Computer Hardware - Revision history

WikiSysop at 21:45, 19 December 2021

2021-12-19T21:45:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 19 December 2021
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	All new drives are Seagate Exos (formerly Enterprise or Constellation) class SATA drives.		All new drives are Seagate Exos (formerly Enterprise or Constellation) class SATA drives.

			The 8 TB drive was the cost effective choice in 2020 and is being used for replacements and storage upgrades. Allowing 4 slots at this capacity provides 48 TB online, exceeding our current needs for several years. Drives with 14 TB are now available for the price of 8 TB last year, making the 8 TB very cost effective for a workstation.

	The 9 TB drive was the cost effective choice in 2020 and is being used for replacements and storage upgrades. Allowing 4 slots at this capacity provides 48TB online, exceeding our current needs for several years.		Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses a unacceptable MTBF of about 2 years. We have not had only 1 enterprise-class drive failure since implementing them in 2012 and an specified MTBF of 5 years does seem to be a realistic expectation in practice.

	Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses an MTBF of about 2 years. We have not had only 1 enterprise-class drive failure since implementing them in 2012 and an specified MTBF of 5 years does seem to be a realistic expectation in practice.


	== GPUs and Graphics ==		== GPUs and Graphics ==

	Where needed we have NVIDIA Pascal and Kepler architecture GPU cards installed on some processing workstations, but not on the main data storage and web server systems. This technology is evolving rapidly, and for affordable small scale uses the Quadro series of graphics cards is still useful. New or replacement systems would ~~probably~~ use the NVIDIA RTX cards, and the RTX A2000 with 6 GV of GDDR6 and 4 display port outputs is available~~, but in limited quantities,~~ for $700 retail in December 2021.		Where needed we have NVIDIA Pascal and Kepler architecture GPU cards installed on some processing workstations, but not on the main data storage and web server systems. This technology is evolving rapidly, and for affordable small scale uses the previous generation Quadro series of graphics cards is still useful. New or replacement systems would use the NVIDIA RTX cards, and the RTX A2000 with 6 GB of GDDR6 and 4 display port outputs is available for $700 retail in December 2021.

