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Start Machine

Learn how to start and manage VM kernels for your Nika notebooks. Choose from different CPU and GPU configurations to match your analysis needs.

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Step 1: Select Machine Type

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Available Configurations

Choose from these pre-configured options:

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CPU Machines

  • CPUx3: 3 CPU cores, 24GB RAM, ready in under 30 seconds
  • CPUx7: 7 CPU cores, 53GB RAM, ready in over 2 minutes
  • CPUx21: 20 CPU cores, 156GB RAM, ready in over 2 minutes

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GPU Machines

  • Nvidia T4 x1: 6 CPU cores, 24GB RAM, 1x T4 GPU (16GB), ready in over 2 minutes
  • Nvidia T4 x2: 14 CPU cores, 50GB RAM, 2x T4 GPUs (32GB), ready in over 2 minutes
  • Nvidia T4 x4: 30 CPU cores, 100GB RAM, 4x T4 GPUs (64GB), ready in over 2 minutes

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Advanced Configurations

For larger machines (H100, more RAM, etc.):
  • Contact Support: Send email request for custom configurations
  • Custom Specs: Specify your exact requirements
  • Availability Check: Support will confirm availability and pricing
Machine Selection Options

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Step 2: Start Your Machine

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Quick Start

  1. Select Configuration: Choose your desired machine type from the dropdown
  2. Click “Start Machine”: Click the prominent white button
  3. Wait for Ready: Machine will be ready in 15-40 seconds depending on type

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Start Times

  • CPUx3: ~15 seconds (fastest)
  • Other Configurations: ~40 seconds or more (varies by availability)
Start Machine Button

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Step 3: Monitor Machine Status

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Status Indicators

Monitor your machine status in two ways:

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Method 1: Machine Panel

  • Hover over green dot: Shows detailed status information
  • View metrics: Uptime, CPU usage, memory usage
  • Real-time updates: Status updates automatically
Machine Status Panel

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Method 2: Bottom Left Icon

  • Hover over machine icon: Quick status overview
  • Visual indicator: Shows if machine is running or terminated
  • Easy access: Always visible in workspace
Bottom Left Status Icon

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Step 4: Stop Machine

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Stop Process

  1. Click “Stop Machine”: Click the white button in machine panel
  2. Immediate Stop: Machine stops running immediately
  3. No Compute Cost: No charges after stopping

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Benefits of Stopping

  • Save Resources: Stop when not actively using
  • Cost Control: No charges when stopped
  • Quick Restart: Can restart anytime needed
Stop Machine Button

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Auto-Shutdown Feature

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Smart Shutdown

  • 15-Minute Timer: Machine auto-shuts down 15 minutes after last user leaves
  • No Code Running: Only shuts down when no code is executing
  • Retry Logic: Retries shutdown every 15 minutes if conditions aren’t met
  • Cost Savings: Helps save compute hour quota

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When Auto-Shutdown Triggers

  • All users left workspace: No active users in the notebook
  • No active code: No code cells currently running
  • Idle period: 15 minutes of inactivity

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Best Practices

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Machine Selection

  • Start Small: Begin with CPUx3 for simple analysis
  • Scale Up: Upgrade to larger machines for complex tasks
  • GPU for ML: Use GPU machines for machine learning workloads
  • Cost Consideration: Larger machines consume more resources

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Resource Management

  • Stop When Done: Stop machines when not actively working
  • Monitor Usage: Check status regularly
  • Plan Sessions: Start machines when ready to work
  • Use Auto-Shutdown: Let the system manage idle machines

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Next Steps

Now that your machine is running:
  1. Start Coding: Begin your analysis in the notebook
  2. Load Data: Access your workspace files
  3. Use GPU: Leverage GPU acceleration if available
  4. Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on resource usage

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Need Help?

  • Custom Configurations: Email support for H100 or large machines
  • Performance Issues: Contact support for optimization help
  • Billing Questions: Support can explain compute costs
  • Technical Issues: Get help with machine management
Happy computing!