amjad ali wrote: > Hello all, > > I want to bulid a beowulf cluster of 16+1 nodes with each node having one > Intel Core2Duo (2.66 GHz, FSB 1333MHz, 4MB L2) processor and GiGE as the > interconnect. On this cluster, I would run my PETSc based CFD/FEM codes > (REQURING VERY FAST MEMORY/high memory bandwidth). Please help me out to > select out any one of the following boards:
Keep in mind that the Petsc faq mentions: A fast, low-latency interconnect; any ethernet, even 10 gigE cannot provide the needed performance. I wouldn't assume that your workload will scale with gigE to 16 nodes. > 1) Intel Server board S3200SH, System Bus 1333MHz, supprting 240-pin DDR2 > 800 MHz RAM > 2) Intel Desktop board DX38BT, System Bus 1333MHz, supprting 240-pin DDR3 > 1333 MHz RAM The application performance difference should be minimal to nil. 2 800 MHz 64-bit dimms can easily saturate the 64 bit 1333 MHz FSB. I've not personally tested DDR3, but all the tests I've seen show minimal performance improvements at substantial price increases. > See that RAM speed difference. Given that keeping up running the cluster all > the time and loging on of many user simultaneously is not the concern. The > cluster may be dedicated to be used by one user whenever required. But it > may be the case that running a code for several days will be required. > > Would the desktop board DX38BT be suitable to run the cluster for several > hours/days? > Which Board you recommend for this scenario? Either, you didn't mention the budget, but I'd at least consider a faster network. _______________________________________________ Beowulf mailing list, [email protected] To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf
