Linux Format forums

[Chewy]

Hi guys this is more of a curiosity thing, and maybe possibly an action later on when one has the money. I was just wondering following. well whats the purpose of having a mainframe for a home user, is there any general benefits apart from just more number crunching?

is it worth trying to build a super computer, or buy 8 PS3's? any new tech coming out? beneficial? can it be used as an actual PC, anyone know?

and more importantly how do you convert Flops/MIPS to Ghz kinda speed?

so virtually what can you do with a mainframe, is the PS3 cluster idea good, isit worth it for a homeuser, or better getting a workstation? and how to convert flops.

oh yeah would you reccomend upgrading, or wouldit be worth it when your computeris this:

intel Q6600
4 GB ram
leadtek 8600GT
2x 250GB Seagate
1x samsung DVD-RW
1x crown amp 4000W
2x mackie monitords
1x mackie SWA18A

I was thinking maybe later i might get another two more screens, but just wondering, out of curiosity.

[Dutch_Master]

Sure there's use for such supercomputing units: http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org

Well, as supercomputers go, it's hardly likely you'll be able to actually build one: first and foremost they take up a lot of space, consume Gigawatts of power and you'll need a 7 digit figure to actually get hardware builders to notice you... But, that said, you can build clusters: http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/cluster/?p This one uses mini-ITX boards, but just as well can be build with Quad-Core Intel stuff. It just needs more power

[kamrananvaar]

hi,
I posted an idea for a project at mypclinuxos to use ps3 for a render farm
below is the idea i posted

hi
i was just reading about ps3 being used as a super computer
Astrophysicist Replaces Supercomputer with Eight PlayStation 3s
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/news/2007/10/ps3_supercomputer

Use ps3 as supercomputer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ybFBHlQj-M

Engineer Creates First Academic Playstation 3 Computing Cluster
http://www.physorg.com/news92674403.html
http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/academic-proves-ps3-is-a-supercomputer-243718.php


I was just wondering if anyone knows how to (with Linux on PS3) turn the PS3 into a renderer for Maya, as I do a lot of CGI stuff and would love to use the PS3 and my computer as a small render farm.
If someone were to port their renderer to Rapidmind and compile it for Cell

Here is a video of real time ray tracing using three PS3s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLte5f34ya8
what do u think?

[kamrananvaar]

if u ever go for it and are looking for a case to go for it , have a look at
http://hackaday.com/2008/10/04/another-ikea-linux-cluster/

IKEA Helmer cabinet for a new cluster for $30

[Chewy]

yeah thats what i ment by super computer about 8 ps3's connected

[umerwaqas]

i worked in mainframes computer i remebered my early days i worked with cobol on that . . . it is faster than any microprocessor out there . . . i am not a user of supercomputer so no comment !


good

[RoosterMan]

If you want a very fast computer, buy this. Right now. Yes.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SiCortex-SC-072-PDS-48-GB-RAM-72-Core-Linux-MIPS-Cluster-/270953125345?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item3f161095e1

[guy]

Well, let's be clear: a mainframe, a cluster and a supercomputer are all different things.

But they do have certain characeristics in common. All are power-hungry and eat real estate. And, unless you go for obsolete kit on its way to the scrap heap, they are all stupidly expensive and way beyond the needs of the simple home user.

And fun if you like that sort of thing. I'd love one of those old Crays that were built inside a circular sofa.
_________________
Cheers,
Guy
The eternal noob

[RoosterMan]