Intel boosts high-performance computing with new cables
By Donald Melanson 
posted June 27th 2007 6:35PM
posted June 27th 2007 6:35PM
Intel looks to have found a way to make high-performance computing (or HPC, as it's called) even more high-performance, today unveiling some new cables designed to give clustered systems a boost, along with a new "Intel Cluster Ready" initiative that's intended to ensure the various components all get along nicely. The cables, dubbed "Intel Connects," will work with Inifiband and 10 GbE-based systems, and promise to deliver speeds up to 20 Gbps over a distance of 100 meters. What's more, the cables also look to be quite a bit more manageable than those of the current variety, weighing 84% lighter, measuring 83% smaller, and boasting a 40% smaller bend radius. No word on when they'll actually be available though, so those of you running a render farm in your basement will have to put up with the current mess of cables for a little while longer.
"84% lighter, measuring 83% smaller, and boasting a 40% smaller bend radius."
Yep, sounds like the average Engadget reader. :-|
I hate cable management so anything that makes it easier has my vote! I'm sure the pricing will be interesting...
"Infiniband" even.
"render farm"
+30 points for the CGI/VFX reference
You might have mentioned that these are *fiber optic* cables. That's why they're smaller and lighter. You don't have to upgrade your equipment, though, because the cables themselves do the conversion from electrical to optical, with a laser in each end *inside the plug*. Pretty nifty, though undoubtedly expensive.
First thought: from where does the cable draw its power?
Second thought: Oh. Duh.
I wish they had those last year - the headache we went through trying to cable 200~ 30m infinibands...