making a cluster out of 6 computers for abaqus analysis

Hi everybody,

I have 6 desktop computers with the following specifications (all of them are the same):

CPU: 2 GHz, 2 cores, 8 Hyper Threading

RAM: 12 Gb

HDD: 500 Gb

Windows 7 (which I need to change to Windows Server with HPC pack)

I need to connect them together and make a cluster for abaqus analysis. I'm thinking about using Microsoft HPC pack since it seems to be an easy and user friendly option (I don't have any experience in that area).

Since I already have the computers, I only need to spend on the softwares (OS, HPC pack, etc) and some network and cable stuff. My budget is limited to $1000 but I can push it to $2000 if it's necessary. <!--break-->

First I need to know if it worth even trying to make a 12 core cluster or not? How good Abaqus can handle 48 threads? I know Abaqus is good at multi-threading but this won't be a 48 core cluster, it will be a 12 core with the ability of having 48 threads so that's why I'm a little hesitant.

Second I already Googled the procedure of making a cluster from scratch but I couldn't find anything that explains it in a non-technical language. Could anyone (preferably whoever done this before) explain from where I should start? Like do I need to buy Windows Server for all the machines or just one license for the head node is enough?

Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Maysam

ps. I'm performing fatigue and fracture analysis using abaqus.

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