Processors

What are your Processor Options?

Your applications again play a critical role in your processor selection. Many times, your code(s) will execute faster on one processor architecture vs. another, and your user community may have specific opinions about which processor is better for your particular code(s). Use your Aspen Systems sales engineer as a resource for this decision. We build many clusters every year, and often will have worked with other customers to define the optimum configuration for particular codes or applications.

Current offerings from AMD and Intel are both extremely competent processor architectures, while new models in the pipeline will offer even more capabilities. Historically, better integer performance has been achieved by higher clock speeds, which Intel offers, and AMD has had better memory bandwidth leading to better floating point performance. These generalizations are almost invalid, however, as new processors with new and better capabilities are introduced regularly. Trade-offs such as power usage and acquisition cost can also play a big factor in your selection.

Processor architectures change rapidly, with new models and capabilities appearing almost quarterly. Your Aspen Systems Sales Engineer can be one of your best resources to determine what the latest technology is, and how best to configure the technology for best price/performance in your particular circumstances. Use them, and our benchmarking clusters, to help make your decision easier.

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