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Request Access

Interested in utilizing the Google Cloud ORCHARD Cluster? 

FLAME members see the FLAME Request form.

Storage and Cost

Each user in the cluster will have a home directory with a quota of 25 GB. During the two-year pilot period, users will not be directly charged for access to the compute cluster. An Oracle string is required for additional storage.

Learn More 

Request Access

Members of the CMU Research Community not in the FLAME Center can request access by completing the following form.

Usage is structured around specific project groups, each led by a Project Investigator (PI) who oversees the team. PIs complete the form and request access for your group. Review the How Access Is Granted guidance below.

About Your Project
*Describe the expected work:
*What resources does the group have access to?
*What system(s) have the group used before?
*How much data do you expect to store (e.g., 500 GB)?
*Oracle string:
Note: An Oracle string is required for additional storage charges.

Members
*Personal Investigator (PI):
*PI Access ID:
*Group members to add:
Include Andrew userID, Department, and Access ID.
I need access to the Advanced Queue.
Note: Submit this form and attach the required information to the ticket, outlined in the How Access Is Granted guidance.
I acknowledge that accounts remain active for one year and can be renewed by completing a supplement request to the original application process.
*Required

There are three cluster queues. Groups will be granted access to a queue based on their experience using GPUs for research. Special exceptions for cases such as conference presentations and paper submission deadlines may be made. 

Bootstrap

This queue is open to all groups that apply. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate GPU experience.

  • Each job in this queue can use one GPU and 30 minutes of run time.
  • Jobs in this queue may be interrupted if node resources are required for other non-Bootstrap queue jobs.
  • Two jobs can run simultaneously, and up to five jobs can be in the queue.

General

This queue is for those who have demonstrated running a job in the Bootstrap queue or on another GPU-based cluster, like PSC, ACCESS, or a personal cluster.

  • Each job in this queue will receive one GPU and 12 hours of run time.
  • Jobs in this queue will not be interrupted.

Advanced

Groups that need multiple GPUs can request use of this queue, which offers:

  • 4 GPUs
  • 24 hours of wall clock runtime

The request must include:

  • A one-page summary of the work being done.
  • Proof of running jobs in the General queue.
  • A plan for expanding beyond the ORCHARD cluster.

Once the application is submitted, the Advisory Committee will decide to grant access. Reviews will take place online. The Advisory Committee comprises the Associate Dean for Research (ADR) from each college and one IT staff member nominated by each college's ADR. The Office of Research Computing and Data will provide administrative support for the committee. One of the ADRs will take the lead as the committee chair. Additionally, the committee chair will be included as an agenda item in the monthly meetings between the Vice President for Research (VPR) and the ADRs.