Comparing to Windows server 2008 R2 Standart edition, HPC edition is its lightweight version. But HPC edition support more RAM, 128GB vs 32GB, could give better perfomance and it is more cost-effective, but doesn't support some features and roles (for
example, Desktop Experience, Failover Clustering, Application sever and App cashing). It is best approach for normal compute node if you don't need extended functionality. For Head Node it is recomended to use Enterprise edition for using Failover Clustering
feature to avoid cluster crashing when head node crashed.
Proposed as answer bySergiiKorinMonday, October 17, 2011 11:48 AM