WikiSysop at 21:38, 19 December 2021

2021-12-19T21:38:39Z

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-Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio.  The selections here were initially made in Fall 2014 and have been working well since then (currently January 2018).  The main  servers mtkent1 and mtkent3 which archive data were replaced in 2017 with Supermicro servers.  Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years though recently these systems have been more reliable, with only one failure out of  about 12 attributed to environmental heat stress.  Nevertheless, computers at the telescopes may be smaller modular fanless units where proximity to electronics such as cameras, filter wheels, and focusers prohibit long cable runs.
+Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio.  The selections in use now were  made in Fall 2017 and have been working well since then (currently December 2021).  The main  servers mtkent1 and mtkent3 which archive data are Supermicro servers.  Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years though recently these systems have been more reliable, with only two failures out of  about 12 attributed to environmental heat stress.  Nevertheless, computers at the telescopes may be smaller modular fanless units where proximity to electronics such as cameras, filter wheels, and focusers encourage short cable runs.
 == Servers  ==
-The [http://www.supermicro.com Supermicro]
+The [http://www.supermicro.com Supermicro] 1U Intel Xeon servers accomodate 4 hot-swap drives.  Assembled and tested systems are availalble from
-U rack servers accomodate  6 to 8  hot-swap SATA drives.  The older ones remain in use still have a  and 1 full height DVD and  a single 400 watt power supply, but newer ones are built without the DVD and with dual redundant power where it is critical.
+from [http://www.serversdirect.com/ Servers Direct] for a price that is competitve with building one from parts, without the risk.
-== Workstation Chassis ==
+Used for data analysis, given the size of datasets and processing needs of  a photometry run, workstations require large memory access,  multiple processing cores, and storage of 10 TB or more.  We prefer Xeon processors with ECC memory, trading speed  of the consumer Intel core series for reliability and lower power consumption of the high end server CPUs. The preferred design for new hardware is an Intel W-1390 Rocket Lake processor with an LGA 1200 socket requiring a W580 motherboard chipset, available as of late 2021 for $540.    The Supermicro MBD-X12SCA-5F motherboard which accommodates this processor provides USB 3.0, dual Ethernet, and up to 128 GB of error-correcting ECC memory for $510.  This motherboard is in ATX format, and the Supermicro workstation chassis CSE-732D3-903B  900 W of power and only  21 DB of noise accomodates this board for $400.  Currently 32 GB of DDR4 ECC UDIM costs $120, and the large 14 TB Seagate Exos drives are $330. With these components, a very useful workstation using 11th generation Intel processing with 64 GB of memory would cost $2220 to build from components.
-Used for telescopes and operator consoles, these can be built economically in house.  The data here are from late 2014.  The parts selection may be different now, but costs will be similar.
+Used for machine control, simpler, lower cost, and compact mini- or micro-chassis computers are the preferred choice and are being used to replace computers at the telescopes as they age or fail.  For these, small HP or Dell systems which are supported by the University's purchasing agreements can be found for less than $1000.  HP Elitedesk business computers with a Core I5 processor are available used for  $300 with 16 GB of DDR4 non-ECC memory and USB 3.0, perfect for telecope operation, and inexpensive enough to maintain on-site spares.  Used HP 800 G3 mini formfactor "desktop" computers with Intel I7, 32 GB of DDR4, and 1 TB NVme SSD plus WiFi cost about $600 in December 2021. The issue with these smaller devices for instrument control is that typically older generations have one Ethernet port, but they are usually run headless in our applications so the display technology should not be a factor in selecting them.
-[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006L6ZSWC/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  Corsair Mid Tower case on Amazon.com]
+== Hard Disk Drives ==
-All new drives are Seagate Enterprise (formerly Constellation) class SATA drives.
+Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses an MTBF of about 2 years.  We have not had only 1 enterprise-class  drive failure since implementing them in 2012 and an specified MTBF of 5 years does seem to be a realistic expectation in practice.
-The 4 TB drive  was the cost effective choice in 2016.  In early 2018, an  8 TB drive was the same ~$200 price and is being used for replacements and storage upgrades.  Allowing 6 slots at this capacity provides 48 TB online, exceeding our current needs for  several years.
+== GPUs and Graphics ==
-Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses an MTBF of about 2 years.  We have not had only 1  Enterprise  drive failure since implementing them in 2012.
+Where needed we have  NVIDIA Pascal and Kepler architecture  GPU cards installed on some processing workstations, but not on the main data storage and web server systems.  This technology is evolving rapidly, and for affordable small scale uses the Quadro series of graphics cards  is still useful.  New or replacement systems would probably use the NVIDIA RTX cards, and the RTX A2000 with 6 GV of GDDR6 and 4 display port outputs is available, but in limited quantities,  for $700 retail in December 2021.

WikiSysop at 08:41, 1 January 2018

2018-01-01T08:41:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:41, 1 January 2018
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	Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio. The selections here were ~~updated~~ in Fall 2014 and have been working well since then (currently January 2018). The main servers mtkent1 and mtkent3 which archive data were replaced in 2017. Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years though recently ~~the Supermicro-based~~ systems have been more reliable, with only one failure out of about 12 attributed to environmental heat stress.		Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio. The selections here were initially made in Fall 2014 and have been working well since then (currently January 2018). The main servers mtkent1 and mtkent3 which archive data were replaced in 2017 with Supermicro servers. Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years though recently these systems have been more reliable, with only one failure out of about 12 attributed to environmental heat stress. Nevertheless, computers at the telescopes may be smaller modular fanless units where proximity to electronics such as cameras, filter wheels, and focusers prohibit long cable runs.


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	The [http://www.supermicro.com Supermicro]		The [http://www.supermicro.com Supermicro]
	2U rack servers ~~that accommodates~~ 6 hot-swap SATA drives. The older ones still have a and 1 full height DVD and a single 400 watt power supply, but newer ones are built without the DVD and with dual redundant power where it is critical.		2U rack servers accomodate 6 to 8 hot-swap SATA drives. The older ones remain in use still have a and 1 full height DVD and a single 400 watt power supply, but newer ones are built without the DVD and with dual redundant power where it is critical.

	This and other 4U servers are available from [http://www.serversdirect.com/ Servers Direct] assembled with motherboard and processor of choice.		This and other 4U servers are available from [http://www.serversdirect.com/ Servers Direct] assembled with motherboard and processor of choice.
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	== Workstation Chassis ==		== Workstation Chassis ==

	Used for telescopes and operator consoles.		Used for telescopes and operator consoles, these can be built economically in house. The data here are from late 2014. The parts selection may be different now, but costs will be similar.

