[Beowulf] RE: Capitalization Rates - How often should you replace a cluster? (resent - 1st sending wasn't posted ).

[Geoff Jacobs]

Mike Davis wrote:
> Lux, James P wrote:
>>
>> On 1/19/09 11:14 PM, "Jon Aquilina" <eagles051387 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>  
>>> in all honesty is there a need really to replace the cluster. why not
>>> just add
>>> onto it?
>>>
>>>     
>>
>> 1) If all the processors work at the same speed, it's "easier" to
>> distribute
>> work among them, especially if there are synchronization steps
>> periodically,
>> where all the work quanta need to be aligned and redistributed for the
>> next
>> step.
>>
>> 2) Newer machines do more computing/kWh of electricity, in general, so it
>> reduces operating costs.
>>   
> 
> Another reason to replace machines is upkeep and staff time. Older
> machines fail more often and require more attention than newer ones.

Generally, yes, that is the conventional wisdom. However, sometimes
better the devil you know...

-- 
Geoffrey D. Jacobs