What type of hardware is typically used to build a Beowulf cluster?
What type of hardware is typically used to build a Beowulf cluster?
Answer: B. Inexpensive commodity hardware — ConceptA Beowulf cluster is a parallel computer built by networking ordinary, mass-produced computers and running open-source system software. Its defining…
- A.
Specialized proprietary supercomputer hardware
- B.
Inexpensive commodity hardware
- C.
Quantum processors
- D.
Mainframe-exclusive hardware
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Correct answer: B
Concept
A Beowulf cluster is a parallel computer built by networking ordinary, mass-produced computers and running open-source system software.
Its defining design goal is cost-effective, scalable performance from commodity off-the-shelf components rather than custom supercomputer machinery.
Application
The phrase “typically used” asks for this defining hardware choice. Inexpensive commodity personal computers or workstations, together with standard networking equipment, fit the Beowulf model.
Contrast
Specialized proprietary supercomputer hardware describes a vendor-built, integrated high-end platform rather than the commodity-node approach.
Quantum processors use qubits and quantum operations, which constitute a different computing model.
Mainframe-exclusive hardware belongs to centralized enterprise platforms rather than a cluster of ordinary networked nodes.
Result
Therefore, a Beowulf cluster is typically built using inexpensive commodity hardware.