C'mon, we all knew PS3 clusters were good for more than
academia, right? Thankfully for those who are itching to jump right into a worldwide dogfight when Warhawk lands, it looks like
Sony has you covered. Granted, the game will allow for
PS3 owners to host and play on their own matches, but the Ranked-Dedicated servers that you may also opt for shouldn't be lacking in terms of sheer power. Constructed by the SCEA IT team, this ginormous PS3 cluster will soon be used to connect Warhawk gamers everywhere, and while we're never told precisely how many PlayStation 3s were scrounged up in order to make this happen, feel free to click on through for another shot and start countin'.
posted Aug 11th 2007 4:35PM
Looks like Sony just doubled their PS3 sales.
Did anyone see the title for the love of god?
Sony has a massive PS3 erection! :O
I'd like to point out that this is the EXACT reason why developers are having problems with the PS3 and why the PS3's chip is NOT a gaming chip. Go to Tom's Hardware and look at the benchmarks for games running on a Quad Xeon vs. those running on a Core 2 Quad. The Cell processor is a SERVER chip. Make no mistake about it.
So I guess PC's have server's chip too huh CB17? This game is designed so that you can use the ps3 as the server. You can even host a game on your ps3. PC's have done this a long time ago. It's probably cheaper and more effective than using some normal servers that use xenon or opteron processors.
Imagine a Beowulf cluster of ... oh wait.
I for one, welcome our Soviet Russian beowulf cluster Warhawk PS3 Server Overlords.
hehehe eretcs
Since they cant move the systems, they might as well put all those extra consoles to do something until things pick up :)
Wow, I can't believe you went there. lol
But, will it Fold?
Oh look the PS4 prototype- oh... Wait...
I haven't seen that many PS3s on a shelf since my last visit to Best Buy
75 PS3s if its just a one sided rack. 150 if its double sided.
More if that's just one of the rooms/cabinets.
Back when the original PS1 was released, I purchased the system SIMPLY to get at WARHAWK which wowed me when I saw the commercials for it.
I am thoroughly dissapointed that #1 There is no more Singletrac and #2 that Warhawk has been deemed a MULTIPLAYER ONLY GAME. With the technology available in the PS3, Warhawk shoulda blown everyone's socks off.
Now It just looks like a Battlefield 2 clone.
I feel bad because I bought PS2 hoping for a Warhawk sequel, and then bought PS3 hoping for a Warhawk sequel, only to be dissapointed yet again.
I', looking forward to MGS4 now and a Twisted Metal sequel.
Why would SONY use CONSOLES to create a massive server?
Doesn't it make more sense to simply use Computers with PS3 compatibility? This thing looks silly.
You have to understand that PS3s are basically underpriced computers. It doesn't even look silly either.
Computers would be MUCH more powerful and much more reliable as far as dedicated servers go.
They are only underpriced to consumers, sony has to pay for all the parts. And yes, it looks stupid
I'm guessing they just wanted to off load a ton of the bloody things, and this seemed like a good idea. Not like anyone's gonna miss 'em.
It is curious as to why they didn't use the dev kit units, but I guess those have debug/component overhead too.
Well they need Cells to run the Servers, x86 processors (current Intel and AMD) would be much to slow for the job. A cell blade is expensive, and they are making a ton of PS3's and can adopt them as servers cheaply. The console can be a powerful server at a real cheap price, seems like a good business move to me...
Sorry, but the Cell processor in the PS3 is nothing compared to a full fledged server processor. Cell processors in general are a waste.
quoted "Why would SONY use CONSOLES to create a massive server?"
Hey, they have to do something with those old 20 giggers.
uhh... isn't that what he meant by underpriced? "underpriced" has no negative connotations other than saying that it costs less than it should...
I have no idea what moron ranked you highly.
PS3 is not an underpriced computer. A Blu Ray drive for a PC alone can run upwards of $400. The parts PS3 contains are way more than a sub-$800 computer.
