new SGI Origin & Onyx 3k?

[W Bauske]

Matthias Troyer wrote:
> 
> W Bauske wrote:
> > Greg Lindahl wrote:
> > > > Exactly how often do you think people want to run 1000 nodes on
> > > > a single problem? When was the last time you did that?
> > >
> > > For the customers I'd like to have, frequently.
> > >
> >
> > Note the "Like to have". Also, you don't address the first
> > question so I'll assume you agree people don't do that unless
> > it's for benchmarks from your statement.
> 
> We are actually routinely running production codes on several hundred
> nodes, and are devloping codes that will need 1000 nodes AND a fast
> network for a single problem. Our 500 CPU Beowulf cluster is just not
> the right choice for some problems.
> 

Do you consider your system environment "normal"?

Some people do use very large systems. They are not in the 
majority however. Just not that many companies are willing
to spend the $$$$$$$$ to keep such systems around.

I also ask you what sort of cpu's you use. If you're even
one generation back, you should just upgrade the number
of cpu's you have to the latest generation. It makes me chuckle
when someone tells me they have 1000+ processors and they turn
out to be 4-5 years old.

Also, which vendor you choose can make a significant difference
on where 500 processors perform. 500 Intel PIII's are not the
same as 500 21264 Alphas, unless your work involves much integer
work. 


Wes