Graphics workstation

Our most powerful workstation available to members packs some serious punch:

• Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 @ 2.33Ghz with 4M shared L2 cache
• Gigabyte-EP45-UD3L motherboard
• 2x2G + 2x4G (12G total) of DDR2 RAM in dual channel configuration
• Large NVIDIA PCIe graphics card
• Ridiculously big black case with four case fans (not all connected right now)
• 160GB SATA hard disk

It's intended for temporary high workloads, especially those requiring accelerated graphics such as graphic design, CAD, video editing, simulation, 3D modeling and game design.

Preemption rule

We only have one of these bad boys, so feel free kick someone off if you have real work to do with it and if they're just playing games or not really taking advantage of the graphics and/or RAM. (you don't need the world's most overpowered web browser and terminal?)

Game development doesn't count as "playing games", such a thing is real work.

Keep in mind that vmsrv is an even better machine to log into (from any workstation or terminal) if you're doing something with bursty CPU load but without a super high RAM demand or need for accelerated graphics, e.g. compiling a few large programs from source.

Return rule

Feel free to play games and even move borrow the machine into the lounge as well -- but remember the preemption rule and *return* it to its normal lab/workshop area when you're done.

Ditto for the nice DVI monitor attached to it, keyboard, mouse, and mousepad.

Software

• Windows XP / Windows 7 not currently installed, free space is available to install these (without wiping out Ubuntu below) if someone brings a license and installs a copy. After install please contact Mark J <mark@parit.ca> to have the MBR restored with GRUB for Windows and Ubuntu boot options
• Ubuntu 12.04
  • GNOME 3
  • Ubuntu Unity
  • KDE
  • XFCE
  • LXDE
  • Extreme Tux Racer
  • Super Tux Kart
  • Kdenlive (video editor)
  • GIMP (raster editor)
  • Blender and all of the source files from Elephants Dream, Big Buck Bunny, and Sintel coming soon.
  • GLXGears 1000fps

Personal operating system

Is the stock, shared, Windows and Ubuntu install not to your liking? Do you perhaps have some software personally licensed to you and not for a shared workstation? No problem.

We have a personal workstation service where you can boot your OS and software over our gigabit network, including Windows XP, Vista, and 7. Contact Mark Jenkins <mark@parit.ca>