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Snapshot of costs for higher-end computers, including compute cluster systems. Contact ChemIT to discuss your needs.

Pricing example for 24 cores

Summary

You want 24 cores. Here are some options, and prices as of Jan 2014.

Top-level options

Cost

Price analysis

Notes

Typical compute cluster nodes
2 computers in one 1U rack-mount.
24 cores, 128GB RAM, 4TB storage.

$5.4K

Getting 24 cores on procs spread over 2 computers represents good value.

4 procs, 2 on each of 2 motherboards.

Single computer, rack-mount.
24 cores, 128GB RAM, 4TB storage.

$8.5K

To get similar power merged into a single system, pay extra:
$1,920 for 4-capable chips upgrade
$1,180 for 4-capable motherboard upgrade

4 procs, but on one single motherboard. Those procs are twice the price.
Proc price is $890ea, or a full $480ea more than proc.

Singe computer, desktop (but noisy and hot!)
24 cores, 128GB RAM, 4TB storage.

$9.5K

In addition to above upgrade costs:
~$1K for chassis upgrade (still noisy and hot, though)

Again, 4 procs, but on one single motherboard. Those procs are twice the price.
Proc price is $890ea, or a full $480ea more than proc.

Details

For each option:

  • Each proc (processor) is 6 cores. 4 total procs
    • More cores/ proc are available, but much more expensive. (Ex. An 8 core proc is twice the price.)
  • Each option has a total of 128GB RAM. And 4TB of HD storage over 2 hard drives.

Spec's selected to allow an apples-to-apples price comparison, not because of a "sweet spot" for each scenario, and not necessarily "fitted" to your research needs.

  • You may need to adjust the final specs, once you select a top-level option.

Does not include

Anything other than "the box".

  • May also need UPS ($170), network cabling and switch ($100 or less)- not much else.

Base data

  • $410 for each 6 cores chip, 2-capable (Intel Xeon E5 2620; V2 coming soon)
  • $890 for each 6 cores chip, 4-capable (Intel Xeon E5 4607 V2)
  • $1,600 for each 8 cores chip, 4-capable (Intel Xeon E5 4620 V2)

Compare proc specs

Compare proc prices

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.
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