enter the lucky dip. Don't know what FAH is? Don't worry I will give a brief explanation. The human body makes at least 50,000 different proteins, and possibly twice that many. They are the essential working parts of living matter. Proteins are polymers made up from amino acids and when they are made they are initially linear molecules. However they then fold from a complex 3D structure and each protein has a particular shape and function. The shapes and functions, in fact, are inextricably linked. Sometimes however these clever little molecules don't fold correctly, and this can result is serious consequences. Improperly formed proteins are linked to a number of diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gherig's disease, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, better known as mad-cow disease. Still don’t get what this has to do with computers and winning kit? Well understanding how and why these proteins mis-fold could lead to cures for certain of these diseases. However even small proteins are large molecules containing hundreds of atoms, as a result of this the calculations required to simulate a protein folding are very complicated. In fact, it takes about a day to simulate a nanosecond (1/1,000,000,000 of a second). Unfortunately, proteins fold on the tens of microsecond timescale (10,000 nanoseconds). Thus, it would take 10,000 CPU days to simulate folding -- i.e. it would take 30 CPU years! That's a long time to wait for one result! As a result of this the Pande group (at Stanford) breaks the total computations into small chunks called work units. Work units are assigned to computers that join folding@home. When the computer is idle, it does computations in the background. When the work unit is completed and internet connection is established the results are sent to a data base at Stanford servers. Researchers can access these data bases and extract valuable information. Unlike other distributed computing projects, Folding@home is run by an academic institution which is a nonprofit institution dedicated to science research and education. Who do not sell the data or make any money off of it. For each of the Work Units (WU) you return you receive a credit based on the length of time it takes for the WU to be completed on a test machine. People often join groups and engage in a little bit of friendly competition either between different groups or within the group. To find out more information about FAH http://folding.stanford.edu/index.html For frequently asked questions http://www.stanford.edu/group/pandeg...lding/faq.html http://fahwiki.net/index.php/FAQ To download the software required to partake in FAH http://folding.stanford.edu/download.html The graphical client provides a pretty graphical representation of the protein that the computer is folding on, whereas the no-nonsense console is text only and causes minimal fuss. It is possible to run it whilst playing your favourite game or doing work (see the FAQs for more information). If you have any further questions feel free to drop into the FAH forum. We really are a friendly bunch and if you decide to take up the FAH challenge drop by and say hi! __________________ Alex Watson. CPC and bit-tech. My weblog is The Wired Jester. Photos on Flickr.

23rd Apr 2009, 12:30	#2
Sifter3000 Editor @ CPC bit-tech Staff Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The South Sea Bubble Posts: 760	Originally posted by jg_tech_ed Its a monthly competition, so one reader who contributes to the folding team will win a graphics card every issue. The winner will be announced in the mag on the folding stats page. __________________ Alex Watson. CPC and bit-tech. My weblog is The Wired Jester. Photos on Flickr.

23rd Apr 2009, 16:03	#5
kenco_uk I feel your presents. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bourne, Lincolnshire, UK Posts: 6,303	Do we have to be in a specific team for an entry to count, as I'm already folding for bit-tech? __________________ MSI X58M - i7 920 4Ghz - 6GB Corsair - GTX260 648/2520 ::: Vote for bit-tech T - theevilelephant - "it sounded like bouncing around on a pogo stick, screaming in chinese while occasionally throwing a cat at a door."

23rd Apr 2009, 17:15	#7
Lizard Addicted to upgrades Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 379	Yes, the competition is only for the official Custom PC & bit-tech folding team, number 35947. If it's any incentive we're currently trying to negotiate a more desirable prize, details to be revealed soon. __________________ James Gorbold CPC Deputy Editor Folding/Gaming as Lizard More power, we need more power Join the Custom PC/Bit-tech Folding Team (#35947)

23rd Apr 2009, 21:03	#8
roblikesbeer <-Q-> Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: That London Posts: 201	I forgot about this compettition, thought it was a dead thread on the old forum as the prize was so old... (I have a 3850 AGP card!) /edit - which I'm folding on! Last edited by roblikesbeer; 24th Apr 2009 at 20:37. Reason: I'm a slow folder.

23rd Apr 2009, 15:22	#3
von_stylon uber micro Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: London Posts: 10	wish i could my 8800 gtx is on RMA @ dabs lucky its still under warrenty gotta wait 6 weeks though :'( soooooooo bored right now!

23rd Apr 2009, 15:24	#4
Rkiver Cybernetic Spine Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 660	This may be a dated question, but hell I'll ask it. Why of all the cards offered is it one that isn't a decent folder?

24th Apr 2009, 21:05	#10
Taffy Ancient Folder Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Exiled in Staffordshire Posts: 240	I,m aso folding on a 3850 AGP, amd it works OK but have a GTX 275 in the pipeline, that prize is nearly as old as Me btw these smilies are not as good as the old CPC ones

24th Apr 2009, 22:14	#11
Lankuzo CPC Refugee Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Harleston Posts: 143	i think for some folders if they stopped folding for a week they could afford to buy one of these with the leccy bill menoy they would have saved. Not a bad card tough for something basic. A new 9600gso would be alot better prize though

26th Apr 2009, 07:48	#12
DocJonz Another CPC refugee ..... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North West, UK Posts: 136	I have to agree, an updated GPU is LONG overdue. So I'm looking forward to something more impressive being on offer for the avid Folders in Issue 70 of CPC .... hopefully

28th Apr 2009, 13:37	#14
Teq 69 Dude!! Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 69	Anyone know if I made it into the mag this month? Bloody thing still hasn't arrived

10th May 2009, 14:15	#15
vincentnone enthusiast or fanboy? Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Virtual Reality Posts: 56	I already run it day and night, I might enter, it's not like my team gives me anything for it, but my morals might come in to question if I win. __________________ Movies depend on your willful suspension of disbelief according to your current perception of reality. Extremes are capable of breaking that suspension and thus movies can not compare to video games. Where a game relies on you altering your perception of reality all together so that no extreme will remove you from the experience, and on the contrary it will usually pull you in further.

10th May 2009, 15:17	#16
Digitalize- Hypermodder Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dorset, United Kingdom Posts: 883	Agree that a 9600 Should be the prize, as its a much better folder. Off to the Folding Forum to ask some Q's now :P __________________ E7400 @ 4Ghz - Palit GTX275 - 4Gb Corsair Twin2X 1066 - Asus P5Q Pro - Antec 300 - OCZ StealthXStream 600w