What is High-Performance Computing (HPC)?

Across a wide range of industries, high-performance computing is essential to maximize the efficiency of mission-critical applications. 

In this blog, you'll learn more about how high-performance computing enhances systems through rapid data processing and maximum calculational ability.

What is high-performance computing?

High-performance computing (HPC) is the ability to process data and perform complex calculations at high speeds. 

Just how fast, you may ask? 

A laptop with a 3 GHz processor can perform around 3 billion calculations per second. And while this may seem impressive, high-performance computers (HPCs) can perform quadrillions of calculations per second. 

Perhaps the most well-known kind of HPC is the supercomputer, which contains thousands of nodes (servers) working together to complete one or more tasks. This is called "parallel processing." 

Why is HPC important?

As technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and 3-D images evolve, the amount of data that organizations have to work with has grown massively. 

When supporting functions such as AI inferencing or detecting incoming attacks, analyzing data in real-time is critical. 

To maintain a competitive advantage, businesses and military personnel must be equipped with applications that can process, store, and analyze massive amounts of data rapidly. 

How does HPC work?

There are three main components to HPC solutions: compute, network, and storage. Each component in this cluster coordinates with the others to enhance computing power.

At its core (no pun intended 😉), a high-performance computing architecture comprises several servers networked together, also known as an HPC cluster. Each server in this cluster is called a node, and each node works together to increase processing speed. 

Software programs and algorithms are run simultaneously on the servers, and the cluster is networked to the data storage to capture the output.  

To maximize performance, each component needs to keep up with the others. 

The storage component needs to take in data and transfer it to the servers as quickly as it is processed. The networking components must support rapid data transfer between the storage and servers. 

If one component fails, then the performance of the entire HPC solutions falters.

At its core, a high-performance computing architecture comprises several servers networked together, also known as an HPC cluster.

What are the benefits of HPC?

High-performance computing has been a critical component of innovation and research for years, allowing engineers, designers, and scientists to solve complex problems in minimal time at a low cost. 

Here are three additional benefits:

1. Reduced physical testing: HPC solutions can create simulations--like a tank crashing into another military vehicle--saving time, money, and effort by avoiding crash tests. 
2. Speed: Equipped with the latest CPUs, GPUs, and increased throughput, HPC solutions can perform tasks in a matter of minutes rather than weeks or months. 
3. Cost-saving: With increased processing power, problems are solved quickly, wasting less time and money. Organizations that use HPCs can pay for what they use, scaling the amount of money spent as needed. It is estimated that for every $1 organizations spend on high-performance computing solutions, the ROI (return on investment) is $44.

HPC and Trenton Systems

At Trenton, high-performance computing forms the foundation of our solutions, whether in rack mount or small-form factor. 

Our engineers work tirelessly building cybersecure, USA-made systems that provide complete protection across the hardware, firmware, and software layer stack with advanced cybersecurity technologies to maximize protection of critical data. 

Equipped with Next-Gen processors, our solutions increase throughput to enable rapid data analysis in real-time and enhance situational awareness. 

We maintain a tight grip on our supply chain, assembling our systems with thoroughly vetted parts and components to ensure mission success at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels. 

Want to learn more? Get in touch with our team of experts to customize a high-performance computing solution per your requirements to empower you to tackle your next mission with complete confidence and achieve optimal performance. 

Sources:

• "The ROI on HPC? $44 in profit for every $1 in HPC"