The sea change in computing capabilities over the past decade is that compute cycles have become essentially free. So whereas circa 1995, a PC cost more than $1,000 and its processing power was limited, today you can build your own quad-core box with a 3-GHz processor for under $1k. Such a machine can rapidly render video, as well as speedily run complex FEA and CFD simulations. In such a context, HPC really no longer refers (or should no longer refer) to a demarcation in compute capability, but rather to the OS (Microsoft HPC etc). I realize that I'm a little ahead of the curve here, and that's not the common usage, and indeed there are still workstations which go above and beyond the quad core of my example. But as they say on the street corner, I'm just sayin...
Good point. HPC is now more readily being used to denote a certain level of compute horsepower, which traditionally has only been available in special compute clusters locked away in some room somewhere. As a central resource, engineers and other users typically have had to put their jobs in queue, which could take days or even weeks before their processing needs were handled.
NVIDA Maximus (along with many other emerging technologies) is attempting to change that use case, putting HPC-level computing power on the desktop workstation platform and freeing up resources so that same workstation can be used for other tasks while the simulation or rendering job grinds away in the background.
HPC on the desktop is, indeed, a sea change. It's also invading, if that's the right word, machine vision. Standalone machine vision systems based on powerful controller boxes are a trend, including at least one based on HPC:
Similarly, these can help free up the PC running a control system that includes machine vision functions by handling compute-intensive image processing tasks.
Mision vision is a great application for HPC as is simulation and high-end rendering. As the cost comes down and more enabling technologies come into play, I think we'll see even more headway and a greater variety of applications that weren't possible on a desktop platform.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Advantech has launched a new series of motion-control I/O modules to meet the increased demands that come with more distributed industrial systems that require control of a growing number of axes and devices.
Using almost 200 light-emitting diodes in the front and back of the new 2014 CTS, Cadillac designers are showing how LEDs can change the character of a vehicle.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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