ROMS, the Cell Processor, and other exotic architecture

[jpringle]

Hi all-

Several people at my university are trying to purchase a computer cluster with either IBM's Cell Processor (same as in the Sony Playstation) or with many GPUs to use as co-processors.

Has anyone tried to modify the ROMS code to take advantage of these exotic (for now) architectures, and what has their experience been? If modified ROMS codes exist, what is their status?

For some idea of the promise of such systems, and the effort needed to realize that promise, check out the press blurb at http://www.unh.edu/news/cj_nr/2008/june/ds17space.cfm , and enjoy the attached picture of the cluster.

Cheers,
and thanks,
Jamie Pringle

[lorenzo]

Yes... it would be really nice that someone could tell us if the models run on this platforms.

We're looking for IBM BladeCenter QS22, but our decision depends heavily if the model runs on this architecture.

Also would be great if some tells us the same about MM5 and WRF.