GPU Folding question - CUDA cores

[JohnnyHundo]

I'm putting some thought into increasing my GPU PPD output. Currently have an OC'd GTX570 that is putting out around 24K PPD. What is it about the GPU that makes it such a good folder? Is it the CUDA cores?

If so - I'm wondering if I should try for a GTX 670 with 1344 CUDA cores; (Or possibly the GTX 680 with 1536?);

Or just get another GTX 570 and put it into SLI (for gaming) which would put me at 480 x 2 (960 total);

Cost differential would be another $290 for another GTX 570; Or $399 - (whatever I could get for my GTX 570) ~ $200 for a GTX 670; Or ~ $300 for a GTX 680;

Am I off base on the CUDA core thinking?

I'm also assuming I could get my hands on a 670/680 any time soon.

 

[JackyBoy]

You are right I believe, that is related to the cuda cores, but the latest generation cards don't seem to scale up linearly with the old generation. for example the 580s have 512 cores but the 680s have 3 times more, but they don't run 3 times as fast in cuda applications it seems.

Best bet would be to see how the drivers mature and improve performance of the kepler cards and also wait until they are officially supported for folding straight out the box and make your decision from hard facts. As it stands you would probably get more bang for buck from fermi.

 

[006409]

i had heard that there isnt actually much of a benifit but then again they did say there were working on the client to increase performance from the new gen. I would personally go for the 2x570's as i havent seen huge scores comming from the arch.