KAYTUS, a provider specializing in AI and liquid cooling solutions, has partnered with NEC Deutschland to introduce a state-of-the-art liquid-cooled high-performance computing (HPC) cluster named RAMSES (Research Accelerator for Modeling and Simulation with Enhanced Security) to the University of Cologne. This advanced system replaces the outdated CHEOPS platform and significantly enhances Germany’s HPC capacity for scientific endeavors.
Founded in 1388, the University of Cologne stands among Europe’s largest and most research-active institutions, with four Clusters of Excellence to its name. Its Regional Computing Center (RRZK) has consistently supported various computationally intensive projects in fields such as astrophysics, quantum physics, and genomics. The new RAMSES system provides a remarkable computing power of 4.8 PFLOPs—48 times more than its predecessor—across 174 nodes, which include 384 CPUs (31,576 cores) and 74 GPUs. This powerful architecture allows for an impressive 1.7 PFLOPs in CPU performance and 3.1 PFLOPs in GPU performance, enabling rapid and large-scale simulations, data analyses, and AI-driven research.
RAMSES utilizes KAYTUS’s cutting-edge liquid-cooled 1U2S nodes, each containing dual AMD Genova processors, consuming 400 watts per chip. The system benefits from direct warm-water cooling that effectively dissipates heat from CPUs, memory, and voltage regulators, while also covering over 80% of the overall system’s power consumption. This approach leads to a reduction in cooling costs by as much as 40% compared to traditional air cooling. Safety features such as leak detection and automated shutdown further enhance its reliability, minimizing maintenance costs and downtime.
In terms of sustainability and security, the RAMSES setup comprises over 170 servers, with over 140 being liquid-cooled. It is supported by cooling distribution units and specially designed cabinets. This setup is particularly advantageous for applications like Gromacs and NWChem, enhancing density, efficiency, and scalability. In addition, RAMSES is optimized for secure workloads, including clinical genome data analysis, implementing end-to-end encryption and redundancies in BIOS/BMC systems along with encrypted drives and secure data erasure features.
University officials emphasized RAMSES’s critical role in enabling high-level simulations that mimic complex real-world phenomena, such as stellar modeling or genetic analysis. Executives from NEC and KAYTUS also pointed out the project’s focus on improving energy efficiency in HPC systems, especially as the integration of AI escalates power consumption demands.
With RAMSES now operational, the University of Cologne is set to lead European research infrastructure, combining high-density performance with sustainability and security to foster groundbreaking scientific advancements.
Welcome to DediRock, your trusted partner in high-performance hosting solutions. At DediRock, we specialize in providing dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals alike. Our mission is to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure hosting solutions that empower our clients to achieve their digital goals. With a commitment to exceptional customer support, cutting-edge technology, and robust infrastructure, DediRock stands out as a leader in the hosting industry. Join us and experience the difference that dedicated service and unwavering reliability can make for your online presence. Launch our website.