GIMPS on PS3
 

In regards to running either MPrime or Prime95 on a PS3:
You can choose the "Install Other OS" option and install YellowDog Linux on the PS3. Then, you can install MPrime. And it should work. I will try it this weekend (or the next) and will let you guys know if it will work. The purpose of this thread is so that I and others can post their results on here to confirm what is the best way to do this on a PS3. It will be great if we can make it work since the Cell processor is extremely fast!

[url]http://www.mersenneforum.org/showthread.php?t=10275[/url]

[quote=Mini-Geek;158335][URL]http://www.mersenneforum.org/showthread.php?t=10275[/URL][/quote]
I am aware of the existence of this thread; however, in that thread, they are trying to NATIVELY run GIMPS on a PS3. I am not trying to do that. I am running Linux on a PS3 then running Mprime (thus, I can hopefully use the most of my CPU power).

Mprime is x86 specific. Success with Mlucas or Glucas is more likely, but not guaranteed.

[quote=sdbardwick;158338]Mprime is x86 specific. Success with Mlucas or Glucas is more likely, but not guaranteed.[/quote]
I realize that but I'll try just to see what happens... Are Mlucas or Glucas supported by the GIMPS project (I hear they run only for SPARC processors).

[QUOTE=flouran;158337]NATIVELY run GIMPS on a PS3.[/QUOTE]
GIMPS is a project, mprime is a program, as are M/Glucas. If you are hosting the server, you might be running GIMPS on a PS3. If you are using the PS3 to run one of the above programs, your aren't.
[quote]Are Mlucas or Glucas supported by the GIMPS project (I hear they run only for SPARC processors).[/quote]They will run on what ever they are compiled for. You could run them on a PC or Alpha or something else.

[quote=Uncwilly;158341]GIMPS is a project, mprime is a program, as are M/Glucas. If you are hosting the server, you might be running GIMPS on a PS3. If you are using the PS3 to run one of the above programs, your aren't.[/quote]
I KNOW THAT GIMPS IS A PROJECT, MPRIME IS A PROGRAM, AS ARE M/GLUCAS. I am fully aware of the high failure rate of my endeavor, but nonetheless, I will try it out. Also, there is an option for merging CPUs, what are the possible risks and/or advantages associated with enabling this option?

I think this is a great idea. All the experts here think it will do poorly, but people keep bringing the idea up -- this should finally get some hard numbers. The PS3 Cell is (I believe) a nominal 3.2 GHz @ 8 cores; I expect it to perform on par with a Pentium IV @ 2 GHz. Anyone else want to hazard a nonscientific guess?


Regardless, what is your compilation strategy?

[quote=CRGreathouse;158344]I think this is a great idea. All the experts here think it will do poorly, but people keep bringing the idea up -- this should finally get some hard numbers. The PS3 Cell is (I believe) a nominal 3.2 GHz @ 8 cores; I expect it to perform on par with a Pentium IV @ 2 GHz. Anyone else want to hazard a nonscientific guess?


Regardless, what is your compilation strategy?[/quote]
After installing YellowDog Linux on my PS3 (as it is one of the few Linux distros that has been enhanced for use on a PS3; although, I heard you can install Ubuntu as well but it is currently buggy when using the Cell kernel patch) using the "Install other OS" option, I will install MPrime like I normally would under my Linux box (I assume by "compilation strategy" you mean how I will install MPrime). It is rather simple:
sudo -s
tar -xvzf mprime258.tar.gz
cd mprime258
./mprime

You are trying to run a gasoline engine (Cell processor) on diesel fuel (x86 code). The make of the car (operating system) doesn't matter.

[quote=sdbardwick;158353]You are trying to run a gasoline engine (Cell processor) on diesel fuel (x86 code). The make of the car (operating system) doesn't matter.[/quote]
Then, do you know how to patch MPrime for Cell?