The Folding@home (FAH) client typically runs well using the default settings for most people. However, the client can be configured or customized in different ways. For example, one may choose the amount of computing resources donated to FAH, or change when to download the next work unit.
The v6 client was customized using command line switches (i.e. -flags). Â The latest FAH software (V7) has an improved graphical interface that offers a lot of configuration flexibility, but it also supports command line switches. Configuration changes, including switches, can have a significant impact on the FAH client, good or bad, so only make a change when absolutely sure of what the change will do. Â It is always better to read the FAQs and understand the settings than to crash the client with experimentation and corrupt work units which loses points.
V7 was designed to utilize multiple CPU cores with a multi-cored CPU slot (formerly SMP slot) and a GPU slot for each supported GPU. This configuration uses a lot more resources compared to using just a single CPU core. While CPU and GPU folding are much more scientifically productive compared to their single core CPU slot counterpart, they should not be run on machines which cannot tolerate heavy use. If FAH is using too much resources, please adjust the slot configurations to suit the computing needs. See the suggestions below. See also the Installation Guides for basic setup instructions. And help is always available on the Folding Support Forum.
Note: When participating in FAH, these “buttons and levers” at the client level can be used to adjust the contribution level. Many donors find that tuning the client and their machine configuration can sometimes optimize their contribution. Please use only the controls provided by the client and the operating system; do not modify the cores or FAH data in any way. Doing so is the equivalent of providing a tainted donation. When tainted donations are detected, awarded points may be zeroed, further donations blocked by the Servers, and/or additional actions taken to correct the situation. We greatly appreciate the contributions to Folding@home; please do not devalue the collective works by undermining the scientific results.