Introduction

CITI supports a high performance computing cluster for research called "The Palmetto Cluster". This cluster gets its name from the South Carolina state tree and is simply known as "palmetto".

The Palmetto Cluster is well suited for many research applications because in includes a large number of powerful multicore nodes, a significant amount of memory with each node, a high-bandwidth interconnect between the nodes, optimizing compilers, and a growing set of application software.

Clemson researchers may add their own nodes to the cluster as well. The main advantage of buying into palmetto is that CCIT provides power, cooling, racks, a high-speed communication fabric, and system admin support. All of your funds can go to buying computing capacity and storage. The basic idea is this:

• However many nodes you buys, you and your workgroup get priority access to the equivalent capacity in node-hours each week, but you can use those in any way you find convenient. For example, if you buy 10 nodes, you get 10x168 node-hours per week. But you could use 10 nodes for 1680 hours or 20 nodes for 840 hours, etc.
• Beyond that purchased capacity, you can apply for additional hours at regular user priority, up to whatever you need (subject to available capacity). The application process is mostly to keep us aware of what people are doing and to make sure that requests are in line with needs (and that allocations are made fairly if capacity is an issue).
• Any of your priority time that you don't use is available for other regular-priority users.

This material, intended to get you started on palmetto, will grow over time to include optimization methods and additional application software. We are here to assist you in your use of palmetto, so don't hesitate to contact us with questions or if you need help porting or troubleshooting.