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--- general_questions [2021/05/04 14:45]
brandonm [Software] Punctuation, word, case, and phrasing fixes
+++ general_questions [2025/10/23 20:20] (current)
deadline [Hardware]
@@ Line 57: / Line 57: @@
 **What kind of processors do you use?**\\
-Our current designs include Ryzen processors from AMD (Intel available upon request). For the nodes we use low-power 65-watt six/eight-core x86_64 processors.
+Our current designs include Ryzen processors from AMD (Intel available upon request). For the nodes we use low-power 65-watt TDP six/eight-core x86_64 processors. In some cases we may set the power usage of the processor to fit in the 65W TDP envelope. A much deeper discussion of processor power draw can be found [[https://www.clustermonkey.net/Benchmarking-Methods/these-are-not-the-watts-you-are-looking-for.html| here]].
 **What kind of motherboards do you use?**\\
@@ Line 77: / Line 77: @@
 **Can I attach a keyboard and monitor to the node motherboards?**\\
-Yes, in some cases. There is a front panel that provides video, USB, and a power switch for each motherboard, however, AMD Ryzen nodes are "headless" and therefore will have not video output. Unless you want to debug node startup issues (something we do to make sure systems work for you) there is no need for node video during normal operation.
+Yes, in some cases. There is a front panel that provides video, USB, and a power switch for each motherboard. Unless you want to debug node startup issues (something we do to make sure systems work for you) there is no need to access node video during normal operation.
 **Why don't you pack a bunch of 20-core processors into the case?**\\
-Limulus is designed with a desk-side heat/power/performance/noise envelope. The types of systems that use 20-core processors are designed to operate at the "Edge" or the cloud or data center. An HPC server can pack in many cores because in data centers there is dedicated power, cooling, and a tolerance for fan noise. Have you ever run an HPC server (or two) next to your desk?
+Limulus is designed with a desk-side heat/power/performance/noise envelope. The types of systems that use 20+-core processors are designed to operate at the "Edge" or the cloud or data center. An HPC server can pack in many cores because in data centers there is dedicated power, cooling, and a tolerance for fan noise. Have you ever run an HPC server (or two) next to your desk?
 **Why don't you pack a bunch of GPU processors into the case?**\\
-Using GPUs is a great solution if it fits your problem, but GPUs require more power, and more heat must be removed from the case. The Limulus DL (Deep Learning) systems employ GPUs.
+Using GPUs is a great solution if it fits your problem, but GPUs require more power, and more heat must be removed from the case. To stay within the power envelope, a single GPU can be added to most Limulus systems.
 **Do you use dual socket motherboards?**\\
@@ Line 92: / Line 92: @@
 **How are the nodes connected?**\\
-Gigabit Ethernet (GbE). There is also a low-cost 10-GbE option (all internal switching).
+At the base level, nodes are connected with 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet (GbE). There is also a low-cost 25-GbE option for all systems (all switching is internal "in the case").
 **Does each motherboard have a hard drive?**\\
@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 **Can I add expansion cards to the node motherboards?**\\
-Yes, there is an optional bracket for adding one low-profile PCIe card (usually 10GbE), depending on the model and motherboard.
+Yes, there is an optional bracket for adding one low-profile PCIe card (usually 25GbE), depending on the model and motherboard.
 **Can I add expansion cards to the main motherboard?**\\
@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 **Can I add video cards to the node motherboards?**\\
-We include a low-power video card and do not recommend using higher-powered cards (in addition, there may not be adequate  PCI slots available).
+No, node motherboards relay on internal (iGPU) graphics. The main motherboard may use an additional GPU card as an option.
 **How big is the power supply?**\\
@@ Line 116: / Line 116: @@
 **Does it have ECC memory?**\\
-When using AMD Ryzen processors, the base Limulus models now support ECC (Error Correcting Memory).  We ship ECC memory with all AMD systems.
+When using AMD Ryzen processors, the base Limulus models now support ECC (Error Correcting Memory). We ship ECC memory with all AMD systems.
-Depending on the Intel processor, ECC as a memory option may be available (contact us if you need to use Intel processors). Keep in mind, however, the requirement for ECC depends on your needs. In our experience, and in our testing, we have found excellent results with "quality" memory (not the bargain priced brands). We have never had a problem with non-ECC memory in our personal cluster systems. We have run self-checking codes for days without any issues.
+Depending on the Intel processor, ECC as a memory option may be available (contact us if you need to use Intel processors). Keep in mind, however, the requirement for ECC depends on your needs. In our experience, and in our testing, we have found excellent results with "quality" memory (not the bargain priced brands). We have never had a problem with non-ECC memory in our personal cluster systems. We have run self-checking codes for weeks without any issues.
 **Can it use 10-GbE, 25-GbE, or IB?**\\
@@ Line 180: / Line 180: @@
 **Does it come with hardware support?**\\
-Yes. One year return-to-depot support is included.
+Yes. One year of return-to-depot support is included.
 You must pay shipping to the depot.
 **Does it come with software support?**\\
-Yes. Ninety days of software support is included.
+Yes. Ninety days of software support are included.
 Extended [[https://www.limulus-computing.com/index.php/support/system-support|support options]] are available.

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