Scientists all over the world are increasingly using the compute to solve complex scientific engineering problems. What many scientists do not know however, is that they do not necessarily have to invest in large, expensive computer systems to perform their calculations.
In every computer there is a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). A GPU is a small processor attached to the graphics card. The GPU is mainly used for graphical calculations but has also proved to be particularly effective at e.g. numerical calculations.
A green calculation
The GPU is interesting for scientific calculations because it has a high performance and is relatively cheap in both power and price. If used to solve the “right” problems it can yield results in the area of about 50-100 times faster when compared to a regular CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is interesting because it enables people to calculate much faster on their own computer as long as they have a graphics card, which most computers have.
The Research Council wants to see more
Already now researchers in the areas of e.g. signal processing are using the GPU as a calculator, but in the future more will benefit from the technology.
DTU Informatics has just been granted 5.4 million DKR by the Council for Technology and Production to develop new methods of calculation and to establish a network of interested parties around GPU calculations.
For the time being the following companies / institutions have joined the network round GPU computing:
-
The Alexandra Institute
-
Elemental Research center M4D, Risø DTU
-
QuantumWise A/S, Copenhagen
-
Plasma physics and technology, Risø DTU
-
DTU Mechanics
-
DIKU
-
Brüel and Kjær SMV A/S, Nærum
-
MOSEK ApS, Copenhagen
-
DHI, Hørsholm
-
Institute for Electronic Systems, AAU
If you want to know more about the available possibilities in calculating with the GPU contact Per Christian Hansen or Bernd Dammand.