Multi-user super computer

[KidKid]

 

Hello! I was wondering if it would be possible to build a supercomputer (maybe 32 core Threadripper CPU and 96-128GB RAM and 12TB NVME storage) then split it among 6 computers, and turn two of those computers into a TV, then have 4 computers, then a NAS and maybe a local AI server for my house. I don't know if that would be cheaper than two get multiple computers. I could use Unraid for splitting, then for the TVs I can use Google TV virtual machine. Other more possible builds for me would be 24 cores (3-4 computers + NAS), 16 cores (3 computers + NAS), or maybe 12 cores (3 computers). Also, I don't know how I'd wire the USB and HDMI all across my house without fishing wire like crazy! Since we wouldn't do gaming, just watching Youtube videos or movies, doing Skype Calls, browsing the web and internet, an RTX 3050 6GB should be good (maybe overkill?). I chose it because of it's low power and price, for good performance for us. 

[OddOod]

15 minutes ago, KidKid said:

build a supercomputer (maybe 32 core Threadripper CPU and 96-128GB RAM and 12TB NVME storage) then split it among 6 computers,

Proxmox and a bunch of VMs

16 minutes ago, KidKid said:

how I'd wire the USB and HDMI all across my house without fishing wire like crazy

You want connectivity? You get wires. 
You could in theory have a SUPER robust wifi system and have each endpoint use a thinclient, but I'd probably recommend just running three ethernet cables to each location, one for network, one for HDMI over ethernet, one for USB over ethernet. 
Gonna be spendy, and cause quite a few headaches, but when it works/is working, it will get the job done

[Electronics Wizardy]

Why do this? Multiple smaller computers will likely be cheaper and much easer to setup and use.

 

Look at something like Aster so you don't need vms and users can share a GPU.

 

45 minutes ago, KidKid said:

Since we wouldn't do gaming, just watching Youtube videos or movies, doing Skype Calls, browsing the web and internet

I'd really suggest just getting miniPCs then.

[Eigenvektor]

Possible? Sure. Practical? Not really.

 

Instead of 6 PCs to maintain/update you now have 1 server and 6 virtual machines to maintain/update. Depending on what you're doing, you still need peripherals for all of them. Running the server when you currently only really need one VM likely requires more power than running a small individual machine would. And if your server breaks, all of your machines are impacted. If you had six individual machines, you'd still have five that are operational as a fallback.

 

~edit: maybe as a rule of thumb:

 

You want a physical machine if:

• You commonly interface with the machine directly using peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, screen, USB devices, …
  • Much easier to (dis)connect devices as needed
  • Much easier to reboot in case of issues
  • Much easier to access when parts need upgrades
  • Much easier to turn on/off as needed

You want a server/VMs/Docker containers if:

• You commonly interface with a service on the machine, rather than the physical machine itself, for example:
  • NAS
  • Pi-hole
  • Password safe
  • Mail server
  • Web server
• Services can be configured through SSH (or RDP)
• A local GUI is unnecessary for these services to do their job
• You need these services to be "always on"
• You only need direct access with a monitor/keyboard/mouse in case of hardware issues

[OddOod]

On 11/19/2024 at 12:10 PM, Eigenvektor said:

Possible? Sure. Practical? Not really

100% agree with this. I figured OP was just wanting to do something wild and impractical that's cool as heck and guarantees they will always be tinkering with it. 

[KidKid]

On 11/19/2024 at 12:14 PM, OddOod said:

Proxmox and a bunch of VMs

You want connectivity? You get wires. 
You could in theory have a SUPER robust wifi system and have each endpoint use a thinclient, but I'd probably recommend just running three ethernet cables to each location, one for network, one for HDMI over ethernet, one for USB over ethernet. 
Gonna be spendy, and cause quite a few headaches, but when it works/is working, it will get the job done

I can't just have wires laying on the floor and duct taped to the walls, though!

[Kilrah]

One more reason to have multiple machines since you could connect them via WiFi if really needed, with the VM solution you will have to run wires and more than just Ethernet.

[OddOod]

On 11/23/2024 at 7:50 AM, KidKid said:

I can't just have wires laying on the floor and duct taped to the walls, though!

That's why we have drills and walls. 
You can run cable in the gaps between studs and along rafters. Just make sure to label everything. 
I've also used air vents. 
You don't need tape  You are supposed to use coax cable tiedowns. 
And if you have carpet, you can tuck the cable under the bottom of the wall trim, there's a surprisingly large amount of space down there. I even have a buddy who installed crown moulding just so he could hide cable runs. 
I have speakers in most every room and 5 gaming rigs scattered throughout the house. There are two actually visible wires outside the basement and that only because I have been to lazy to get floor transitions to hide them. 

[brob]

19 minutes ago, OddOod said:

And if you have carpet, you can tuck the cable under the bottom of the wall trim, there's a surprisingly large amount of space down there.

 

A sure way to encourage fasteners through cables in later years.

 

There are building and fire codes that should be respected when laying cables. These codes are designed to protect residents and shouldn't be ignored.

 

[OddOod]

2 hours ago, brob said:

A sure way to encourage fasteners through cables in later years.

What fasteners are you putting through down diagonally through your lower trim?
 

2 hours ago, brob said:

There are building and fire codes that should be respected when laying cables. These codes are designed to protect residents and shouldn't be ignored.

Totally agree. Don't run power through a wall without using romex. But ethernet and speaker cable don't carry much power. 10s of watts instead of >1000. 

 

[brob]

13 minutes ago, OddOod said:

What fasteners are you putting through down diagonally through your lower trim?

 

Not me . But it's something I've encountered several times. 

 

20 minutes ago, OddOod said:

But ethernet and speaker cable don't carry much power. 10s of watts instead of >1000. 

 

Fire codes are often concerned about smoke and fire propagation.

[KidKid]

On 11/21/2024 at 8:32 AM, OddOod said:

100% agree with this. I figured OP was just wanting to do something wild and impractical that's cool as heck and guarantees they will always be tinkering with it. 

I like to tinker with tech anyway, so I thought an occasional problem would be fine 

[OddOod]

23 hours ago, brob said:

Not me . But it's something I've encountered several times. 

Lol fair. Though, the fix is as easy as running a cable again

23 hours ago, brob said:

Fire codes are often concerned about smoke and fire propagation.

That's true. But most single family homes don't have any fireboard which means you aren't really increasing risk just running cables in existing voids. 

[OddOod]

2 hours ago, KidKid said:

I like to tinker with tech anyway, so I thought an occasional problem would be fine 

Occasional is putting it mildly. At a guess you'll have all 6 machines running properly ~50% of the time.