Anyone using a GPU cage, such as the Amfeltec solution?

[TomasEsperanza]

http://amfeltec.com/products/gpu-oriented-cluster/

 

I'm looking at ways to expand my number of GPUs, for GPU rendering (Octane and RT).

 

I have run out of space in my WS case but don't want to re-build from scratch, hence this approach to extending the hardware seems logical. Another positive, is that no extra software licenses are needed.

 

It appears that in theory you can run four clusters (each with four GPUs) and have sixteen GPUs on one system! I'd probably just go for one cluster of four GPUs, in addition the existing GPU (running monitors) that is plugged directly into the WS mobo.

 

What do you think?

[Francisco Penaloza]

Never seen this one, but I know some people uses this type of setup for Octane render, you may find more info over there.

It seems like a good idea but wonder how much the PCI x1 connection will hold with all those card connected there. Someone more tech savvy may pop here and give you a more technical answer.

If you get it, I will be very curious how it works for you

[TomasEsperanza]

It seems like a good idea but wonder how much the PCI x1 connection will hold with all those card connected there.

 

Yes, that is my concern with this solution. Apparently it may lead to a 30-40 second pause, while the data is transferred, before rendering, then the GPUs obviously run at their own speed regardless. Also there is no dedicated place for the PSU. I have been communicating with Amfeltec regarding a quote that includes shipping to the UK.

 

The Netstor PCIe Gen3 GPU enclosure NA255A uses PCIe Gen3. (http://www.netstor.com.tw/_03/03_02.php?MTEx). It seems like a nice tidy solution, but it's so damned expensive (over 2k!).

 

Then you've got the big boys; http://www.tyan.com/solutions/TYAN_GPU_computing_platforms.html and http://www.supermicro.co.uk/products/nfo/gpu.cfm. Well I think that'll take a bit of working up to.

 

I like the splitter solution (http://amfeltec.com/products/flexible-x4-pci-express-4-way-splitter-gpu-oriented/), however, the cables are so short... I'm not sure how the PSU, GPUs and cooling, would be housed. This could be the most economical solution, if one could figure out how to make it work in practice.

Edited April 3, 2016 by TomasEsperanza