You wrote: >You waste valuable processor time passing data over the LAN >if you build a Beowulf.
You also wrote: >In my experience, clusters run at about 90% efficeincy. >That is, you add up the megaHertz of each workstation then >multiply by 90% to get the single computer equivalent. So IMHO the worthwhileness comes down to how cheap you can get the old boxen, compared to how cheap the likes of www.dragonpc.co.nz sell new boxen. The other issue: >>But the problem is the apps need to be modified so >>thay can be distributed accross the machines. There >>are a compilers that help do this. Also there are some >>apps that are "beowolf friendly". I think the ray >>tracer povray is. > >Totally true. You need more than the compiler though. >The code has to be written to run on multiple processors. So I guess a better use for old boxen is perhaps as firewalls, routers and maybe X terminals. If I'm running several X apps, all on diffent boxen on my LAN, and all being displayed on one X terminal, then I 'spose that would be as good as running a beowulf cluster, without the hassles of recompiling and/or rewritting the apps. thoughts? This message may contain privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that any use, distribution or reproduction of this message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender or Natural Gas Corporation immediately. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of Natural Gas Corporation of New Zealand Ltd (NGC), On energy, or any of NGC's subsidiaries or related companies.
