Blanca Condo Cluster

The RC condo computing service "Blanca" offers researchers the opportunity to purchase and own compute nodes that will be operated as part of a shared cluster. The aggregate cluster is made available to all condo partners, while owners maintain priority access to their nodes. As of 2023, Blanca has approximately 200 nodes.Ìý

Benefits to partners includeÌý

  • Nodes receive data center rack space, redundant power, and cooling.Ìý
  • Partners have priority access on nodes that they own and can run preemptable jobs on any nodes that are not currently in use by other partners.Ìý
  • RC staff provides system configuration and administration, as well as technical support for users.Ìý
  • Partners may access a standard software stack appropriate for a range of research needs.Ìý
  • Jobs may access permanent storage that is common to all RC clusters (/home, /projects, PetaLibrary), and access to Blanca-specific scratch storage.Ìý
  • Partners are able to install additional software applications as needed.Ìý
  • Bulk discount pricing is available for all compute node purchases.Ìý

Please note that nodes ordered for Blanca might be deployed as one in a set of four to be housed in a single chassis owned by Research Computing. Node owners are responsible for providing a chassis (and other peripherals) if they wish to reclaim such nodes after their end-of-life in CURC.Ìý

Blanca nodes can be purchased during one of the bi-annual ordering windows, which occur in Autumn (Sep/Oct) and Spring (Mar/Apr). ÌýDetails on specific windows will be advertised via CURC's weekly newsletter when the window opens. Persons interested in purchasing one or more Blanca nodes may join the curc-users email list-serve to receive the newsletters. ÌýAdditionally, those with interest may email rc-help@colorado.edu anytime and request that we reach out to you when the next ordering period opens.

Example node configurations and approximate costs (as of Fall 2024) are indicated below. ÌýQuotes may be customized on request. Potential Blanca partners will receive the finalized quote for review and approval before RC initiates their purchase. All quotes include a five-year warranty.

ÌýCPUMemorySSDCPU ModelBase Clock (GHz)GPUsCostLead TimeAdditional Notes
Option 164 cores AMD256 GB480 GBEPYC 93543.25

None

$16,6862 wksIdeal for general-purpose computing applications.
Option 264 cores AMD512 GB480 GBEPYC 93543.25None$20,9822 wksEnhanced memory to support memory-intensive tasks.
Option 364 cores AMD768 GB480 GBEPYC 93543.25None$25,6302 wksBest suited for handling large datasets efficiently.
Option 4128 cores AMD512 GB480 GBEPYC 95342.45None$26,1952 wksOptimized for high core count and memory requirements.
Option 5128 cores AMD1 TB480 GBEPYC 95342.45None$35,0432 wksDesigned for extensive parallel CPU workloads with high-mem.
Option 664 cores Intel256 GB960 GBXeon Gold 6548Y2.50None$16,8542 wksIntel-based option tailored for specific applications.
Option 764 cores AMD256 GB480 GBEPYC 93543.252 x NVIDIA L40S$32,5502 wksA cost-effective entry into GPU computing.
Option 864 cores Intel256 GB960 GBXeon Gold 6548Y2.502 x NVIDIA L40S$32,6202 wksCombines Intel CPU efficiency with moderate GPU capabilities.
Option 9128 cores Intel512 GB480 GBXeon Platinum 85921.94 x NVIDIA L40S$66,3844 wksHigh-core Intel CPU integrated with substantial GPU resources.
Option 1064 cores Intel256 GB480 GBXeon Gold 6548Y2.502 x NVIDIA H100$78,5133 wksIntel configuration for advanced GPU performance.
Option 11128 cores Intel512 GB480 GBXeon Platinum 85921.93 x NVIDIA H100$118,5034 wksUltimate CPU and GPU setup for peak demands.
Option 1264 cores AMD256 GB960 GBEPYC 93543.252x NVIDIA H100$69,9422 wksCombines cost-effective AMD CPUs with substantial GPU resources
Option 13128 cores AMD512 GB960 GBEPYC 95342.452x NVIDIA H100$79,5012 wksHigh core AMD CPUs, more RAM, and substantial GPU resources
Option 1464 cores AMD256 GB960 GBEPYC 93543.251x AMD MI210$21,9752 wksCombines cost-effective AMD CPUS and AMD GPU for non-CUDA workflows
Option 15128 cores AMD512 GB960 GBEPYC 95342.452x AMD MI210$36,8112 wksHigh core AMD CPUs and substantial AMD GPU resources for non-CUDA workflows

** Prices are listed as a guideline and are subject to change when quoted for the order.Ìý

Note: For custom orders or further inquiries, please contact CURC directly.

Please visit our for additional information.Ìý