	Corsair Obsidian Series Black 550D Mid Tower Computer Case $117		Corsair Obsidian Series Black 550D Mid Tower Computer Case $117

WikiSysop at 08:37, 1 January 2018

2018-01-01T08:37:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:37, 1 January 2018
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	The 4 TB drive ~~now at [https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Enterprise-Capacity-Cache-Internal-ST4000NM0033/dp/B00A45JEX0 $175 on Amazon] would be~~ the cost effective choice in 2016. ~~A 6~~ TB drive is ~~currently $223~~.		The 4 TB drive was the cost effective choice in 2016. In early 2018, an 8 TB drive was the same ~$200 price and is being used for replacements and storage upgrades. Allowing 6 slots at this capacity provides 48 TB online, exceeding our current needs for several years.

	Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses an MTBF of about 2 years. We have not had an Enterprise drive failure since implementing them in 2012.		Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses an MTBF of about 2 years. We have not had only 1 Enterprise drive failure since implementing them in 2012.

WikiSysop at 08:33, 1 January 2018

2018-01-01T08:33:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:33, 1 January 2018
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	Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio. The selections here were updated in Fall 2014. Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years.		Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio. The selections here were updated in Fall 2014 and have been working well since then (currently January 2018). The main servers mtkent1 and mtkent3 which archive data were replaced in 2017. Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years though recently the Supermicro-based systems have been more reliable, with only one failure out of about 12 attributed to environmental heat stress.


	== Servers ==		== Servers ==

	The [http://www.supermicro.com~~/products/chassis/2U/823/SC823TQ-653LP.cfm~~ Supermicro ~~823TQ-653LPB~~ ]		The [http://www.supermicro.com Supermicro]
	~~is a~~ 2U rack ~~server~~ that accommodates 6 hot-swap SATA drives and 1 full height DVD. ~~It includes~~ a single 400 watt power supply.		2U rack servers that accommodates 6 hot-swap SATA drives. The older ones still have a and 1 full height DVD and a single 400 watt power supply, but newer ones are built without the DVD and with dual redundant power where it is critical.

	This and other 4U servers are available from [http://www.serversdirect.com/ Servers Direct] assembled with motherboard and processor of choice.		This and other 4U servers are available from [http://www.serversdirect.com/ Servers Direct] assembled with motherboard and processor of choice.
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	== Workstation Chassis ==		== Workstation Chassis ==

			Used for telescopes and operator consoles.

	Corsair Obsidian Series Black 550D Mid Tower Computer Case $117		Corsair Obsidian Series Black 550D Mid Tower Computer Case $117

WikiSysop at 22:34, 3 July 2016

2016-07-03T22:34:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:34, 3 July 2016
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	Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio. The selections here were updated in Fall 2014. Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years.		Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio. The selections here were updated in Fall 2014. Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years.


	== Servers ==		== Servers ==


	The [http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/2U/823/SC823TQ-653LP.cfm Supermicro 823TQ-653LPB ]		The [http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/2U/823/SC823TQ-653LP.cfm Supermicro 823TQ-653LPB ]

WikiSysop at 22:33, 3 July 2016

2016-07-03T22:33:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:33, 3 July 2016
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	This and other 4U servers are available from [http://www.serversdirect.com/ Servers Direct] assembled with motherboard and processor of choice.		This and other 4U servers are available from [http://www.serversdirect.com/ Servers Direct] assembled with motherboard and processor of choice.


	== Workstation Chassis ==		== Workstation Chassis ==
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	[http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/tower/732/SC732i-500.cfm Supermicro SC732i-500B mid-tower chassis]		[http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/tower/732/SC732i-500.cfm Supermicro SC732i-500B mid-tower chassis]


	== Power ==		== Power ==
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	Power supplies for the observatories have to be quiet, and should be green with high efficiency. Typical lifetimes have been 3 to 5 years, but some supplies from Antec have had premature failure and are not recommended.		Power supplies for the observatories have to be quiet, and should be green with high efficiency. Typical lifetimes have been 3 to 5 years, but some supplies from Antec have had premature failure and are not recommended.


