Overview
Access Wynton Transition Project updates, session schedules, and resources—visit regularly for the latest information.
General Transition Questions
When should my lab submit its Wynton Transition request?
Now. Large data transfers take time and migrations must be distributed across the remaining transition period.
What is the timeline for transitioning from Wynton to FAC Capacity Storage and CoreHPC?
The Wynton Protected transition was completed in January 2026. Migration of the remaining Wynton environment is now underway, with full retirement scheduled for February 28, 2027. Labs should submit their transition requests now rather than wait for the retirement deadline.
What are the key Wynton retirement dates?
- October 31, 2026 – New account cutoff: Last day to request new Wynton accounts. After this date, new users should use FAC and CoreHPC.
- January 31, 2027 – Last day to run jobs: Beginning February 1, no new jobs will be scheduled on Wynton.
- February 28, 2027 – Wynton retirement: Wynton will be shut down and all required data and workflows must be transitioned before this date.
Do not wait for these deadlines to begin your transition. Large data transfers take time, and labs should submit their Wynton Transition requests now.
Can we continue using Wynton after submitting our request?
Yes. Submitting a transition request does not immediately affect your Wynton access. You can continue using Wynton as usual while we prepare your new environment and complete the initial data copy.
We will work with your lab to schedule a final migration window. You can continue using Wynton until that scheduled time. Before the final synchronization, running jobs must be completed. Once the final migration begins, your Wynton account and directories will be locked to prevent further changes.
What happens after we submit the request?
The transition team will review your request. If any required information is missing or needs clarification (for example, a chartstring), we will contact you before moving forward.
Once the request is complete:
- We will provision your FAC Storage and CoreHPC access as needed and begin an initial copy of your Wynton data.
- You can continue using Wynton as usual during the initial data copy. You can also continue cleaning up files and directories you do not want migrated.
- Once the initial copy is complete, we will work with your lab to schedule the final migration.
- Before the final synchronization, your running Wynton jobs must be completed. At the scheduled time, we will lock your Wynton account and directories to prevent further changes and perform the final data sync.
- Once migration is complete, your Wynton access will end and you will receive instructions for accessing your data in FAC Storage and using CoreHPC, if requested.
Can my lab designate one person to manage the migration process?
Yes, one representative from the lab can submit the ticket on the PIs behalf.
I already transitioned from Wynton Protected. Do I need to submit another request?
Yes. If the lab still has data in Wynton, submit a new transition request. You can use your lab's existing FAC Capacity Storage or request additional capacity if needed.
The New Environment
How do FAC Storage and CoreHPC work together?
Watch this short video: FAC and CoreHPC: Distinct Roles, Unified Research Computing
What storage options are available on Core HPC?
- Capacity Storage: Use for large datasets; includes backups.
- Home: Limited, fast storage for scripts.
- Scratch Space: Temporary storage for computation, with a maximum storage duration of 30 days.
Do I need to purchase FAC storage to use Core HPC?
Yes, Core HPC does not have persistent storage of its own; project data must reside on FAC storage.
How can I estimate the cost of storage and other fees?
Use the FAC Pricing & Services Portal.
Credits and Costs
Will credits from Wynton contributions be transferred to FAC storage?
Yes, credits for contributions will be transferred based on depreciation schedules (typically five years). The Wynton Transition team will reach out to eligible users.
What options do PIs have if the credit memo does not meet their needs?
We recognize that the Wynton migration may be disruptive for some research groups, particularly those with specialized or long-term compute needs. While the credit memo provides one pathway, it is not the only option available.
PIs who receive a credit memo have two additional options to consider:
1. Hardware Withdrawal (ITOM Model 3 – Independent Research Computing)
PIs may request to remove their existing hardware from Wynton and operate it independently under ITOM Model 3. However, this option comes with important responsibilities and guardrails.
IT Operating Model (ITOM) Model 3 provides researchers with flexibility to manage their own research computing systems while meeting UCSF security, compliance, and operational requirements. Model 3 is available to researchers at the P1 and P2 data classification levels, and at the P3 data classification level with attestation. Learn about the ITOM Model 3 Guardrails and Attestation Process.
Model 3 enables continued use of existing hardware, but does not reduce institutional security or compliance obligations.
2. Financial Assistance
PIs may also reach out to us to explore potential financial support from the university to help offset the transition to alternative compute resources (e.g., coreHPC or other solutions).
Support availability and structure may vary, but we strongly encourage faculty to initiate this conversation if the credit model is not viable.
Why might these alternatives be important?
For some workloads, especially those requiring multi-GPU configurations or large attached storage (e.g., cryoEM), the credit model may not adequately reflect the cost or capability of existing systems, and having access to the latest hardware (as is set up in FAC and CoreHPC) may not be important.
For example:
- A PI with older GPU nodes (such as A40 GPUs, which have high VRAM but are a couple of generations behind) may receive a one-time credit that does not enable an equivalent compute capacity
- Comparable systems through CoreHPC may involve significantly higher upfront and ongoing costs, while offering reduced GPU density
- Additional requirements such as a need for large storage capacity (hundreds of TBs) further increase total annual costs
In some cases, the credited amount would force one to move from multi-GPU nodes to significantly reduced compute capacity with added annual costs, making the credit option impractical.
What should I do if I want to explore these options?
If you are considering Model 3 or would like to discuss financial assistance:
- Contact the Wynton transition team at [email protected]
- Include a brief description of your current hardware, workloads, and storage needs
We strongly encourage PIs to reach out early so we can help identify the most appropriate path forward.
Getting Help
Where can I find more information and updates?
A dedicated Wynton Transition page has links to many resources . Visit the CoreHPC webpage for details about features, specifications, and updates.
Where can I get help with the transition or ask questions?
You can email [email protected] for general help. Please refer to the Wynton Transition page for additional support options.