I counted the other day and there was a total of 75 PS3's.
http://www.gearsofwarpc.com
lol, a regular server would be so much more effecient. less power usage, an enormous ammount more ram and a faster hdd.
but i have to ask, why did they use the 60 giggers? they dont need that much hdd space for a server, and they dont need wifi, so i guess they just wanted it to look chromy. i thought that since they stopped selling the 20's, they could put them to good use.
That's my point exactly. Seems like it makes more sense to use computers than consoles.
As for the Wifi, would it make sense to connect Servers via wifi? Seems like alot less wire running around.
No, wifi would not be better. Wired ethernet is much faster and more reliable. Lets just say I wouldn't want to play on those servers if they were using wifi.
Wires are faster than WiFi, and with that many you'd be bound to have some channel collisions.
Not to mention that if you had 75 (or 150) WiFi connections in that close proximity, very little communication would take place. Radio interference and collisions would have a profound impact on the wireless performance.
and wouldnt it be a fire hazard as well? all those collisions happening in mid air... sure to be some sparks flying.
15 per rack x 6 racks = 96 PS3s on one side x 2 =
192 PS3s total judging by that picture
There are 5 racks that have PS3s That last rack doesn't have any. There are 15 per rack, that means there is 75 on one side. Times 2, and that is 150. You need to look closely...
1 side - 75 PS3s
2 sides - 150 PS3s
Thats also if thats the only set of racks.
How did you come up with 96 or for that matter 192?
15 x 6 would be 90 x 2 would be 180... Can you explain your calculations to me?
To me, it looks like the back half of the rack is missing a PS3 on the top shelf, and possibly also the middle shelf, for a total of 28 PS3s per cabinet.
Finally, a use for all those extra PS3s!
And...it's Gaming! Irony is a cruel mistress.
They did it for the 5 free Blu-Ray movies you get with each console. Take that HD DVD!
HD-DVD gives free movies away as well, at least Toshiba for that matter.
http://www.gearsofwarpc.com
Damn, if I knew PS3s were rack mount i would've asked one of the infrastructure guys to slot a few in :) hmmm, looks like we need to make a trip to our friendly electronics store come Monday! :D
So, in reading the article it looks like the only benefit of this PS3 farm over XBL is that if you don't have good pings with anyone, you'll be able to hop on one of these and play?
Gotta give credit to Sony for keeping it free, but, I'm not impressed.
But can it play DOOM?
There are 2 reasons why they used PS3 as servers:
1) To show off the power and reliability of the PS3. After all if they can survive being used as servers, they can survive every day home use, unlike the 360.
2) The cell processor was designed with parallel processing in mind, back when the cell processor was announced IBM touted how great the cell processor is for this type of work.
But they've got 1U Cell servers now. Of course, they're overpriced compared to the retail units... so this really doesn't look good for their server sales.
That must be one hot room.
hey I counted too... it looks like there are a total of 500,000. You have to consider folding at home, or excuse me, Hosting-Sony's-Server-for-Warhawk -- at home. Come on you guys, I'm just joking. Peaaaace
i just dont get it...
I counted 75.
How the **** do you rackmount a grill!?
I'd like to step out on a limb here and say this will probably be able to play Doom.
lol, each PS3 uses ~ 200 watts
150x200=30,000 watts an hour
30,000*24=720,000 watt hours per day
720 KW/h's 720*365=262800 per year
262800 * $.10 per KW hours=26280
lol
$26,280 per year to run that server cluster on the low end
if it was really getting hit hard:
$~52,000
$700 (cost to sony) * 150 ps3's= $105,000
It's more than that, really. They have to get that 200 Watts/PS3 out of the room, too, so they'll need to cool it. Air Conditioning is maybe 50% efficient, so add 400 Watts/ device for cooling. That triples the total energy cost.
And for kids at home, if you leave your PS3 on 24/7 to running folding at home and you need to use air conditioning in your house, that puppy will run you about $900/year in electricity.
LOL. Someone needs to do the ironic thing & make a program that helps solve Global Warming and only runs on PS3s.
