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
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Cost
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Price analysis
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Notes
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Typical compute cluster nodes
2 computers in one 1U rack-mount.
24 cores, 128GB RAM, 4TB storage.
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$5.4K
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Getting 24 cores on procs spread over 2 computers represents good value.
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4 procs, 2 on each of 2 motherboards.
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Single computer, rack-mount.
24 cores, 128GB RAM, 4TB storage.
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$8.5K
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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
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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.
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$9.5K
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In addition to above upgrade costs:
~$1K for chassis upgrade (still noisy and hot, though)
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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)
- $890 for each 6 cores chip, 4-capable (Intel Xeon E5 4620)
- $1,600 for each 8 cores chip, 4 capable.
Compare proc specs
Compare proc prices
- E5-4600 series chips ( v2 coming soon )
- E5-2600v2 series ( new chips from September 2013 )
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.