@HPCpodcast with Shahin Khan and Doug Black

@HPCpodcast-89: Rick Stevens and Mike Papka of Argonne National Lab

Sep 19, 2024

Rick Stevens and Mike Papka of Argonne National Lab join the discussion, bringing their expertise in high-performance computing. They dive into the challenges and innovations surrounding the Aurora supercomputer, particularly in areas like AI applications and reliability. The duo examines the shift from traditional computing architectures to GPU-based systems and the importance of power management in data centers. They also explore the integration of cloud computing and the transformative potential of quantum technologies, affirming the future of Exascale and AI in science.

00:00

Creator website

Episode guests

Mike Papka

Rick Stevens

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The seamless integration of AI innovation and reliable infrastructure is essential for enhancing national security and advancing computational capabilities in the U.S.

Building exascale computing systems like Aurora involves complex challenges in maintaining reliable performance and managing power consumption amidst growing energy demands.

Deep dives

The Need for Innovation in AI and Data Centers

AI innovation, data center development, and power innovation are critical for national security in the United States. The integration of these technologies must be driven domestically as a response to the growing demand for computational capabilities. The podcast highlights the importance of maintaining a reliable infrastructure that can support thousands of computing nodes, emphasizing that many current jobs still operate within a range of 6,000 to 7,000 nodes. Continuous advancements in these areas are not only vital for the AI landscape but also for the resilience and efficiency of the overall tech ecosystem.

Intro

4min

Navigating Exascale Challenges

17min

Power Management in Data Centers

8min

Exploring AI Advancements and the Capabilities of High-Performance Computing

4min

Exploring the Role of Cloud Computing in Supercomputing

6min

Navigating Quantum Futures and AI Integration

10min

Last year about this time, we had the opportunity to discuss the state of HPC and the Aurora supercomputer with Rick Stevens and Mike Papka of Argonne National Lab. In the run up to SC24, we are delighted to do the same! Rick and Mike kindly carved out some time to join us for another wide ranging discussion.

We discuss Aurora, Exascale, AI, reliability at scale, technology adoption agility, datacenter power and cooling, cloud computing, quantum computing.

We’d like to encourage you to also listen to episodes 15 and 16 where we discuss AI in science with Prof. Stevens, and epsideo 75 referenced above, just before SC23.

Rick Stevens is Argonne’s Associate Laboratory Director for the Computing, Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) Directorate and an Argonne Distinguished Fellow. He is also a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago. He was previously leader of Exascale Computing Initiative at Argonne.

Michael Papka is a senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory where he is also deputy associate laboratory director for Computing, Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) and division director of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF).