The Thunder cluster is a test system that features Marvell's ThunderX2 Arm processors. These processors use the aarch64 instruction set, rather than the x86-64 instruction set used by Intel and AMD processors.
Thunder consists of:
Follow the procedures below to begin using the system.
Additional information and screen captures depicting various steps in the process are included in this slide presentation: ChameleonCloud-WIP-09212022.pdf
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Users access the Thunder nodes by establishing a connection to them via Chameleon Cloud.
To get started:
Once you have been added to the NCARExplore project, access the Thunder nodes by going to CHI@NCAR and logging into your Chameleon account. From there you'll be able to lease nodes and start up instances.
An individual user can request or lease one or more nodes for up to seven (7) days and create an IP address for accessing them.
Follow these steps:
Once you have entered all your selections, select the Create button.
When your lease status is ACTIVE, you can launch an instance on your leased Thunder nodes.
Once you have entered all your selection, select Launch Instance.
Once your instance has been provisioned and starts (status is Active), select Floating IPs on the Network menu, then the Associate button next to your reserved IP address.
Associate your floating IP address with a port by selecting your instance under "Port to be associated." (See image).
Once the status of that association is "Up" you can use your IP address and your key to ssh to your active instance by following this example (substituting your own IP address):
ssh cc@128.117.250.23
At that point, you can use the reserved Thunder nodes for your work.
Detailed Chameleon Cloud documentation is available here.
Since Thunder is a test system, send any support inquiries, software and hardware concerns, or requests for access to hpcfl@ucar.edu instead of the CISL Help Desk.
We also welcome any feedback and performance reports that you can share as you test your workflows on Thunder.