What a great testament to the PS3 and the free PSN! lol it's not like a 360 could do that, can you say RLOD! XBL who? I enjoy dedicated servers. I had lots more time to enjoy my PS3 lately as I sent in yet ANOTHER RLOD 360 prem. Thanks M$.
lol, the 360 survives fine in home use. i have had it since launch, with gasp, not a single freeze.
and lol why did they make it so you have to go through a long list of servers to play a game? and having servers hosted on a gamers machine is bad.
1. when that player gets tired and leaves, whoops everyone gets booted, the game is lost
2. you have to depend on that persons connection speed, lol and if he is using the build in wifi, forget it
just overall a bad idea.
You're one of the lucky ones then.. I made the mistake of buying a launch 360 and I pay for it every week I lose of my XBL sub everytime I send it in.. The best part is it takes longer and longer to get back as more and more 360s fail. 33% Failure Rate, wow.
As for the rest of your post I can see you know nothing of what you speak.
@encore
What? Wow, narrowing catagories for servers takes so much time(like EVERY OTHER OTHER ONLINE GAME IN EXISTANCE!) plus for people hosting their own servers, have you even seen a game where it SWTICHES OVER THE HOST TO A DIFFERENT PERSON WHEN THE ORIGINAL HOST LEAVES? Like COD3 for example?
2nd) the game takes that into account and lowers the number of people that can actually join the game. So if you were wired and like 10MBPS you could host a 32 person game, but if you were wireless and like 1MBPS maybe you could only host a 12 person game.
Someone answer me this. How the hell is this going to be any better than a bunch of PCs, networked together? Yes, the PS3 has an amazing Cell processor, but the point is, the PS3 is un-expandible and lacks the interconnects necessary to make a good cluster (like fiberchannel). I mean, Gigabit ethernet can't really cut it, can it?
Well, this isnt supposed to be a general app or file server. Its a specialized game server for ONE particular game, which means it wont need upgrading of any form other than adding more PS3s if the load demands it. Not to mention each PS3 playing the game will have some contribution to this cluster.
That, and there is a lot of unused hardware in those things that should really be removed in favour of more cooling.
All I'm reading here is, "Waaaah, waaaaaah, my Xbox 360 broke and I can't afford a PS3!!! WAAAHHHHHHH WAAAAH!!!! Mommmy!@!!@#!@#!@#eleven!!@#!@#"
And I'll I'm reading here is small words from a bitter PS3 owner.
blade servers are expansive, I wouldn't be surprised if the licensing fee to run the OS on those servers (windows for an example) would cost more than a PS3 hardware.
As much as you guys like to hate Sony, they're not stupid. If they are willing to use these systems as dedicated servers, what makes you think you would know more than their developers, or engineers about their own hardware?
@Zeus the God:
Powerful, yes. But is it necessary when a $500 console can do the job just as good? They have already announced anyone could host/play game on their own system. Using the same hardware as delicate server would allow them to focus their server development on one platform, thus maximizing the efficiency.
Judging from your claim that cell is a "waste," would you mind sharing the experience you have that makes you an expert on both x86 and Cell? or are you just a anti-Sony troll?
Zeus is a troll. I suggest ignoring him and marking his posts down :)
Yeah are you serious? Only a person who does this shit you do (try to inform people that another is a troll) are trolls. You're trying to get a negative reaction from me- a.k.a. you're the troll. Trolls are people who try to get negative reactions out of others. I don't do that.
Get your facts straight.
Well, like another poster said, the PS3s don't have the interconnectivity like FiberChannel, that is required, nor do they have any expansion possibilities that actual servers do. I think this was more of a "my system can do this, can yours?" bit. So expect MS to be doing something like this, soon. (lol)
Competition is really a good thing.
@Zeus:
Can you explain to me why the heck a gaming server absolutely "needs" fiber connectivity, and that a gigabit port doesn't fit the deal?
Oh, and by the way judging by your rather "skillful" interpretation of a troll, as ALL your posts are voted red, hi Mr. Zeus Troll.
