Snapshot of costs for higher-end computers, including compute cluster systems. Contact ChemIT to discuss your needs.
Pricing example for 24 cores
You want 24 cores. Here are some options, and prices as of Jan 2014.
Basics: Each chip is 6 cores. More cores/ chip are available, but much more expensive. (Ex. 8 core is twice the price.)
Each option has total of 128GB RAM. And 4TB of HD storage over 2 hard drives.
Spec's choose to allow an apples-to-apples price comparison. You may need different specs, once you select a top-level option.
Top-level options |
Cost |
Price analysis |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Typical compute cluster nodes |
$5K |
Getting 24 cores on chips spread over 2 computers represents good value. |
4 chips, 2 on each of 2 motherboards. |
Single computer, rack-mount. |
$8.5K |
To get similar power merged into a single system, pay extra: |
4 chips, but on one single motherboard. Those chips are twice the price. |
Singe computer, desktop (but noisy and hot!) |
$9.5K |
|
Again, 4 chips, but on one single motherboard. Those chips are twice the price. |
Base data
- $410 for each 6 cores chip, 2-capable.
- $890 for each 6 cores chip, 4-capable.
- $1,600 for each 8 cores chip, 4 capable.
Other ideas to consider
- Confirm limiting factor by using CISER's service to help tune where to invest (cores, RAM, hard drives space).
- Cut down on hard drive space by using file server space, in certain situations.
- Merge your investment into an existing cluster. Shared resources cost much less than standing up your own, small cluster.