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64GB RAM Under 64-bit Linux?

Posted by Cliff on from the now-that's-a-lotta-bits dept.

gary.flake asks: "My group at NECI is in need of a machine that can address 64GB of ram in a single process. This means we need 64-bit addressing. We'd prefer to go with a Linux solution because all of our development is under Linux. We've spec'ed out some reasonable machines (Dell can do 32GB, and Compaq can do 64GB) but they seem to be lacking in that they can only be loaded up with 4 x 800Mhz Itaniums. We would really like to have more processing power (2 Ghz x 4 would be a dream). Does anyone know of any monster Itanium machines that will meet our needs? (Please, no Alphas). Finding such a beast is harder than you'd think."

2 of 36 comments (clear)

  1. 2GHz not in the near future... by RadioheadKid · · Score: 5, Informative

    This article from The Register has a some info. on the Intel server processor roadmap, although not much about processor speeds. Last I heard the McKinely was going to ramp up to 1.5GHz and seeing that the Madison will start at 1GHz that one is probably the best bet for getting to 2GHz and according to the Register article, its not set to be released until early 2003.

    --
    "Karma can only be portioned out by the cosmos." -Homer Simpson
  2. It's going to cost by green+pizza · · Score: 5, Informative

    You don't have too many options if you need 64 GB of ram in a single image (not a cluster)...

    SunFire 3800
    According to the techpub, you'll need both CPU trays (but perhaps with each only half populated with CPUs -- 2 + 2 = 4 CPUs) to house enough memory modules for 64 GB. Base price for a 3800 is $160,000 for two boards. Plus unique RAM (currently $1700 per GB). Keep in mind that the 3800 cannot be upgraded beyond 64 GB or 8 CPUs.

    AlphaServer GS80
    Looks like you'll need at least 4 CPUs to handle the 64 GB. Base price seems to be around $140,000. Plus unique RAM. Keep in mind that the GS80 cannot be upgraded beyond 64 GB or 8 CPUs.

    IBM P660
    2 - 8 CPUs. Up to 64 GB RAM. Starts at $66,000. Plus unique RAM. Runs the Linux-Friendly IBM AIX 5L. Keep in mind that the P660 cannot be upgraded beyond 64 GB or 8 CPUs.

    SGI Origin 3000
    Looking at about $220,000 for one that can accomodate 64 GB. Plus unique RAM (about $900 per GB). The 3000 can be upgraded to 1024 GB (1TB) of RAM and 512 CPUs as a supported configuration. 1 TB and 1024 CPUs unsupported and requiring unsupported OS patches.

    Origin 300 would be *much* cheaper, but it only supports 32 GB right now (it will support 64 GB when SGI ships their high density memory modules) and it's nowhere near as expandable or upgradable as the 3000. Origin 300 cannot be upgraded beyond 32 CPUs and will most likely never support more than 64 GB of RAM.

    IBM is your best best.