How to optimize simulation software with graphics card and hardware?

[Anonymous]

Hello 

I have been running the simulation tool on and off for several years. I have spent the last couple of days looking through all the help forums to make sure I do not ask a redundent question.

How do you optimize the simulation software to specific hard on the computer to take full advantage of its compatibilities. I'm currently running CFD 2014, but can upgrade to CFD 2015. Just have not had any time. 

I have a 2 processors (Machine) each has 16 cores AMD Opteron 6380 (2.5 GHz). I have 128 GB of DDR3 ram. A Nvidia  Quadro 4000 and a Tesla C2075. I understand the software does not take advantage of the GPU technology from the Tesla.

With those hardware specs is there anything I can do from the software's point of view to enhance utilization? When I run my simulations I feel like I might be leaving a little bit on the table as fare as taking advantage of everything.

I did go into the Nvidia setup and set its performance to CATIA which did help some.

The performance is very important to me since my models clime to the 6 million element mark. Viewing the results with this many elements is mind numbingly painful.

Also one other oddity is I can not use all 32 cores. If I try to use more than 16 (which the next step is 32 based on the power of 2^x) the software stalls. Not sure if it is a setup configuration.

Any help would be very appreciated. 

Gary 

[apolo_vanderberg]

Gary,

When you run SimCFDConfig.exe from the installation directory, we should list out how many CPU's and Cores we are detecting.

Can you rerun this (With right-click Run as Admin) and confirm that we are detecting the full potential of the hardware at hand?

[Anonymous]

I ran the SimCFDConfig.exe as you recommended and it shows 32 socket 1
core.

It should show 2 correct? I did not let it finish re-installing.

[apolo_vanderberg · Accepted solution]

As long as the total core count seen is correct, we will be able to start 1 solver per core.

At that point there is no further 'optimizations' of the software to be done. We will use the resources as much as is needed based on the analysis setup and total element count.

[Anonymous]

Apolo

Thank you for the reply. I don't know why it locks up at 32? I can use, 2,
4, 8, 16, but not 32.

There is nothing I need to do with the graphics card to insure optimum
performance?

Thank you for the help.

[Royce_adsk]

The solver locks up with 32 cores?  Can you send us the .sol out of the solver folder when you try this?

There isn't much you can do in regards to graphics performance. The only things I really suggest is for Nvidia users.

Cheers,

Royce

[Anonymous]

Royce and Apolo

Thank you for the help. I'll attach the sol file for you soon. I have a few simulations in Que.

I have been very impressed with the help videos your group has posted on YouTube and your website. I just wanted though that comment and and say good job and keep them coming.

Gary

Sent from my iPhone

[Royce_adsk]

Thanks Gary!