High Performance Computing
High performance computing (HPC) is the use of parallel processing for the efficient, reliable and fast execution of advanced calculations. The term is especially applicable to systems that work above a teraflop per second. The term HPC is occasionally used as a synonym for supercomputing, although technically a supercomputer is a system that performs at or near the currently highest operating speed for computers.
High quality systems
Tailor made components
As high-performance computing (HPC) requirements increase, organizations struggle to manage larger, more complex data sets and analytical workloads. ServerDirect offers advanced machine learning and in-depth learning capabilities (deep learning) that are needed to solve the biggest challenges in the business, medical, scientific and technical sectors. As the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D imaging evolve, the amount of data that organizations have to use is growing exponentially. For many purposes, such as streaming a live sport event, following a storm in development, testing new products or analyzing inventory trends, the ability to process data in real time is crucial.
The most common users of HPC systems are scientific researchers, engineers and academic institutions. Some government agencies, especially the military, also rely on HPC for complex applications. High-quality systems often use tailor-made components in addition to so-called commodity components. As the demand for processing power and speed grows, HPC will likely interest companies of all sizes, especially for transaction processing and data warehouses. Occasionally, techno-devils can use an HPC system to meet an exceptional desire for advanced technology.
HPC is the basis
for scientific, industrial and social developments
Through data pioneering scientific discoveries are made, innovations that change the game, are fueled and the quality of life is improved for billions of people around the world. HPC is the basis for scientific, industrial and social developments.
To stay one step ahead, organizations need a lightning-fast, highly reliable IT infrastructure to process, store and analyze vast amounts of data.
To build a powerful calculation architecture, compute servers are brought together in a cluster. Software programs and algorithms are executed simultaneously on the servers in the cluster. The cluster is connected to the data storage to record the output. Together, these components work seamlessly together to perform a varied set of tasks.
Maximum performance
To deliver maximum performance, each component must keep pace with the other components. For example, the storage component must be able to feed and take data from and to the compute servers as soon as it is processed. Likewise, the network components must be able to support the rapid transport of data between compute servers and the data storage. If a component can not keep up with the rest, it suffers from the performance of the entire HPC infrastructure.
HPC solutions have three main components:
- Calculate (Compute)
- Network (Network)
- Storage space (Storage)
What kind of hardware is needed for an HPC cluster?
Head Node
A Head Node is set as the starting point for tasks that are performed on the cluster. It is a simply configured server that functions as a point between the actual cluster and the external network.
Compute Node
All data processing takes place here, selecting the right combination of processors, memory and accelerators that are used to process workloads in a cluster is of vital importance for efficiency.
Storage Nodes
Performance, capacity and reliability are important factors in determining the way in which the storage component of your cluster is structured.
Interconnect
End-to-End Ehternet or Infiband switching.
HPC solutions are deployed at locations
HPC solutions are deployed at locations, on the periphery or in the cloud and are used in various sectors for different purposes. Examples are:
• Research labs (Biosciences, Geographical and astrological data). HPC is used to help scientists find sources of renewable energy, understand the evolution of our universe, forecast and track storms, and create new materials.
• Media and entertainment. HPC is used to edit feature films, create stunning special effects, and stream live events around the world.
• Modeling of oil and gas industry. HPC is used to more accurately determine where to drill for new wells and to help increase production from existing sources.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning. HPC is used for tracking credit card fraud, for self-directed technical support, for learning self-driving vehicles and for improving cancer screening techniques.
• Financial services. HPC is used to track real-time inventory trends and automate trading.
• HPC is used to design new products, to simulate test scenarios and to ensure that parts are kept in stock so that production lines are not stopped.
• Medical world. HPC is used to help develop cures for diseases such as diabetes and cancer and to enable a faster, more accurate diagnosis of the patient.
High performance computing (HPC) is the use of supercomputers and parallel processing techniques for solving complex calculation problems. HPC technology focuses on developing parallel processing algorithms and systems by integrating both administration and parallel computational techniques.
High-performance computing is usually used to solve advanced problems and carry out research activities through computer modeling, simulation and analysis. HPC systems have the ability to provide long-term performance through simultaneous use of computer resources.
The terms high-performance computing and supercomputing are sometimes used interchangeably.
ServerDirect provides industry-leading solutions to optimize your HPC environment.
ServerDirect offers a range of hardware, software and storage products that work together to provide computing power, workload efficiency and easy management - the capabilities you need to move into the future of HPC.
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