general apps beyond gaming-music/video editing. cluster computers are networked.....I wonder if you can make a direct conection between multiple mobos(retrofit chipset,bios) and combine their resourses/power into one big computer that would work with apps just like any ordinary pc. the advantige in my mind is you could use pc parts that aren't good for much anymore and make them into a powerful computer for less money than a new high-end pc.
2007-02-26 16:34:08 · 4 answers · asked by Ryan S 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
yes it is possible and ive seen it BUT, the software that enables all this combined power is big $$$ and the programs have to be written in parellel so they understand how to re-assemble the date that comes back.
you can google:Oscar,Beowulf,ROCKS,Scali
to get an idea of whats involved.
2007-02-26 16:40:50 · answer #1 · answered by MidnightRider 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately many applications don't really handle multiple processors very well. The applications have to be coded so that parallel tasks can be split between processors along with the management of bringing everything back together to present the results. Where you will likely see the most benefit for a home system will be minimizing the effect of running a second application (example your "on demand" for the virus scan could only take up to 50% of the CPU power on the system, leaving the other processor for your game). A practical application for playing around at home would be to setup a web or application server on the system. Generally applications like that can initialize a few processes to keep them on hand for processing multiple request (and therefore each process can be on its own CPU).
2007-02-26 16:43:52 · answer #2 · answered by Jim Maryland 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Software has to be written to take advantage of multiple CPUS and Operating systems.
A High end computer is just one with more compacity, .i.e more hard drives, as much RAM as the mother board can take, fast graphic card/s, and either dual core or quad core.
Such a computer can support what ever you want it to. CAD, Server, Stand alone PC, gaming!
The only thing gammers do is over clock the CPU, RAM and system BUS! But then, most NEVER use the most optimun parts on the market! You ever here of a game system with SCSI hard drives? SCSI drives can rotate at 15,000 RPM, that is a lot faster than 10,000!
No many max out the RAM capability, causing the system to go to the hard drive more often.
Some do not pay attention to the amount of RAM on the hard drive - 16MB instead of 8MB.
2007-02-26 17:24:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a nice thought, but the special purpose programming to get the cluster operating correctly is the tough part. You will quickly evaporate the budget you saved on hardware on time programming.
2007-02-26 16:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