Windows HPC 2008 R2 CTP released

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If you've got a spare supercomputer that is just sitting around waiting to test pre-released software on, then you'll be glad to hear that Microsoft has made the Community Technical Preview (CTP) of Windows HPC Server 2008 R2 available on Microsoft Connect.

Windows HPC Server is a specialized version of Windows Server designed for use in high performance computing applications, designed to solve complex computation problems or in parallel (cluster) computing. Minimum system requirements for Windows HPC server is an x64 hardware platform such as Intel Xeon processors with Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T) or AMD Opteron processors and 512MB of RAM. However, we suggest picking up a Cray CX1, starting price is around $25,000.

While Windows HPC Server is based on the same technologies that are in Windows Server 2008 R2, the HPC version isn't designed for use as a general purpose server such as a web server, file/print server, etc.

Microsoft boasts improvements that focus on scalability and manageability of HPC infrastructures in the R2 release, in addition to enhancements in the job scheduler and a more robust programming model and runtime support.

View: CTP Release Information

Download: Windows HPC 2008 R2 CTP Signup @ Microsoft Connect

(2 replies) #1 artzm on 22 May 2009 - 20:06

HPC stands for what? Yeah I know I could google it but I'm sure I won't be the only one wondering.

#1.1 Electric Bolt on 22 May 2009 - 20:18

High Performance Computing, duh.

#1.2 andrewbares on 23 May 2009 - 01:19

Ohhhhh!

#2 +Chipshop on 22 May 2009 - 20:14

High-performance computing (HPC) cluster technology is used in supercomputers (multiple computers working in parallel and acting as one computer to achieve very high calculating power)

...but i got that from weirdopedia and we all know ho unreliable that can be!

(2 replies) #3 _dandy_ on 23 May 2009 - 13:43

Perfect timing! I was just looking for an alternate OS for my netbook...

#3.1 shouck on 23 May 2009 - 15:29

If it's an Atom, no HPC for you. Needs x64 capable. Sucks for you :^)

#3.2 _dandy_ on 27 May 2009 - 23:09

shouck said,

Sarcasm detector broken, huh?

(1 reply) #4 Innuendo on 23 May 2009 - 21:53

The recommendation to pick up a Cray CX1 is a snide remark best left out of this article.

Last time I checked Cray supercomputers don't have Intel-based processors and would not be able to run Windows HPC Server 2008 R2....which is what this article is about.

Neowin's journalism has been falling below unprofessional and is fast approaching uneducated.

#4.1 chisss on 24 May 2009 - 17:09

Dude, instead of talking out you ass why don't you do some research? Cray Computers DO have intel processors... XEON based processors...

The Cray CX1™ deskside personal supercomputer is the "right size" in performance, functionality, and cost for individuals and departmental workgroups who want to harness HPC without the complexity of traditional clusters.

Equipped with powerful Intel Xeon processors and integrated with your choice of Windows HPC Server 2008, Linux-based Rocks+ (Intel Cluster Ready), or Platform OCS (Intel Cluster Ready), the Cray CX1 delivers the power of a high performance cluster with the ease-of-use and seamless integration of a workstation.

Here is the link
http://www.cray.com/Products/CX1.aspx

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