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Questions[xeon](server)

Martin Hope
bwDraco
Asked: 2016-07-01 22:25:37 +0800 CST
  • 6

While comparing Intel Xeon E5 and E7 processors, I've noticed that E5 processors are specified for 2S or 4S scalability, while E7 processors are specified for S2S, S4S, or S8S scalability.

I understand that the processors are specified for use in up to the given number of sockets on the same motherboard, but what does the extra S actually mean? What's the difference between 2S and S2S, and between 4S and S4S?

central-processing-unit hardware scalability xeon
Martin Hope
user1219721
Asked: 2012-12-06 06:14:38 +0800 CST
  • 6

I'm running WRF weather model. That's a ram intensive, highly parallel application.

I need to build a HPC cluster for that. I use 10GB infiniband interconnect.

WRF doesn't depends of core count, but on memory bandwidth. That's why a core i7 3820 or 3930K performs better than high-grade xeons E5-2600 or E7

Seems like universities uses xeon E5-2670 for WRF. It costs about $1500. Spec2006 fp_rates WRF bench shows $580 i7 3930K performs the same with 1600MHz RAM.

What's interesting is that i7 can handle up to 2400MHz ram, doing a great performance increase for WRF. Then it really outperforms the xeon. Power comsumption is a bit higher, but still less than 20€ a year. Even including additional part I'll need (PSU, infiniband, case), the i7 way is still 700 €/cpu cheaper than Xeon.

So, is it ok to use "gamer" hardware in a HPC cluster ? or should I do it pro with xeon ?

(This is not a critical application. I can handle downtime. I think I don't need ECC?)

xeon
Martin Hope
Oleg Vazhnev
Asked: 2012-07-06 05:20:02 +0800 CST
  • 9

In my HFT software I plan to use one core for stock index calculation. That would be simply while(true) loop without any delays which will calculate (sum and multiply) components as often as possible (so millions times per second) and I plan to do that 8 hours per day every day.

I was never before loading my computer to 100% full time every day regullary. May it be dangerous? Do processor has kind of "resource" (very big of course) after which it can stopped working?

central-processing-unit performance xeon
Martin Hope
Alex Andronov
Asked: 2009-05-20 22:50:36 +0800 CST
  • 11

I am currently building a new server. I have options between say

32GB Memory for 2 CPUs, DDR3, 1066MHz (8x4GB Dual Ranked RDIMMs)

and

36GB Memory for 2 CPUs, DDR3, 1066MHz (18x2GB Dual Ranked RDIMMs)

Both at the same price.

Should I go for the higher ram amount or the fewer chips?

This will be for a Dell PowerEdge R710 with two Intel® Xeon® E5530, 2.4Ghz, 8MB Cache, 5.86 GT/s QPI, Turbo, HT

Thanks

memory xeon