SC21 — 28-Core CFD HPC Node for Fast Solves on Smaller Cases

The SC21 node combines the highest core count and newest architecture in our lineup with a lean memory budget. A pair of Broadwell-generation Xeons delivers 28 cores and 56 threads, paired with 16 GB of RAM — built to solve smaller CFD cases as fast as possible in ANSYS Fluent. When your case fits in 16 GB and you want the quickest possible turnaround, SC21 puts maximum parallel power behind it.

It is the speed-first, compact tier: more cores and a newer CPU than any of the earlier nodes, focused on fast solves for small-to-moderate cases.

Specifications

Two things set SC21 apart: 28 cores — more than any of the 16–20-core nodes — and a newer Broadwell architecture with a larger 35 MB cache per CPU, improving per-core performance over the earlier Ivy Bridge generation. The focused 16 GB of memory keeps it cost-effective for smaller workloads you want solved fast.

What this node is built for

SC21 is the maximum-throughput, small-case tier. The 28 newer-generation cores deliver the strongest parallel performance in the lineup, while 16 GB keeps it lean. It suits:

• Smaller meshes solved as fast as possible — spread across 28 cores, a compact case converges very quickly.

• 2D and early-stage 3D simulations — light on memory, quick to run, ideal for rapid iteration.

• Parameter sweeps on small cases — more cores means more variants processed per hour.

• Training and learning at top speed — fast results on the newest multi-core hardware in the lineup.

• Compute-bound small cases — where the bottleneck is solve time, not memory.

With 28 cores at 2.4 GHz (turbo to 3.3 GHz) and a newer architecture, Fluent partitions the mesh across all of them and exchanges boundary data each iteration via MPI — so a small case finishes fast.

Cores first, memory lean

SC21's headline is cores, not capacity. In CFD, cores determine how fast a case solves, while memory sets the largest mesh you can run — roughly 1 GB of RAM per million cells for a typical steady, single-phase case. With 16 GB, SC21 is matched to smaller meshes solved at maximum speed.

Choose SC21 when your case fits in 16 GB and you want it solved as fast as possible. When your meshes grow, step up:

• SC22 offers the same 28-core platform with 32 GB for moderate meshes,

• higher-memory nodes reach 64–128 GB,

• and the 1 TB high-memory node handles very large, memory-bound cases.

Tell us your cell count and physics, and we will match you to the right tier.

Fast SSD storage

The two 500 GB SATA SSDs provide responsive read/write for loading case files, writing data, and handling autosaves — keeping a quick solve from stalling on slow disk I/O.

How parallel solving works on this node

Running Fluent in parallel, the solver partitions your mesh across all 28 cores (using algorithms such as METIS), each core solving its share of cells and exchanging boundary data each iteration via MPI. On a single node, that communication runs through fast on-board channels rather than a network, keeping parallel overhead low — so a well-sized small case is solved very quickly across all 28 cores.

Why rent instead of buy

For the fastest turnaround on smaller CFD cases at a keen price, SC21 gives you the cores — with an easy path to higher-memory nodes when your meshes grow.

How it works — you're in full control

SC76 is yours to drive directly. You connect to the node over a secure remote desktop connection and run everything yourself, exactly as you would on a local workstation:

1. Connect via remote desktop — you get full remote access to the SC76 node.

2. Set up your simulation — load your geometry and case, configure your solver settings, and run ANSYS Fluent with all 6 cores at your command.

3. Run and monitor in real time — start, pause, adjust, and watch the solution as it progresses, with complete control throughout.

4. Keep your results — post-process on the node or download your solution and data files whenever you're ready.

You have full authority over the node for the duration of your rental: we provide the hardware and the support, and you run the simulations your way.

Frequently asked questions

What makes SC21 fast? Two things: more cores (28 versus 16–20 on the earlier nodes) and a newer Broadwell architecture with more cache, which improves per-core performance. For small cases that fit in 16 GB, that combination delivers the fastest solves in the lineup.

How is SC21 different from SC22? Same 28-core Broadwell platform, but SC21 has 16 GB of RAM versus SC22's 32 GB. SC21 is the leaner, fastest-on-small-cases option; SC22 gives memory headroom for moderately larger meshes. Pick based on whether your case fits in 16 GB.

How large a mesh can it handle? With 16 GB of RAM, plan for smaller meshes — roughly up to the low tens of millions of cells for simpler steady single-phase cases, fewer for transient or multiphase physics (about 1 GB of RAM per million cells is a good starting estimate). Send us your case for a precise answer.

What if my case needs more memory? We offer nodes from 32 GB up to 128 GB, and a 1 TB high-memory node for large, memory-bound work. We will recommend the right tier so your case fits — and still solves fast.

Is my data kept confidential? yes

Get started with SC21

If you run smaller CFD cases and want them solved as fast as possible, SC21's 28 newer-generation cores are built for exactly that.

Contact MR CFD to run your ANSYS Fluent case on SC21 — and we'll help you confirm it's the right tier for your simulation.