Please stop posting here. Now.
@Zeus, Fiberchannel may not be needed, lets not forget Warhawk has been under Beta testing for some time now so they should know what the server can or cant do. As for expandability, thats deffinitely not needed. This is a very specialized server for one game, which means expandability is as simple as adding more PS3's.
Let me add that no one should imply these are complete PS3 systems. Im sure they DONT have memory card readers, GPUs + HDMI port (except maybe for one used for debugging), WiFi, bluetooth, or even bluray drives (if any need software updates they could be done via network or a USB port.
I never said it "needs" fiberchannel, I was stating that there are faster and better connections available had it been an actual server. I'm not sure Ethernet is gonna' cut it.
Cduran01, I wouldn't doubt that they are whole PS3 systems. The silver band shows that they are either 60 or 80 gig models (at least the case is). They could be. I won't deny that possibility, but I just think, knowing Sony, they probably didn't.
Zeus types,
"Trolls are people who try to get negative reactions out of others. I don't do that."
but not before...
"Oh look the PS4 prototype- oh... Wait.."
and...
"Sorry, but the Cell processor in the PS3 is nothing compared to a full fledged server processor. Cell processors in general are a waste."
and...
"You poor, poor soul. Go out and buy yourself a 360 and all the games you would ever want... Then maybe you will come out of this confusion."
and lastly...
"I will indeed purchase one [PS3]"
If you're not a classic prototype of a lifeless troll, NOBODY IS! I think negative reactions on here are your life blood! That... and making a fool of yourself. See:
"PS3s don't have the interconnectivity like FiberChannel, that is required"
only to contradict here...
"I never said it "needs" fiberchannel"
IMPORTANT: Requirement: a : something wanted or needed
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=requirement
You are such a dolt, it's not even funny...
The PS3 is a beautiful, quality piece of hardware, I'm sure even 360 fanboys can agree. If only Sony would bust out some games!!
I can get behind that statement.
> quality piece of hardware
But after trying WaggleMote, I refuse trying to play FPS with classical controller.
Lots of horse power doesn't mean much - if you can't control it well. After holding and playing around with WiiMote (and having chance to try and compare with classical controller) NO way I would even think about buying PS3 or Xbox360.
And my bet is: every console released next would have some sort of pointing controller. Only then I would consider buying GeOW*/Resistance*/Halo*/MGS*/etc. Because FPS is NOT compatible with classical controller. Regardless of horsepower/build quality of console.
@ Ihar.
Actually, I rather prefer the classical controller as opposed to the 'wagglemote' as you call it. I'm assuming you haven't had too much experience playing these games - there's a reason for the success of FPS's on consoles. Of course, they're not as great as the classic mouse + keyboard combination, but they have their advantages. (Tries not to plug) Unreal 3 for PS3 will have keyboard + mouse use! Haha. Sorry.
In comparison to pointing devices, I actually don't think pointing devices are that amazing. I find aiming at a TV strenuous and inefficient, and current implementations aren't the greatest except maybe RE4, and hopefully Metroid 3.
Thanks for the dedication Sony! None of that RROD, peer to peer crap that the 3fixme, wait I meant the 3scratch me pawns off on all the fkn X-drones. Excellent work SNE. 40 man mp online on GeoW? On anything 360...hmmm uhhhh, Yeah Right!!!!lol KABLOOOOM!!!!!
XBox360 truly = poor man's PlayStation3. Jealous Fools.
From someone who owns both consoles you actually make me wish i didint have a PS3 so that there was no statistical way to be grouped with you. My PS3 is a mighty nice blu-ray player and thats about it. Resistance was cool like 8 months ago but there hasnt been ANYTHING since. (Motostorm really doesent have the longevity of play to be taken seriously). Yet GoW is vibrant with the DLC being offered. Once Sony gets some actual GAMES together maybe my shiny new $600 vcr will serve a gaming purpose.
So now, out of those, can I pleeeeeease just have *one* for free?
