Before releasing any new project (series of Work Units), it is benchmarked on a dedicated machine and assigned a points value (please see the New Points FAQ on specific details). The points for your system are relative to this benchmark machine; a faster system will get proportionately more points. This determines the “base points” awarded at the completion of the Work Unit. This base points system is consistent across all of our platforms.
Points from the Quick Return Bonus (QRB) are often added on top of the base points. A major part of the scientific benefit is dependent on rapid turnaround of Work Units, so we need to have results returned quickly and reliably. Thus, we assign short deadlines for SMP work units, and we’ve implemented a non-linear function into the QRB. This gives an extra award to donors who rapidly return Work Units on a consistent basis. To qualify for this bonus, you need a passkey, complete ten Work Units, and then maintain an 80% successful return rate. See the New Points FAQ and the Passkey FAQ for more information.