Computer required for image processing

Get Quote: Sun Blade 1500 Workstation

I am a PHd Research Student in need of processing power using the following spec:

OS: Linux Ubuntu/Mint
Processor: i7 Core
Memory: 4GB DDR
Storage: 1TB Hard disk drive
Resolution: 1280 x 1024
Monitor: 24-bit X display place depth

Primary Application: SeaDas image processing software of 250M resolution data

P.S. I've been told the A29-PT2-9C-1GMAJN Sun Blade 2000 Workstation might have to processing capacity to do the job would greatly value your information.

are there more efficient systems in terms of price and power that can still deliver quicker image processing?

I might be wrong here but having had a look at the SeaDas page there doesn't seem to be a version for Solaris or for the SPARC processor(s) which the Sun Blade 2000 workstation come with. To my eyes it looks like you just want more of what you have, basically a decent specification x86 based workstation. The good new is that you're likely to get more for your money this way than by buying Sun hardware. Don't get me wrong they make some lovely kit, but it is a little premium.

I assume you're running analysis on your existing HW at the moment and simply want faster results. It's hard to advise unless we know where the bottle neck is at the moment. I'd guess memory as 4Gb is not really that much when dealing with large data sets. This might be causing you to use more swap space which will be slow, I'd expect that a RAID array would be something to look at. The i7 series are quick, nothing else out there really competing with it at the moment. You could look at dedicated workstations with two or more CPU sockets and running the Inter Xeon or AMD Optertron range of CPU's. This might however be a bit pointless unless the SeaDas software is written to support multiple cores. I've not seen mention of it on the SeaDas site (I did only have a quick look) but they might have support for GPU's through things like CUDA, basically allowing you to use the graphics card to process data.

I'd suggest you're going to be best talking to SeaDas directly or other users of that platform for clarification on what does and does not help. Once you know that people here and in the HW section will have lots of suggestions on what will give you the best price performance.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCat [...] ideo-Cards