That's actually interesting. While crypto GPU mining is "purposeless" or arbitrary, would be way cooler if to GPU mine meant to chunk through computing tasks in a free/open queue (blockchain).
Eventually there could be some tipping point where networks are fast enough and there are enough hosting participants it could be like a worldwide/free computing platform - not just for AI for anything.
This idea has been brought up tons of times by grifters aiming to pivot from Crypto to AI. The reason that GPUs are used for blockchains is to compute large numbers or proofs - which are truly useless but still verifiable so they can be distributed and rewarded. The free GPU compute idea misses this crucial point, so the blockchain part is (still) useless unless your aim is to waste GPU compute instead.
IRL all you need is a simple platform to pay and schedule jobs on other’s GPUs.
Folding at home does not use a blockchain, further proving non-grifters don’t need it. That was the point being discussed, not distributed computing as a concept.
I don't think you are being fair to the previous poster. As I read it they are simply pointing out that there is precedent for such decentralized contribution of compute resources. However folding at home doesn't allow to reward users for their contributions AFAIK. So maybe if a Blockchain based reward system could be layered on top of that it could increase participation. That's a big if I grant you but don't see how it is completely inconceivable that such a thing might be possible.
I think the word blockchain confuses people, including you and the previous poster. Maybe you could clarify your “layering” idea and how it would work for further discussion.
Folding at home can track user contributions and issue micro/payments as they see fit. Crucially, this does not need an immutable chain of truth to do.
Instead, if we added a blockchain, then we would require 2 sets of participants - those who run the useful simulations for science, and those who run the useless calculations for the blockchain. A complete waste of resources.
Is a blockchain needed to sell unused GPU capacity?