November 3, 2010 | Computer clusters commonly need more processing
power over time in order to remain viable as tools for scientific
research and discovery. Many research scientists begin small and then
add horsepower as budgets become available. When budget became available
to the Carnegie Institute of Washington's (CIW) Department of Terrestrial Magnetism,
they contacted PSSC Labs to expand the computing capability of their
existing PowerWulf Cluster. With over 1,000 PowerWulf Clusters
operational today, PSSC Labs understands that end users are looking for a
simple, cost effective and easy method to add computing power.
In 2009, CIW purchased a 96 processor core, 192 GB memory PowerWulf
Cluster. The primary research use for the cluster is "adaptive mesh
refinement hydrodynamics code for studying mixing and transport
processors in the presolar cloud and solar nebula." According to Michael
Acierno (IT Manager / Department of Terrestrial Magnetims), the
PowerWulf Cluster continues to exceed expectations. "Our experience to
date has been completely satisfactory," explains Mr. Acierno. "The
installation of our PowerWulf Cluster was literally plug and play. PSSC
Labs had all our requirements and configured the cluster prior to
shipping. Except for adding user accounts, the cluster was ready to
begin computations as we powered up." Like most system administrators,
Mr. Acierno's time is limited. A primary concern is the ongoing time
requirements to manage, monitor and maintain the compute cluster. PSSC
Labs understands the need to deliver a stable solution requiring as
little user input possible. "Management has been simple and has required
far less of my time than I anticipated," explains Mr. Acierno.
When the time came to upgrade the processing power of the cluster, Mr.
Acierno turned to PSSC Labs for help. PSSC Labs recommended migrating to
their revolutionary new server platform; the PowerServe DUO TI2400.
This unique design offers two complete and independent servers in just
1U of rack space. Unlike other blade servers, the PowerServe DUO TI2400
has no shared backplane or shared power supply. A key feature of this
new platform is the "tool-free" design which allows for the easiest
system upgrades and maintenance possible. In addition, the PowerServe
DUO TI2400 offers industry leading "green features" including 90%+
efficient power supplies, power reduction management features and 55%
recyclable metal. "We are pleased with the continuing improvements in
cluster technology that PSSC Labs is making," asserts Mr. Aceirno.
"Notably, the shrinking physical size of the server package while
simultaneously increasing the number of cores. This trend is what makes
in-house resources so attractive since a very powerful cluster does not
require excessive and cooling demands."
Integrating these new server nodes into the PowerWulf Cluster required
very little effort from Mr. Acierno. Each PowerWulf Cluster includes
CBeST, the Complete Beowulf Software Toolkit developed and supported by
PSSC Labs. CBeST includes an imaging utility allowing new nodes to be
connected to the cluster switch and automatically receive the latest
compute node image via PXE network. Very little input is required from
the user and PSSC Labs Cluster Technicians are available to assist. With
the addition of the new nodes, CIW's cluster performance increased by
50%. "Thanks to the excellent work of (PSSC Labs) the upgrade was simple
and fast. Even the nodes were labeled properly. That attention to
detail does not go unnoticed."
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For more details about PSSC Labs' high performance servers, supercharged workstations and industry leading clusters and clouds, visit us online at http://pssclabs.com.
