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Astrophysical Supercomputing with GPUs: Critical Decisions for Early Adopters*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2013

Christopher J. Fluke ,
David G. Barnes ,
Benjamin R. Barsdell  and
Amr H. Hassan
Christopher J. Fluke*
Affiliation:
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
David G. Barnes
Affiliation:
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Benjamin R. Barsdell
Affiliation:
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Amr H. Hassan
Affiliation:
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
*
BCorresponding author. Email: cfluke@swin.edu.au
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Abstract

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General-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is dramatically changing the landscape of high performance computing in astronomy. In this paper, we identify and investigate several key decision areas, with a goal of simplifying the early adoption of GPGPU in astronomy. We consider the merits of OpenCL as an open standard in order to reduce risks associated with coding in a native, vendor-specific programming environment, and present a GPU programming philosophy based on using brute force solutions. We assert that effective use of new GPU-based supercomputing facilities will require a change in approach from astronomers. This will likely include improved programming training, an increased need for software development best practice through the use of profiling and related optimisation tools, and a greater reliance on third-party code libraries. As with any new technology, those willing to take the risks and make the investment of time and effort to become early adopters of GPGPU in astronomy, stand to reap great benefits.

Keywords

methods: numericalmethods: n-body simulationsgravitational lensing
Type
Research Article
Information
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia , Volume 28 , Issue 1 , 2011 , pp. 15 - 27
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 2011

Footnotes

*

Research undertaken as part of the Commonwealth Cosmology Initiative (CCI: www.thecci.org), an international collaboration supported by the Australian Research Council.

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