ISSN:
1573-0484
Keywords:
performance modeling
;
benchmarking
;
PC clusters
;
supercomputing
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Computer Science
Notes:
Abstract We couple simple performance models with pricing to optimize the design of clusters built from commodity components for scientific computing. We apply this technique using the NAS Parallel Benchmarks as a representative workload. We develop models of the BT, LU, and SP benchmarks. The models consist of closed form expressions based on problem size, number of processors, and three measured quantities (single processor performance, network latency, and network bandwidth). These models predict benchmark performance to within 30%. This technique was used in the design of Whitney, a commodity computing cluster at NASA Ames Research Center. In particular, for systems costing less than $1,000,000, the performance characteristics of Intel Pentium processors are better matched to the slower (and less expensive) Fast Ethernet, than to the faster (and more expensive) Myricom Myrinet.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008061120801
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