5.2 General FAQs
General FAQs
For platform-specific questions, see the dedicated troubleshooting sections: Compute Service · Loome · AWS · PCluster
About RACE
What is RACE? RACE (RMIT Advanced Cloud Ecosystem) is RMIT’s cloud facility providing researchers, students, and staff access to cloud computing platforms on AWS and Azure.
Who can use RACE? RMIT researchers, PhD students (HDR), and staff with approved access. See Request Access.
Choosing a Platform
Which platform should I use?
| If you need… | Use… |
|---|---|
| A managed VM for research | Compute Service |
| Azure resources with easy cost tracking | Loome |
| HPC clusters with Slurm | PCluster |
| Full AWS services (SageMaker, Bedrock, etc.) | AWS Direct Access |
For a detailed comparison, see the Platform Comparison guide.
Do I need cloud experience?
- Compute Service and Loome: No
- PCluster: Some HPC/Linux experience helpful
- AWS Direct Access: Yes, basic AWS knowledge recommended
Can I use more than one platform? Yes. You can request access to any combination of platforms.
Access & Accounts
How do I get access? See the Request Access page. Timelines vary by funding scheme.
How long does approval take? Typically 3-5 business days for standard requests. Expedited requests can be processed in 1-2 days.
Can I share my access with others? No. Access is individual. Team members should request their own access.
Costs & Billing
Is RACE free? It depends on the funding scheme. Start-up and Merit schemes provide credits. Pay for Service charges discounted rates. See Request Access for details.
Why are my costs delayed? Cloud billing data typically has a 24-48 hour delay across all platforms.
How can I reduce costs? The universal rules:
- Stop or terminate resources when not in use
- Start with the smallest size that works
- Delete resources you no longer need
- Monitor costs regularly
For platform-specific tips, see:
- Compute Service — Expiry & Costs
- Loome — Costs & Budgets
- AWS — Tips & Best Practices
- PCluster — Costs & Scaling
What happens when I run out of credits? You’ll receive notifications as you approach your limit. Resources may be stopped. Contact the RACE team to discuss options.