Computational Modelling Group

Seminar  2nd October 2013 2 p.m.  VIDEO STREAMED

XC30 Overview by Cray - video streamed LIVE

Cray

Web page
http://www.hector.ac.uk/news-events/xc30-live-stream.php
Categories
e-Research, HECToR, HPC, Scientific Computing
Submitter
Luke Goater

Cray will be presenting the review of the XC30 supercomputer architecture and the live videostream will be available from the following web page:

http://www.hector.ac.uk/news-events/xc30-live-stream.php

More details on the presentation below.

An Introduction to the Cray XC30 Architecture (1hr)

This session introduces the Cray XC30, a brand new supercomputer architecture that builds upon Cray?s highly successful previous generation of MPP computers. Users will learn how the system is constructed, how the individual components contribute to the overall performance and how the combined hardware and software environment can make them and their applications more productive.

We expect users at the end of this session to be aware of all the major features available on the Cray XC30 to optimise application performance and productivity.

Topics covered include:

- Hardware (Archer configuration)
       - Intel Xeon Processors
       - Cray Aries Interconnect + Dragonfly topology
       - Storage Architecture
       - Power and Cooling
  • Software and Programming Environment - Cray Linux Environment - Cray Compilation Environment - Cray Performance and Analysis Toolkit (CrayPAT) - Cray Scientific libraries
  • Answers to users? questions

Moving from Cray XE6 to Cray XC30 (The Upgrade Path from HECToR)

As a Cray XC30, ARCHER follows on from the highly successful Cray XT and XE supercomputers that formed the HECToR service. We expect this common lineage to allow the existing users of HECToR to smoothly transition their workloads with only minimal disruption. In this session users will learn how the Cray XC30 ensures continuity of service by providing the same, familiar, interfaces to system software. This session will provide users will allow users to understand how the evolution of the hardware architecture and software environment may potentially affect them, and how to benefit from the enhanced capabilities of the new system.

Topics covered include:

- Continuity
       - Operating system
       - The modules, compilation, placement
- Progress
       - Managing Intel?s Hyperthreads
       - Advanced CPU specialisation
       - Scheduling ? the power of selection
       - The Intel Composer 
       - Performance what to expect
       - Answers to users? questions