[SGVLUG] questions about linux clusters

[Chris Smith]

On 12/4/05, jmd <jmd8800 at charter.net> wrote:
> so my question is, will the disparity of the systems speed become a
> problem if i use the faster dual xeons as a head node.  i realize
> this will depend in part on the given application. since this is a
> learning experience, obtaining another eseries that matches the other
> 2 and skipping the faster board is ok with me.

First, your head node typically doesn't do much computation, so that
might not actually be the ideal place for your faster machine.

You're right though, that this varies tremendously on the application
of your clustering work. With a number of high performance computing
problems, there is a serious preformance pentaly introduced when the
nodes fail to march in lock step. Others are largely uneffected by
this, and there are some in the middle ground where your nodes will
essentially perform as quickly as the slowest node.

Really, it depends so much on the application, and since you are doing
this for hobby purposes, I'd just put one together however you want it
and not worry about this stuff.

--
Chris