The evolution to multi-core processors provides a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster sector. While multiple cores mean more computing power within the same space and power signature, the fundamental changes in processor architecture make efficient use of these processors a bit more challenging than previous designs.

The traditional HPC cluster normally has two single-core processors per computing node. The nodes are connected to other nodes via a high speed interconnect. Programs written to use clusters typical employ multiple nodes to work on a single program (or problem). Clusters have reshaped the HPC landscape and are almost always the preferred platform on which to achieve the best price to performance in a given application domain. This white paper provides a first look at utilizing multi-core processors within HPC clusters and contains recommendations for achieving good performance on multi-core systems.

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