Mac Mini Cluster

Question

Mac Mini Cluster

Okay so first of all, let me begin by saying I did search and search, so be nice.

I want to build a custom case for a maci mini cluster......I have experience in building my own pcs and have been a mac owner now for over 2 years. I have read about mac minis being clustered for server use but my question is, what advantage would there be if you clustered 2 or more for home use? Would I be better off getting a used G4 imac and throwing that in my case instead? I would like to start doing some more movie editing which I now do on my powerbook. The problem with the pb is that it can take hours just to some simple rendering and so if I could resolve this issue by clustering the minis, I would definately do that.
Its not that I want necessarily save money by using the minis, its really the only thing I think that would be a reasonable size to fit inside my case (I can fit up to 4 inside it).

Also, does someone out there know of any projects out there for personal use? What are some good resource sites I can look at? If anyone can give me any advice, I would appreciate it.

Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4)

Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on May 24, 2006 5:16 AM

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Answer 1

May 24, 2006 9:52 AM in response to James Helland

I think an option for you would be to use Apple's Xgrid technology…

http://www.apple.com/server/macosx/features/xgrid.html

Thing is, this requires Mac OS X Server which is currently not available as Intel Universal Binaries. Should be soon though.

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Answer 2

May 24, 2006 10:02 AM in response to infinite vortex

That is okay as I do not think I could build the case within a few months anyhow.....

Thanks for the tip.

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Answer 3

May 24, 2006 10:18 AM in response to James Helland

If you're prepared to go with Mac OS X Server you've got a lot if doors open to you. Basically you turn one mini/iMac into the head server and the rest into cluster nodes. Now that would be fun! :-D

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Answer 4

varjak paw

Level 10

182,662 points

May 24, 2006 2:25 PM in response to James Helland

what advantage would there be if you clustered 2 or more for home use?

Very little if any. Clustering first only works with applications specifically designed for it. Those are mostly scientific apps, plus a few graphic-oriented applications. The only ones in the consumer/prosumer realm I'm aware of are Compressor (which is part of the Final Cut/DVD Studio Pro suite) for the video/audio compression and Logic Pro, Apple's music creation/editing package. None of the iLife applications support clustering at all at present.

I'd suggest just getting a faster Mac. An iMac G5 would be a lot faster than your PowerBook, as would an iMac Dual Core with Intel-native apps (I'd go for the iMac over the Mac mini due to the iMac's significantly better graphics processor).

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