Using a normal processors for HPC

In summary, a current off-the-shelf multicore PC can be used as a high performance computer for heavy numerical computations. However, without a GPU like CUDA or OpenCL, the speed may not be as fast as enhanced hardware. The OS will decide which process gets which core, so it may appear as a single core. However, specialized programs may be able to run on multiple cores in parallel. OpenCL software can optimize code to run on a multicore processor and can also benefit from GPU hardware in the future.
  • #1
hagopbul
357
36
Hello all:

Can you use current of shelf multicore PC as a high performance computer

Can it handle the job ?
Dose the outcome data tables and simulation results , is correct and with low error margins

With out gpu like cuda or opencl

Best
Hagop
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes and no. Yes you can run heavy numerical computations on it but no GPU enhanced hardware still runs faster.
 
  • #3
Can you utilities the multiple core or it will look like single core
 
  • #5
hagopbul said:
Can you utilities the multiple core or it will look like single core
That entirely depends on the program you are running. The correct term is 'thread'. If your program is made to utilize multiple threads ('multithreading') then (by default) it might run on more than one core: if it is a single thread code then it will 'see' only one core.
The term 'core' is a bit misleading since these days a core might run multiple threads in the same time (depending on the core/CPU type).
 
  • #6
If you write your own program you can write it in a language that allows you to define many independent threads that can be run in parallel. The operating system will run those threads on many cores as cores becomes available. Semaphores between the threads must synchronise the execution of the threads.

OpenCL makes it easier to generate the many parallel threads.
You do not need GPU hardware to benefit from the OpenCL software library. If you use Opencl when writing your program, it will optimise code to run on a multicore processor. If you later get GPU hardware, the same code will use the GPU and run faster again. You are future proofing your program by using OpenCL software.
 

1. Can normal processors be used for HPC?

Yes, normal processors can be used for HPC (High Performance Computing). While specialized processors such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are often used for HPC, normal processors can still be effective for certain types of applications.

2. What are the advantages of using normal processors for HPC?

One advantage of using normal processors for HPC is cost-effectiveness. Normal processors are typically less expensive than specialized processors, making them a more affordable option for HPC. Additionally, normal processors are more versatile and can be used for a wider range of tasks.

3. Are there any limitations to using normal processors for HPC?

Yes, there are some limitations to using normal processors for HPC. Normal processors may not have the same level of performance or efficiency as specialized processors, particularly for highly parallel tasks. They may also have less memory and lower bandwidth, which can impact their performance for certain applications.

4. What types of applications are best suited for using normal processors for HPC?

Normal processors are well-suited for applications that require moderate levels of parallelism and do not require high memory bandwidth. This includes tasks such as data analysis, simulations, and some machine learning applications.

5. How can the performance of normal processors be optimized for HPC?

To optimize the performance of normal processors for HPC, it is important to choose the right hardware configurations. This may include using multi-core processors, high-speed interconnects, and optimizing memory usage. Parallel programming techniques can also be utilized to maximize the performance of normal processors for HPC.

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