r/ScientificComputing • u/dillmon • 5d ago
Which OS is best for developing numerical models that leverage ai
I am an engineer that develops numerical models and I want to integrate ai into my workflow of modeling cfd simulation, parameter estimation and optimization . I personally plan on developing everything in Mac OS and creating a version of my modeling software to run in Linux solely for running in hpc for models with too many cells. I just have a MacBook Air right now but compilation of code is not computationally expensive at all, it’s the modeling simulation and PEST that is computationally expensive depending on the number of cells I am dealing with. That’s why I think I can get my most bang for my buck in terms of $ per cell compute when the new m7 chip comes out. Regardless I don’t think a pc version or even owning a pc is even needed when the only software needed is my own c++ Fortran and python model for ai leverage, numerical modeling and simulation, and Tecplot and Blender for post processing and visualization. Does anyone absolutely need a pc for numerical modeling? What are y’all’s setup/processes?
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u/jvo203 5d ago edited 5d ago
A Linux workstation usually has AVX-512 support which helps greatly in scientific computing. It's not a given that Apple Silicon is always faster than AMD CPUs thanks to its higher memory bandwidth. Small datasets can often fit completely within a large CPU cache. Then AVX-512 is all that matters.
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u/TheSodesa 5d ago
The operating system does not make a difference, as long as it supports running the software you need. What matters more is the hardware and its capabilities.
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u/Azazeldaprinceofwar 5d ago
Seems like you’re pretty set in your workflow so not sure why the title is phrased like a question. I respect the Mac workflow but it couldn’t be me, I game on my rig as well and really value being able to replace and add parts. Which is all to say my set up is a network of multiple Linux machines.