# Getting Started with Blackwell

## Using Blackwell

You can use [ssh keys](../connect/ssh_keys) to login to Blackwell (x500@blackwell.msi.umn.edu). To login, use your HST Active Directory (AD) password.

Currently, forwarding (e.g., SSH with X11/Wayland forwarding) is disabled on interactive Blackwell sessions to prevent unwanted data egress. MSI is planning for an interactive GUI capability in the future.

If you have a defined workflow on Agate, you can containerize it and port it to Blackwell.

## Cluster Partitions

| Partition | Nodes | Cores (Per Node) | RAM (GB) | Scratch (TB) | Max Runtime (Hours) | Max # of Nodes |
|-----------|-------|------------------|----------|--------------|---------------------|----------------|
| Batch     | 16    | 128              | 512      | 1.5          | 96                  | 4              |
| HighMem   | 4     | 128              | 2000     | 1.5          | 96                  | 1              |
| A100      | 4     | 24               | 384      | 1.5          | 96                  | 1              |



### Transferring Data into the Cluster via SFTP

All data transferred into blackwell are processed through a 'Data Transfer Node' that first scans the data before allowing you to move it into your project space. This host is specifically configured to support high-throughput SFTP transfers to get data into the cluster safely. For more information on using the DTN to put data into Blackwell, refer to the [Data Transfer Nodes Page](./data_transfer_nodes.md)

This host is specifically configured to support high-throughput SFTP transfers to get data into the cluster efficiently.

Upload.opts should generally go last in case the SFTP connection unexpectedly disconnects partway through.

Remember to use a device that conforms to University Information Security standards for ePHI. If you need assistance with this, please reach out to [OIT's Help Desk](mailto:help@umn.edu).

### Supported SFTP Clients

You can connect to transfer.msi.umn.edu using command-line tools or graphical clients. Tested clients include:

- sftp (Command Line): Included with the standard ssh package on all MSI systems
- [FileZilla](https://filezilla-project.org/) (GUI): A graphical file transfer client for Windows, macOS, and Linux

### Destination Paths & Sensitive Data Compliance

When choosing a target directory on the cluster, ensure you adhere to MSI's data classification guidelines:

- **Home Directory (~):** Intended for individual scripts, small configuration files, and non-sensitive user data
- **Project Space (/projects/regulated/[your-project-name]):** The primary storage location for shared project data, large datasets, and sensitive files

```{note}
If your data is restricted, the project space path will be: **/projects/restricted/[your-project-name]**

All data requiring compliance with HIPAA will be in the 'restricted' project space
```

#### PHI and Controlled Data Guidelines

- **Sensitive & Regulated Data:** Project data that contains **Protected Health Information (PHI)** or other contractually/regulatorily controlled data **must** be transferred to the project directory allocated for that data by MSI

Contractually regulated and/or ePHI data is prohibited from being stored in your home directory.