Getting Started: What is High Performance Computing

HPC map diagram of several points of interest about the HPC.
High Performance is the practice of using a cluster of powerful technology, working in parallel, to process and solve advanced computation problems.

At KSU, there are some 70 server-class computers clustered together in a way to provide a variety of environments to meet the needs of researchers and their teams.

The image to the right includes several points of interest about the HPC:

  • The HPC is available to on and off-campus users.
  • Access requires the use of the KSU VPN and DUO (not shown).
  • All the components of the system are interconnected on a fast, internal network.
  • Most of the server nodes support CPU based solutions.
  • There are 4 nodes that offer GPU resources (each with 4 Nvidia V100s).
  • There is one node designated as a high memory resource (1.5 TB RAM).
  • There is storage supporting HPC and the Student HPC.
  • User home directories are available via a highly reliable /data storage.
  • High Performing Run-time storage is available via /scratch storage.

QuickStart Guides

Welcome to the QuickStart guides for KSU's High Performance Computing (HPC) system. If you're tired of sticky notes on your lab computer or your computer's hard drive is full, it's time to consider using the KSU HPC system. Follow the guides below to start running your jobs on the cluster.

Click the + to list the guides for each section below

 

Request HPC Access

Faculty Access: Complete the HPC Access form to request your own access. This form now also allows you to sponsor accounts for a student, a guest or a list of students.

Student and Guest Access: We ask that student and guest accounts on the HPC or SHPC be requested by a KSU faculty member or research sponsor using the HPC Access Form. The form is not intended for students to complete.  

Please note that the KSU HPC uses NetID for authentication, so non-KSU users will need to be registered visitors in a process that goes through Owl Express. Connect with KSU HR for the current process.

If you already have access and need support, please contact the KSU service desk:

Online: ServiceNow
Phone: (470) 578-6999
Email: service@kennesaw.edu.