At least 16 per rack level, two levels, and at least 5 racks, so 160 minimum. However, the racks look like they have space for three or four levels of depth, or perhaps four, so:
160 as a conservative estimate,
640 as an absurdly high estimate.
Where the Hell do you get these numbers?
Look at the racks. There is 15 per rack (tower; whichever term you use). There a 5 racks in that row that actually have PS3s (the last one is empty). That is 75 for that side. IF there is another side, that would make it 150 PS3s. That is if thats the only "server" room (can hardly call those servers).
It looks like they have 30 PS3s per rack, front and back (look at the blue network cables on the back). That's 150 in that picture alone.
I wonder if the servers are all running some version of Linux on it?
Yeah, 15 on each side of the rack. I still don't understand where he gets 16. There are 15 on one side of each rack. There are 5 racks that actually have PS3s (the sixth one in the back doesn't have any) and if its double sided (which I have no doubt that it is) that is 150 for that cluster. If the other side of that sixth rack has some, that would make 165.
I still don't understand his numbers.
16 would be because of miscounting, and the other numbers because of misunderstanding the picture, or trying to extrapolate from the limited data in it.
I guess someone had to find a use for all those PS3s nobody is buying.
That looks freaking unbelievable.
hehe Xbox 360 theme song = "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen!
It so funny seeing Xbox fans burnt like their consoles! LOLz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo
PS3 = Superior Games on Superior Servers. This Game stepped all over Halo 3 beta, with many of these putting out 38.4 TFLOPS all over the world! Halo 3 what? mwaa...ha..ha.... hehe
You poor, poor soul. Go out and buy yourself a 360 and all the games you would ever want... Then maybe you will come out of this confusion.
@ Zeus
Do you or are you going to get a PS3 when it has a quality game portfolio this time next year? Actually, in 3 months time it will have ample quality AAA games come to think of it.
My point is, with the inevitable Christmas price drop and further price drops down the line, plus more games....will you buy a PS3? If not, can I ask why?
Has anyone noticed that when 16:9 is just recently being released it seems that even really old videos somehow manage to use it, or would one guess that was downscaled from pal since they are from england?
When it gets some decent games, I will indeed purchase one. Right now, I'm going to make fun of it, as long as others are poking fun at my purchase (the 360).
@ Zeus
Cool
What games are you looking forward to?
to the first dude, xeons ande core2duo is exactly the same and will perform exactly the same used in the same mainboard.
Btw it is 15 times two in every rack times 6 rack is 180 ? :o
Dude xeon and core duo 2 are most deffinatly not the same thing. are you high?
Nope, but i didnt specify. The x3xxx series and the core2quad is similar. They are using the same socket, same speed, same cache, same performance in benches when tested in similar configurations.
Check x3220 and q6600 for example. The difference is that the xeon is the best chips picked out, so they are a little more stable. And they can be used in smp configurations.
People have to think, I'm Pretty sure Sony isn't using the same PS3 that a normal person can go in the store and buy. They had to add some modification to the PS3's that are being used for this server. For all we know all those PS3's are the top end computers under the hood.
agree w/ KING, there is no way sony is dumb enough to put blueray and ps2s(or was that backwards compatablitly prelaunch rumor that im still stuck on?) inside all those ps3s.
EXACTLY!
And Im sure these have much bigger and louder fans than the ones in the retail PS3's.
It amazes me how SOME people that have a tiny bit of knowledge obtained from the internet or a two week course all of a sudden think they know more than engineers with years of experience. As a software engineer myself, this offeneds me, this is why I never critisize another engineers work unless I have all the facts, not just a picture and some bloggers words.
There definitely are software/firmware changes to allow them to do this, but as far as hardware goes, I don't think its much different from the standard PS3 if its any different at all.
I've got a PS3 at home - 21 000 roubles for that! Bought it two months ago - I guess I'm the first one in our town.
Using the Office Backup tool to make backups for the discs, works as perfect as anyone could wish. I can have all my games and music in 100 Gb in as many copies I like. These two go together!