GPU-powered Prime95 on the horizon?

ixfd64 · 2010-02-12, 04:56

For a long time, GPUs were considered to be impractical for GIMPS. They used single precision, while Prime95 needed double precision. Although it was possible to emulate double precision using single precision, this was less than 15% efficient.

However, times are changing. An increasing number of graphics cards are supporting double precision, many of which are built with GPGPU in mind. Some people have also found out how to run GIMPS-related code on GPUs. For example, msft ported an LL-testing package to CUDA, while TheJudger developed a CUDA-powered siever.

Does this mean that Prime95 will be able to utilize GPUs in the near future?

Uncwilly · 2010-02-12, 05:48

I think George will let others work on GPU's. Any GIMPS supporting programs for GPU will not be called Prime95, just like the are other programs that aren't Prime95.

henryzz · 2010-02-12, 07:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

I think George will let others work on GPU's. Any GIMPS supporting programs for GPU will not be called Prime95, just like the are other programs that aren't Prime95.

It probably depends i would guess on whether adding support for GPU's in Prime95 would increase throughput much.

2010-02-12, 04:56	#1
ixfd64 Bemusing Prompter "Danny" Dec 2002 California 100100111101₂ Posts	GPU-powered Prime95 on the horizon? For a long time, GPUs were considered to be impractical for GIMPS. They used single precision, while Prime95 needed double precision. Although it was possible to emulate double precision using single precision, this was less than 15% efficient. However, times are changing. An increasing number of graphics cards are supporting double precision, many of which are built with GPGPU in mind. Some people have also found out how to run GIMPS-related code on GPUs. For example, msft ported an LL-testing package to CUDA, while TheJudger developed a CUDA-powered siever. Does this mean that Prime95 will be able to utilize GPUs in the near future?

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2010-02-12, 05:48	#2
Uncwilly 6809 > 6502 """"""""""""""""""" Aug 2003 101×103 Posts 9356₁₀ Posts	I think George will let others work on GPU's. Any GIMPS supporting programs for GPU will not be called Prime95, just like the are other programs that aren't Prime95.