Arch Linux

Diospyros

Member

Registered: 2009-03-15

Posts: 57

Cluster computing - PC or PS3?

I want to set up a Linux supercomputing cluster of maybe 4 nodes, and I was considering the idea of using gaming consoles (specifically the PS3) instead of a conventional PC.  I hear that the makers actually spend more money on the console than they sell it for, but make up the difference in games sold, so I was wondering if those would be better valued candidates than building nodes out of PC parts.  But then again the RSX chip is blocked when running Linux, so it might actually worse.

In general how does the performance of a PS3 (or other video gaming console) running Linux compare with that of a comparably priced PC?

buttons

Member

From: NJ, USA

Registered: 2007-08-04

Posts: 620

Re: Cluster computing - PC or PS3?

You're far better off building your own, I think, unless you think you can get value out of those puny Power processors. A few core 2 duos run very cheaply, and if four nodes is all you want, a PS3 actually costs more than a quad core processor by itself.

The PS3's obvious "strength" is the Cell engine, but it is absurdly difficult to program for (and receive any performance benefit). If, however, you just want to build a folding@home farm, by all means, it's by far your best bet.

If you were looking to start supercomputer programming, I suggest getting a few spare 9600GTs and playing with CUDA. The barrier to entry is much, much smaller (and it's already far more popular). Personally, I've found that CUDA makes supercomputing fun, putting a nice, friendly API on what is normally such a tedious process of coding and then optimising, and optimising, and optimising, and optimising...

Last edited by buttons (2009-06-29 08:42:44)

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Cthulhu For President!

buttons

Member

From: NJ, USA

Registered: 2007-08-04

Posts: 620

Re: Cluster computing - PC or PS3?

Ooooh yes, and I almost forgot. PS3 has 256MB RAM. You read that right.

I have found this to doom most would-be PS3 projects right from the start.

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Cthulhu For President!

SiC

Member

From: Liverpool, England

Registered: 2008-01-10

Posts: 430

Re: Cluster computing - PC or PS3?

Absolutely build your own, but it really depends on what you wish to do with your cluster once you have it... If its just for shits and giggles then go for a couple of nodes with dual nvidia cards and write for cuda.