Is there any way to link up two computers so that they can share resources, such as RAM or a graphics card?

Question

My primary computer has broken, and none of the other computers in my house have, by themselves, sufficent resources to run certain programs. However, between two of them, the combined resources exist. Is there some way I can use them in tandem, bearing in mind that scavenging parts from one to upgrade the other is not a valid option? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Not meant in any offense, but it is because you are so naive that I encourage you to try. If you knew what I knew, you would not attempt it without the aid of some very deep pockets and a solid business plan...



BTW, you better get started learning MPI and PVM:

gathering more information on the computer cluster and I have determined that you can build a Poor Mans mini-supercomputer for less than $10,000. via the BEOWULF ... Mini-supercomputer Cluster.You will need a switch that can do Gigabit ethernet - add about $1K for a managed one, which I highly recommend. I would also add a good KVM switch. The Tripplite that I use is about $300, but only supports eight nodes. Plus you need to spend about $15 - $20 per cable set each.

***If your still interested in supercomputing ? the last link is where to start...

but cost to benefit says if your running low cost machines to start with? jsut upgrade to a cheap p4 for 3 or 400$ at someplace like Http://www.tigerdirect.com

fiber optics start out between 100,000 to 1/2 a million USD and up...and machines used are certainly not home pc level.. but hey go for it!

Answer 2

No there is no way to make 2 computers share parts like this, not to mention one because of the ram is inopperable. 2 or more running computers can somewhat share proccess loads, but this is something that takes a computer expert to set up, and is still limited and would not do what you need. You will either have to buy new ram for the broken one, or get a new computer. Ram is pretty cheap now days, unless it's a special kind, it shouldn't be too expensive to replace.

Answer 3

While altonation has some truth in his point, in your case NO it is not possible. technically possible and sensible possible are 2 entirely different thigs. Forwhat you need the answer is no, buy a new PC.

Answer 4

Sorry, I just had to reply to the guy above. It is possible, because people do it all the time. Bluegene is the most powerful pc that exists, and it's basically just hundreds of pc's connected together.

Answer 5

Personal computers do not have that ability! Only mainframes!

Answer 6

No you can't, just invest in a new pc

Answer 7

no. thats ridiculous.