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OpenFOAM server for many small runs

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Old   June 3, 2021, 04:19
Default OpenFOAM server for many small runs
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Hi all,


I'm planning to purchase some hardware to run OpenFOAM simulations. These will be fairly small run-of-the-mill steady state RANS runs with grid sizes mostly below 1 million. However, there will be lots of these runs, i.e. many thousands. So this is less of an on-demand machine and more of a 24/7 number crunching device. Setup-wise, no regard needs to be placed on multi-user access.



Considering the small size of these runs, memory bandwidth is probably more important than CPU freq or core count. So, a dual Epyc configuration with 2x32 cores and 8 DDR3200 DIMMs per socket is my baseline, assuming that the sub-million grid point cases are never too large for this.


I've read up a lot on benchmarking and general setup, both in this board and elsewhere. With the background taken care of, I'd really appreciate some input regarding the following:

  • Does my baseline make sense?
  • Is is generally advisable to look at Epyc models with larger L3, i.e. 7532 (or 7543) versus 7452?
I'm looking at different ways to maximize throughput:

  • Is there substantial benefit in going to a 2x64 core configuration? Obviously much more expensive, but I try to understand the options
  • Is it maybe beneficial to go to multiple compute nodes with lower core counts (i.e. several of the 2x32 baseline boxes)?
  • If so, what is the best system setup for these? Run them independently next to each other and do the coordination of runs via custom scripts, or set up a whole HPC environment with SLURM/PBS/whatnot controlled from a master node?
And finally some general points:

  • As for general advice, any opinions on whether a tower or rack is better now and in the long run? I'm thinking about expandability, but maybe there are other factors. One could possibly add a storage solution to a rack, while this is more difficult with a tower.
  • We are purchasing from Germany, any EU members on here able to offer advice on system integrators they had good experiences with?


That's a lot of questions. I'm aware that some of these are a matter of personal preference, but I'm looking for general input.


Any insight is much appreciated. Regards,
awld
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Old   June 3, 2021, 16:25
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Quote:
Does my baseline make sense?
I would think so
Quote:
Is is generally advisable to look at Epyc models with larger L3, i.e. 7532 (or 7543) versus 7452?
More L3 per core is better, but it is an expensive way to squeeze out just a bit more performance. I would generally only recommend that for codes with expensive per-core licenses, i.e. not OpenFOAM.
Also, 3rd gen Epyc is already released. I would only buy second gen now if there was a substantial discount.

Quote:
Is there substantial benefit in going to a 2x64 core configuration? Obviously much more expensive, but I try to understand the options
Two boxes with 2x32 cores will provide significantly more throughput than a single box with 2x64 cores. Scaling won't be great beyond 32 cores per CPU because memory bandwidth.
Quote:
Is it maybe beneficial to go to multiple compute nodes with lower core counts (i.e. several of the 2x32 baseline boxes)?
See above. And here: General recommendations for CFD hardware [WIP]
Quote:
If so, what is the best system setup for these? Run them independently next to each other and do the coordination of runs via custom scripts, or set up a whole HPC environment with SLURM/PBS/whatnot controlled from a master node?
For maximizing throughput on "many thousand" small runs, it is probably best to run each simulation on a single core only. And without having to manage resource usage for multiple users, some basic scripts should get you pretty far.

Quote:
As for general advice, any opinions on whether a tower or rack is better now and in the long run? I'm thinking about expandability, but maybe there are other factors. One could possibly add a storage solution to a rack, while this is more difficult with a tower.
Depends on a lot of factors. Do you have a server room? Plans for colocation? Do you have enough budget for several nodes? Massively expanding capacity later sure is easier in a rack, but you probably don't want a server running in your office. Not sure what to tell you due to lack of information.
Quote:
We are purchasing from Germany, any EU members on here able to offer advice on system integrators they had good experiences with?
Never bought from them myself, but their prices seem fair, and the configurations are generally reasonable: https://www.deltacomputer.com/workstation/amd-epyc.html
From their FAQ, they don't seem to do on-site support though. So if that's what you need, better look elsewhere.

Last edited by flotus1; June 4, 2021 at 04:29.
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