Program Overview

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High Performance Computing Program

The High Performance Computing (HPC) Program at East Carolina University (ECU) is designed to provide access to high-performance computing resources for primary investigators and their labs. The program aims to generate preliminary data needed to make high-quality applications to extramural grant funding agencies.

Program Overview

The HPC Program is a pilot program invested in by ECU's Office of Research, in coordination with ITCS. The program provides access to two sources of HPC resources:

• NC State (see technical details below)
• Microsoft Azure (see technical details below)

Technical Details

The available resources consist of two sources:

• NC State High Performance Computing Partner Program: This is a dedicated 3-node cluster for ECU, providing compute time (1M cpu-hr) on NC State's shared Hazel cluster.
• Microsoft Azure Cloud resources: Azure's HPC On-Demand Platform provides scalable compute resources, including H-Series systems, M-Series memory-optimized systems, and N-Series systems optimized for GPU workloads.

Application Process

To access these resources, primary investigators (PIs) must submit an application. The selection criteria include the type of project, its funding potential, and the PI's ability to complete the research.

What is High Performance Computing?

High Performance Computing (HPC) is technology that uses clusters of powerful processors to process massive multi-dimensional datasets and solve complex problems at extremely high speeds. HPC systems typically perform at speeds more than one million times faster than the fastest commodity desktop, laptop, or server systems.

HPC Resources

The HPC resources available through the program include:

• Data analysis, modeling, simulations
• Regression calculations
• Monte Carlo Simulations
• Spatial Analysis
• Broad application across Finance, Healthcare, Geography, Energy, Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HPC and Research Computing Pilot Program?

The HPC and Research Computing Pilot Program is an initiative by ECU's Office of Research to provide access to HPC resources for primary investigators and their labs.

How do I request HPC Resources?

To request access, please complete the High Performance Computing Application Form. Your request will be reviewed monthly, and you will be notified of the status.

What resources are available in this offering?

Currently, there are two resource offerings: Microsoft Azure and NC State HPC Partner Program.

HPC Partner Program through NCSU

How do I get access to NCSU Partner Program Resources?

Once your HPC resource request has been approved, you will be given access to the cluster. A new project space will be created, or if requested, you can be added to an existing project that you are collaborating on.

How do I connect to the Hazel Cluster?

Access is provided through a web-based portal named "Open OnDemand". Open a web browser and go to servood.hpc.ncsu.edu, select "East Carolina University" on the UNC Federation "Select Your Campus" page, and authenticate your ECU credentials.

Storage and File Transfer

How much storage is available?

• Home Directory: 1GB per account, for housing scripts, small applications, environment files, etc.
• Scratch Space: 20TB per project, for housing data for actively running jobs and analysis.
• Available Storage: Storage space for application installation will be provided on request.

How do I transfer files?

Open OnDemand is the simplest method for small files, with a limit of ~10GB file size.

Job Submission and Scheduling

How do I submit jobs?

Jobs are submitted from cluster login nodes, and all job scheduling must be through LSF IBM/Platform Computing's Load Sharing Facility.

Compilers and Software

What compilers are available?

Three sets of compilers are available on Hazel: GNU, Intel, and Nvidia (formerly Portland Group).

What software is available on the cluster?

Please see the officially supported applications and libraries on the HPC website.

Support and Training

How do I get support?

For general HPC assistance, open a Team Dynamix ticket for the ITCS Enterprise Linux Team.

What training, tutorials, or other resources are available?

To learn more about HPC concepts and skills, please see the links for learning HPC on the HPC website. An HPC quick start tutorial may be found online.