Energy-Efficient Virtual Screening with ARM-CPU-Based Computers
Olivia Alford, David M. Toth · The Journal of Computational Science Education · 2017
We attempted to find a more sustainable solution for performing virtual screening with AutoDock Vina which uses less electricity than computers using typical x64 CPUs.We tested a cluster of ODROID-XU3 Lite computers with ARM CPUs and compared its performance to a server with x64 CPUs.In order to be a viable solution, our cluster needed to perform the screen without sacrificing speed or increasing hardware costs.The cluster completed the virtual screen in a little less time than our comparison server while using just over half the electricity that the server used.Additionally, the hardware for the cluster cost about 38% less than the server, making it a viable solution.