⚡ HPC Storage

Storage Areas and Quotas

Each user account includes three storage areas with defined quotas:

Storage Type Quota Backup Notes
Home 10 GB ✅ Backed up Best for configs, small scripts, and critical files
Work 100 GB ❌ Not backed up Use for active research data
Scratch Unlimited* ❌ Not backed up Files unused for 7 days are automatically purged

Your directories are located at:

/home/<username>
/work/<username>
/scratch/<username>

Attention

Unlimited scratch is subject to automatic cleanup — 7-day purge policy applies.

Checking Your Storage Usage

Run the following commands to check your quota:

qta_h   # Check Home quota
qta_w   # Check Work quota

Quota Output Terms

  • Blocks = Used space
  • Quota = Warning threshold
  • Limit = Hard cap (cannot exceed)
  • File Limits = Restriction on total number of files

Hint

Quotas apply per user account. Usage by other researchers will not count against your quota.

Requesting Additional Storage

If you need more storage, submit a request via the General Inquiry.

Storage Best Practices

  • Remove or archive unnecessary files.
  • Use /scratch for temporary data.
  • Use /work for active, non-critical data.
  • Keep /home clean for configs and critical scripts (backed up).

Storage Aliases and Shortcuts

Alias Purpose
cdw Quickly change to your work directory
cds Quickly change to your scratch directory
qta_w Check your work quota
qta_h Check your home quota

Quota Output Example:

Quota output example

  • Blocks = Used space
  • Quota = Warning limit
  • Limit = Hard limit
  • File Limits = Describes file count limitations

Note

Quota limits apply only to your own account.

Partner PI Project Storage

Researchers working under a Partner PI should coordinate directly with their PI for project space allocations.