What can I run without a GPU (with just CPU?)

Most of VFI Toolkit requires a gpu, but some of the basic features can be used with just a cpu. Basic features work on the cpu so you can try out the functionality on just any old computer to get an idea what the toolkit does (or to use it in teaching). But a gpu makes everything orders of magnitude faster so anything beyond the basics is only implemented with gpu (as I otherwise have to code everything twice).

So what you can solve on CPU is:
infinite horizon problems with z (markov) shocks
finite horizon problems with z (markov) shocks
as well as all agent distribution, function evaluation, and general equilibrium commands that build on these

Everything else requires a GPU. E.g., e (iid) shocks, exotic preferences (Epstein-Zin, etc.), and all transition paths, as well as many other features.

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Thank you!

Although I think running through the GPU is the real deal, many people, like me, doesn’t have access to the specific NVIDIA hardware required. It would be much appreciated if more models/features could be solved with just the CPUs. :slight_smile:

Cheers!

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Honestly, there are a limited number of hours in my day and I have simply made the call that they are better spent developing new features (there is so much to do :slight_smile: ) rather than re-implementing everything for cpu.

That said, I am happy to implement almost any specific features you want on cpu (except transition paths). As long as I know someone is actually wanting to use that feature I think it then becomes worthwhile doing. So just tell me which specific feature you want.

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Thanks, Robert! Your kindness is commendable!

I’m always interested in transition paths (sorry) :slight_smile: ! I’m not a huge fan of steady-state analysis. I think transition paths in quantitative macro is crucial for policymaking (which is my case: I work at a big macro policy organization).

Given the demands I’m getting in my work, I’m interested in the model for the demographic transition with men and women. But I completely understand your restrictions.

OLG demographic transitions are something VFI Toolkit can do. And you could do it with two permanent types for each of men and women. But that is definitely GPU only code, would take all week on the CPU. Actually with OLG transition paths more powerful GPUs make a huge difference to slashing run times.

Sorry but I guess the best I can do is the fairly useless advice to tell your manager that if they want some OLG transition paths they need to get you a GPU :wink:

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