Introduction to computing time
The computing resources provided by the CLAIX system are valuable and limited. To ensure optimal utilization, resources are primarily granted through computing time projects.
On this page, you will find information about computing time distribution.
Accounting of computing time
In the HPC world, the consumption of computing resources is measured in core hours (core-h). As the name suggests, one core-h typically represents the usage of one CPU core for one hour. Similarly, the use of one GPU for one hour is billed as 1 GPU-h. Note: Previously, using one GPU for one hour (GPU-h) was billed as 24 core-h. This is no longer the case, as GPU and CPU resources are now billed separately.
When submitting a job to Slurm (excluding the devel partition), the used computing time is billed based on the partition type: submission to a HPC partition (pure CPU nodes) will be deducted from your CPU quota and submission to an ML partition will be deducted from your GPU Quota. Note: when submitting to an ML partition you will only be billed for GPU time used and not be billed for any CPU time.
For more details about the billing and information about how to check your current quota, please consult Computing Time Accounting.
Computing time projects
Computing time projects enable the fair distribution of computing resources. Projects ensure that resources are not overbooked and that resource needs are justified.
Although small-scale tests can be performed without computing time project (see below) - any substantial work will require you to apply for one. The most suitable project depends on several factors:
- Your affiliation: Are you a member of RWTH, a different German university or research facility, or from industry?
- The type resources you need: CPU or GPU?
- The amount of computing resources you need, i.e how many core-h and or how many GPU-h.
- The purpose of the computing time: Is it for research or teaching?
Depending on the type of computing time project you apply for, your proposal may undergo a technical and scientific review. For more information review our Quick Reference (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet) for an illustration of the application, approval and allocation process.
After allocation, the project utilization is managed by the person of contact (PC).
Free computing time for tests
Submission to the devel partition is always free.
In addition to that, RWTH members are provided with a default monthly computing quota that can be used outside of computing time projects on Claix 2023 partitions only. These quotas are as follows:
- Students: 500 core-h
- Non-students (e.g. scientific employees): 2000 core-h
If you require computing time beyond these default quotas, you will need to apply for a computing time project.
In addition, the login nodes and the devel partition can also be used for testing purposes without the need for a computing time project.
