Dear cluster user,
As you know, our HPC cluster operates under a 1-cluster-concept [1], integrating multiple funding sources with distinct budget allocations:
- NHR share (Tier-2)
- Local RWTH-specific projects (Tier-3)
- AI Service Center WestAI projects
For detailed information on compute time project catalogs, resource contingents, conditions, and application instructions, please refer to our documentation [2].
Current Situation and New Application Guidelines
The RWTH-s (Tier-3) project quota for our machine learning segment (GPU partition) is still overbooked. To address this imbalance, we will implement the following changes for new RWTH-S project applications, effective August 18th, 2026. Existing granted projects will not be affected.
1) Apply for a WestAI Project when:
- You require only GPU resources (no additional CPU resources required).
- Your project involves Machine Learning (ML) or Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods.
Note:
- We will formally reject all RWTH-S applications with a clear ML / AI context and kindly ask you to resubmit as WestAI project.
- WestAI projects can be submitted as extensions/prolongations of existing RWTH-S projects, allowing you to retain your current project directories and submit scripts
- WestAI projects offer the additional benefit of selecting between CL*AIX-2023 and CLAIX-2025 GPU nodes, an option not available for RWTH-S projects.
2) Apply for an RWTH-S project when:
- You require CPU-only resources in the HPC segment (CPU partition).
- You require GPU resources, but your project has *no* ML/AI context.
For further questions or clarifications, please contact our service desk at servicedesk@itc.rwth-aachen.de
Kind regards,
Your HPC Team
[1] https://www.hpc.itc.rwth-aachen.de/cms/hpc/systeme-services/systeme/~bcmmlp/betriebskonzept/?lidx=1
[2] https://help.itc.rwth-aachen.de/service/rhr4fjjutttf/article/45825b06afb647e194be4a5b9f5b8768/
