University of Hong Kong launches supercomputer

By EgovAsia Editors | Sep 1, 2010

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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has successfully launched a Dell-powered High-Performance Computing Cluster (HPCC), designed for compute-intensive and advanced academic research in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Environmental and Nanotechnology Studies. The system will also be part of the China National Grid (CNGrid), a network of 11 supercomputing systems from selected institutions in China, and is the only Grid Point outside of the Mainland.

The HPCC is equipped with 240-node Dell PowerEdge M610 and R610 servers that can produce 19.43 Teraflops. Powered by 1,920 Intel Nehalem processors, the HPCC houses 12 PowerEdge M1000e and 192 M610 blade servers, 55 PowerEdge R610 and three R710 servers, stored in six 4220 42U server racks. Data is stored on two PowerVault MD1000 DAS Arrays, allowing seamless capacity expansion when more space is required. Specialized high-speed interconnect includes Qlogic 9040 Infiniband DDR Switches, Mellanox M2401G Infiniband DDR Switches and Dell PowerConnect Switches, all of which will help maximize cluster and grid computing interconnect performance while simplifying and reducing data center costs.
 
Funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), the project was first initiated by HKU’s Computer Science Department and Computer Centre, with the support from a number of researchers from Department of Chemistry, and Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. Dell was invited to an open tender bid and was awarded the project. Together with the HKU team, Dell’s Infrastructure Consulting Services team worked closely with industry leaders including Intel, Qlogic and Mellanox to bring the Grid Computer System and new IT infrastructure into operation within one year.

HKU’s Grid Point is the only supercomputer node outside the Mainland that is connected to the CNGrid. The HKU HPCC will now connect to 11 other supercomputers of academic institutions across the Mainland. Located on HKU’s main campus, the HPCC will facilitate research in multiple disciplines including research in Quantum Chemistry, Computational Physics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Financial Engineering, Environmental Studies, Global Hydrology and Nanotechnology Studies.

In addition to the Grid Computer System, the HPCC will also power the University’s IT infrastructure which includes advanced network facilities, distributed PC laboratories and central servers. With more computing power and bandwidth, students and faculty members will be able to take full advantage of the University’s web-based applications and virtual learning platforms.