The 2023 Buy-in Program configurations are available for compute and GPU based systems. The GPU configurations now includes options for the NVIDIA A100 and NVIDIA A40. Additionally, GPU offerings are now available in 1x, 2x, and 4x GPU configurations. The VirtualGL offering is available for complex interactive visualization applications. All configurations include 5 year next business day hardware maintenance.
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Standard Compute Nodes
- The Value and Large Memory Nodes are the most popular nodes in the Shared Computing Cluster and provide the best platform for general purpose computing.
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Base Node Value Node Large Memory Node - Dell PowerEdge C6420 Server
- Two Intel Xeon Gold 6226R processors
2.9GHz, 16 core, Cascade Lake (32 total cores) - 10 Gigabit Ethernet networking
- 1TB 7.2K SATA Hard Drive
Base Node +
- 192GB memory
Base Node +
- 384GB memory
HPC Compute Nodes
The High Performance Compute (HPC) nodes provide more memory and the addition of HDR Infiniband interconnects. The Infiniband fabric provide high bandwidth connection between compute nodes and are intended for multi-node MPI based workloads that scale beyond the 10-Gigabit Ethernet connections provided in the standard configuration. These nodes cannot be purchased individually and interested groups must consult with Research Computing Services before purchase.
| Base HPC Node | HPC Node | HPC Large Memory Node |
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HPC Base Node +
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HPC Base Node +
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GPU Nodes
- The GPU offerings have expanded and now come in 1x, 2x, and 4x GPU configurations with the latest NVIDIA Ampere A100 GPU card for full single and double-precision computing. The NVIDIA A40 GPU is also available, providing single-precision (only) computational capabilities at a lower cost. Additional consultation with Research Computing Services on GPU configuration and application testing is highly recommended.
2021 NVIDIA Ampere A100 GPU Nodes
The NVIDIA Ampere A100 is NVIDIA’s latest datacenter-class GPU for full single and double-precision computing.
| Base Configuration | GPU Options | ||
GPU Base Node
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Single GPU A100 Node | ||
GPU Base Node +
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| Dual GPU A100 Node | |||
GPU Base Node +
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| Quad GPU A100 Node | |||
GPU Base Node +
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2021 NVIDIA Ampere A40 GPU Nodes
The NVIDIA Ampere A40 is NVIDIA’s latest datacenter-class GPU for AI and visual computing. The A40 provides single-precision performance comparable to the NVIDIA A100, but without double-precision capabilities. This lower-cost GPU intended for machine learning. deep learning, and AI workflows. Please consult with RCS staff to ensure your workloads require only single-precision or tensor calculations.
| Base Configuration | GPU Options | ||
GPU Base Node
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Single GPU A40 Node | ||
GPU Base Node +
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| Dual GPU A40 Node | |||
GPU Base Node +
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| Quad GPU A40 Node | |||
GPU Base Node +
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1 TB Memory Node
- The 1TB Memory node provides a resource for computing with very large memory requirements.
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1 TB Memory Node - Dell PowerEdge R650 Server
- Two Intel Xeon Gold 6326 processors
2.9 GHz, 16 core, Ice Lake (32 total cores) - 1024 GB memory
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet networking
- 1.2 TB Hard Drive
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VirtualGL Node
- The VirtualGL node is a scaled down system intended for complex interactive visualization applications that require OpenGL full 3D hardware accelerations. Most SCC graphical applications such as MATLAB, RStudio, and QGIS do not require this and perform well using a VNC session on standard node configurations. Additional consultation with RCS is required before purchasing. Since this node is priced less than $5,000, it does not qualify as capital equipment and may incur indirect costs (IDC) if purchased using grant funds. Please consult with RCS for other options concerning singe node grant funded purchases.
| VirtualGL Node |
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Additional Options
Other customized options may be available for the above base systems. We are happy to discuss your research needs and specific hardware requirements.
Ready to Buy or Have More Questions?
For additional technical details and limitations of the program please refer to the Buy-in Program details page. Detailed information for the order process is available on the Buy-in Program Procedures page. If you have additional questions about the Buy-in Program or are interested in purchasing buy-in equipment, please email buyin@rcs.bu.edu.