Running AlphaFold3 in a research environment: Overview of implementation and key points for stable operation


Life Science Campaign (TEGSYS)

Introduction

AlphaFold3 has a highly accurate structure prediction function and has attracted a great deal of attention in the field of protein structure prediction.
However"I want to actually try it outWhen thinking about this, many people feel that there are hurdles to implementing things like GPUs and containers.

In this article, we will introduce how to install it on Ubuntu 24.04.Organizing the overall picture in three stepsWe will also introduce the efforts of TEGSYS, which supports the implementation.

 

AlphaFold3 installation guide now available as a technical article

TEGSYSSo, in the Ubuntu 24.04 environmentAlphaFold3 installation procedureThis technical article provides specific example commands and configuration steps to help you set it up.

We also explain points to be aware of when implementing the system and areas where people may get stuck.

Overview of implementation (3 steps)

The process of launching AlphaFold3 from scratch can be summarized in three steps:

  • Step 1: Prepare your environment

    We will introduce Docker, CUDA Toolkit, and NVIDIA Container Toolkit.
    nvidia-smiCheck that the GPU is correctly recognized by running the command:

  • Step 2: Install AlphaFold3

    Get the official repository and build the Docker image.
    Models can be obtained by applying through Google Forms.$HOME/modelsPlace it in.
    We also acquire and deploy the necessary databases.

  • Step 3: Run and check

    Prepare an input JSON file and run it with a specified GPU.
    If there are no errors in the log, the deployment is complete.

If you keep these three steps in mind, it will be easier to grasp the overall picture of the implementation.
For example commands and important points for each step, please see the TEGSYS article.

 

 

For those who want to roughly understand the guidelines for the installation environment

Once you understand the installation procedure for AlphaFold3, the next thing you should check is "How much preparation is needed to actually get it working??” is the question.

Here we have clearly organized the elements required to create an environment in which AlphaFold3 can be run.
Understanding the overall picture will lead to stable operation. Please make use of it.

Category Required elements
OS Ubuntu 24.04
Container environment Docker, NVIDIA Container Toolkit
GPU environment CUDA (driver matching required)
Database Compressed 252GB / Expanded approx. 630GB (with acquisition script)
モデル Obtained after applying for Google Form,$HOME/models Placed in

This configuration is based on an Ubuntu 24.04 environment verified by TEGSYS, allowing for highly reproducible setup even for first-time deployments.

By basing it on a verified environment, problems during implementation can be prevented and operation can be ensured smoothly.

TEGSYS supports implementation and operation

Once all the necessary elements for building the environment are in place, it will be possible to run AlphaFold3 inference, but in actual operation, you may encounter hardware bottlenecks.

there TEGSYS provides implementation support that takes into account these unique challenges in research settings.
We provide consistent support from environment construction to stable operation, including GPU performance and dependency matching.

Next, we will introduce an example configuration that assumes AlphaFold3 operation.

 

Reference example of actual machine configuration

Below is an example of a workstation configuration for running AlphaFold3.
It can be flexibly customized according to the actual application and analysis target.

Machine learning and DFT calculation compatible workstation
Applications: Alphafold3, ESM Cambrian, Machine Learning, Gaussian

CPU AMD Ryzen9 9950X 4.30GHz (Boost max 5.70GHz) 16C/32T
memory Total 192GB DDR5-5600 (48GB x 4)
storage 1TB SSD (SATA) + 4TB SSD (M.2 NVMe Gen4)
GPU NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 32GB
OS Ubuntu 24.04

* NVMe was adopted in consideration of large-capacity database deployment and I/O. The memory configuration also takes into account multiple users and parallel processing.

Machines for gene analysis and structure prediction
Applications: RNA-seq analysis, genome analysis, structure prediction

CPU Intel Xeon W7-2595X 2.80GHz (up to 4.8GHz at TB3.0) 26C/52T
memory Total 256GB DDR5-5600 REG ECC (64GB x 4)
storage 2TB SSD (SATA) x 2 (no RAID) + 4TB SSD (M.2 NVMe Gen4)
GPU NVIDIA RTX 4500 Ada 24GB (DisplayPort x 4)
OS Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for WS 64bit (Ubuntu 22.04 dual boot)

* While taking into consideration Windows-based operations, a Linux environment is also secured through dual boot. Switching between these environments can be flexibly performed according to the analysis workflow.

It is designed specifically for research purposes and can be used immediately after installation. It can also be delivered pre-installed.

If you are unsure about the environment setup or settings,You can consult us.

 

Life Science Campaign Announcement

Life Science Campaign 2025

In addition to this implementation support, TEGSYS is currently running a special campaign for researchers in the life sciences field.

For those who are considering introducing a real machine configuration,Up to 10TB of internal HDD is provided free of charge as a storage serviceWe offer more practical benefits such as:

The campaign page also publishes examples of the implementation of various software and analysis environments.
Please take a look at this as a reference for environment construction and system design.

 

Summary

The implementation of AlphaFold3 may seem complicated at first glance, but if you understand the key points,Stable operation is possible.
By preparing the GPU environment and container settings,Highly reproducible structure prediction environmentRealizeAvailable

At TEGSYS,Supporting the development of cutting-edge research infrastructureWe are promoting the creation of a foundation that will take our customers' research to the next stage.
In addition, We are running a special campaign to encourage researchers in the life sciences field to adopt our technology.
Please see below for details.

AlphaFold3 introduction commentary article (TEGSYS)

Life Science Campaign 2025

 

TEGSYS - Tegsys