	== CPU ==		== CPU ==
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	These boxed CPU's are supplied without a cooler which is purchased separately. We use the low cost air-cooled Intel Thermal Solution Air $36		These boxed CPU's are supplied without a cooler which is purchased separately. We use the low cost air-cooled Intel Thermal Solution Air $36
	The cooler runs quietly, and is not at risk for use at a telescope where there may be temperature extremes.		The cooler runs quietly, and is not at risk for use at a telescope where there may be temperature extremes.


	== Motherboard ==		== Motherboard ==
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	The newer Xeon E5-2600 systems require a different socket, and the [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C600/X10SRL-F.cfm Supermicro X10SRL-F] is preferred.		The newer Xeon E5-2600 systems require a different socket, and the [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C600/X10SRL-F.cfm Supermicro X10SRL-F] is preferred.


	== Memory ==		== Memory ==
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	There is a requirement to use non-ECC memory with I7 processors but when upgrading computers at telescopes we are switching to Xeon processors with ECC.		There is a requirement to use non-ECC memory with I7 processors but when upgrading computers at telescopes we are switching to Xeon processors with ECC.


	== Hard Disk Drives ==		== Hard Disk Drives ==

WikiSysop at 22:31, 3 July 2016

2016-07-03T22:31:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 3 July 2016
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	The 4 TB drive now at [~~http~~://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Enterprise-~~Constellation~~-Cache-Internal-ST4000NM0033/dp/B00A45JEX0~~/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407310115&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=seagate+enterprise+ST4000NM003~~ $~~256~~ on Amazon] would be the cost effective choice ~~over a~~ 6 TB drive ~~for new installations in 2014:~~		The 4 TB drive now at [https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Enterprise-Capacity-Cache-Internal-ST4000NM0033/dp/B00A45JEX0 $175 on Amazon] would be the cost effective choice in 2016. A 6 TB drive is currently $223.

			Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses an MTBF of about 2 years. We have not had an Enterprise drive failure since implementing them in 2012.
	~~[http://www.seagate.com/internal-hard-drives/enterprise-hard-drives/hdd/enterprise-capacity-3-5-hdd/#specs Seagate Enterprise Capacity v.4 4TB SATA ST4000]~~


	Note that the commodity Seagate Barracuda line is not as reliable and has had in our uses an MTBF of about 2 years. We have not had ~~a Constellation~~ drive failure since implementing them in 2012.

WikiSysop: /* Memory */

2014-11-16T08:15:07Z

Memory

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:15, 16 November 2014
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	For the current Xeon E5-2600 processors, the LGA2011 socket motherboard requires 2x or more 8 GB registered ECC DDR4 modules. Crucial memory costs approximately $260 for 16 GB.		For the current Xeon E5-2600 processors, the LGA2011 socket motherboard requires 2x or more 8 GB registered ECC DDR4 modules. Crucial memory costs approximately $260 for 16 GB.

	[http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/x10srl-f/CT6228559 DDR4 ECC]		[http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/x10srl-f/CT6228559 Crucial DDR4 ECC for Xeon processors]

WikiSysop: /* Motherboard */

2014-11-16T08:14:00Z

Motherboard

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:14, 16 November 2014
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	[http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C600/X9SRA.cfm Supermicro X9SRA] Xeon and I7 supports 512 GB of DDR3 memory in 8 sockets, and offers 2x PCI-E 3.0 x16, 1x PCI-E 3.0 x4 (in x8), 1x PCI-E 2.0 x4 (in x8), and 1x PCI-32. It is available through distributors offered by Amazon for about $275. This board has built-in audio, no video, 4 USB 3.0 ports and 8 USB 2.0 ports from the rear of the chassis, plus 2 serial ports on a header.		[http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C600/X9SRA.cfm Supermicro X9SRA] Xeon and I7 supports 512 GB of DDR3 memory in 8 sockets, and offers 2x PCI-E 3.0 x16, 1x PCI-E 3.0 x4 (in x8), 1x PCI-E 2.0 x4 (in x8), and 1x PCI-32. It is available through distributors offered by Amazon for about $275. This board has built-in audio, no video, 4 USB 3.0 ports and 8 USB 2.0 ports from the rear of the chassis, plus 2 serial ports on a header.

	The newer Xeon E5-2600 systems require a different socket, and the [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C600/X10SRL-F.cfm Supermicro ~~X10SSRL~~-F] is preferred.		The newer Xeon E5-2600 systems require a different socket, and the [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C600/X10SRL-F.cfm Supermicro X10SRL-F] is preferred.

	== Memory ==		== Memory ==