[Beowulf] power usage, Intel 5160 vs. AMD 2216

[Larry Stewart]

Donald Becker wrote:

>We could get into an interesting discussion about the best way to decrease 
>the typical power use of a cluster.  The best way to do this is with 
>software -- laptop-style power control, and powering nodes down.  But when 
>purchasing and installing clusters you have to design for that 
>long-running job that stays at the peak power draw and thermal state of 
>the cluster.
>
>
>  
>
Been waiting for <<weeks>> for a straight line.

... or you could design new machines for low power.  Both our machines 
and IBM's
forthcoming Blue Gene/P are about 3 watts per peak gigaflop. 

I do agree though, that if you aren't computing anything, then you may as
well unplug the machine.

-Larry / SiCortex