20 | | In terms of core count, there is no difference. In terms of performance there can be a big difference. A multi-core SMP system (such as a dual socket workstation or server motherboard) can provide many cores, but depending on the workload, you may not be able to get effective use from all the cores due to memory contention. In a cluster design, like Limulus, each node has exclusive access to the local memory. In addition, unused nodes can be powered off. |
| 20 | In terms of core count, there is no difference. In terms of performance there can be a big difference. A multi-core SMP system (such as a dual socket workstation or server motherboard) can provide many cores, but depending on the workload, you may not be able to get effective use from all the cores due to memory contention (See [http://www.clustermonkey.net//content/view/306/1/ Benchmarking A Multi-Core Processor For HPC] and [http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7855/ Exercising Multi-core]). In a cluster design, like Limulus, each node has one processor socket with exclusive access to the local memory. In addition, unused nodes can be powered off. |