PROCESSORS

IBM today announced the industry’s first pre-packaged and tested Opteron-powered super cluster. The new eServer 1350 supercluster provides unmatched flexibility to simultaneously run 32 and 64 bit applications. IBM also announced that the core of this new cluster offering - the eServer 325 with only 48 Opteron processors - had soared to #1 on two crucial industry benchmarks for high performance computing, demolishing existing marks held by the 64-processor HP Superdome. The new IBM eServer Cluster 1350 combines the powerful IBM eServer 325 system with an expanded range of management and storage systems to help customers reduce the complexity of deploying and managing Linux clusters. Combining open source software and industry standard hardware, Linux clusters provide customers access to the power of a supercomputer at a fraction of the price. “We are leading the competition by offering customers an expanded set of building blocks for Deep Computing that provide the power behind everything from petroleum exploration to digital animation,” said David Turek, vice president, IBM Deep Computing. “Customers in all segments, including the very high-end, are no longer interested in building their own systems. The IBM eServer Cluster 1350 ensures customers a dependable solution with a short deployment time.” New Benchmarks Demonstrate e325 High-Performance Leadership The eServer 325 delivered leadership performance running the Small and Medium workloads of SPEC CHEM2002, one of three benchmarks in the SPEC HPC2002 suite, with the: ** Best score ever achieved on SPECchemS2002 and fastest 1-node result ever achieved on SPECchemS2002 Score of 1,393 on a 2-node (4-processor) cluster; score of 592 on a 1-node (2-processor) cluster. [1] ** Best score ever achieved on SPECchemM2002, easily beating HP Superdome's score Score of 46.6 on a 24-node (48-processor) cluster; HP's score of 42.28 on 64-processor HP Superdome. [2] The eServer 325 is designed for the demanding environment of scientific and technical computing customers. Its high computing capability and integrated memory controller eliminate the bottleneck issues traditionally found in processor to memory bandwidth. The eServer 325 utilizes the AMD Opteron 2 GHz processor. Virtue of Integration IBM offers the broadest range of pre-tested, factory built configurations based on industry-leading performance and technology. In addition to the new e325, the eServer Cluster 1350 can be built with any combination of IBM eServer BladeCenter systems, IBM eServer x335 and eServer x345 systems. Pre-testing and integration ensures that the systems work effectively together. The cluster can also combine eServer x345 or eServer x360 storage nodes, as well as an eServer x345 management node, all using Intel® Xeon™ processors running at speeds up to 3.06 GHz. Powerful clusters The eServer 325 includes a choice of AMD 240, 242 or 246 Opteron processors. Designed to run either Linux or Windows operating systems, the eServer 325 provides high performance computing customers with increased performance and a seamless transition for migrating from 32-to 64-bit server technology, safeguarding existing software investments. Additionally the eServer 325 can run both 32- and 64-bit applications simultaneously, providing customers with flexibility to effectively manage their business. Cluster Management and Storage Options The IBM Cluster Management Software (CSM) was developed specifically to address needs of cluster customers and automates repetitive tasks and error detection to enhance problem avoidance and rapid problem resolution. CSM provides a manageability advantage for dense server clusters as a part of IBM autonomic computing. CSM for the Cluster 1350 is the Linux version of the same software the powered IBM's famous Deep Blue chess-playing supercomputer. IBM is further enhancing this powerful software package with the introduction of the new Linux Cluster Install Tool (LCIT). The LCIT will assist in the deployment and management of the cluster by providing a greater level of automation during installation. Results referenced are current as of November 4, 2003. All results for SPEC HPC2002 are available at www.spec.org. [1] Score of 1,393 on a 2-node (4-processor) cluster; score of 592 on a 1-node (2-processor) cluster. [2] Score of 46.6 on a 24-node (48-processor) cluster; HP's score of 42.28 on 64-processor HP Superdome.