Summary:
1. The University of Cologne has upgraded its HPC capabilities with the new RAMSES system, replacing the outdated CHEOPS platform.
2. RAMSES offers 4.8 PFLOPs of computing power through innovative liquid-cooled nodes, significantly boosting performance for scientific research projects.
3. The system is designed for sustainability and security, supporting a wide range of computationally intensive applications while addressing energy efficiency challenges.
Article:
The University of Cologne, a renowned institution established in 1388, has recently unveiled its latest high-performance computing (HPC) system, RAMSES (Research Accelerator for Modeling and Simulation with Enhanced Security). This cutting-edge system replaces the aging CHEOPS platform and represents a significant advancement in Germany’s scientific research capabilities. The University’s Regional Computing Center (RRZK) has long been a hub for computationally intensive projects in fields such as astrophysics, quantum physics, and genomics. With RAMSES, the institution aims to further enhance its research endeavors by offering a staggering 4.8 PFLOPs of computing power, a remarkable 48 times more than its predecessor.
One of the key features of RAMSES is its innovative liquid cooling technology, which has significantly improved the efficiency of the data center by 30-40%. The system comprises 174 nodes equipped with 384 CPUs (31,576 cores) and 74 GPUs, delivering outstanding CPU and GPU performance of 1.7 PFLOPs and 3.1 PFLOPs, respectively. This architecture enables researchers to conduct complex simulations, data processing, and AI-driven analysis at unprecedented speed and scale. The liquid-cooled 1U2S nodes, powered by dual AMD Genova processors, draw 400 watts per chip and offer superior cooling capabilities compared to traditional air cooling methods.
RAMSES is not only focused on performance but also on sustainability and security. Over 80% of the system’s power consumption is covered by direct warm-water cooling, reducing cooling costs by up to 40%. The system incorporates leak detection, automated shutdown mechanisms, and extended component lifespan features to enhance operational reliability and minimize maintenance costs and downtime. Applications like Gromacs and NWChem are set to benefit from the increased density, efficiency, and scalability of RAMSES, positioning the University of Cologne at the forefront of European research infrastructure.
University officials have emphasized the strategic importance of RAMSES in enabling simulations that would be otherwise impossible to conduct in real-world conditions. The system is optimized for secure workloads, such as clinical genome data analysis, with robust security measures including end-to-end encryption, BIOS/BMC redundant design, encrypted drives, and secure data erasure capabilities. NEC and KAYTUS executives have highlighted the project’s role in addressing energy efficiency challenges for HPC systems in the era of AI integration, where higher power demands are prevalent.
With RAMSES, the University of Cologne is not only enhancing its research capabilities but also demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, security, and cutting-edge technology. This new system is poised to support the next generation of scientific breakthroughs, solidifying the University’s position as a leader in scientific research and innovation.
