Installing Slurm from Buildcache

This guide shows how to install pre-built, GPG-signed Slurm binaries directly from the public buildcache using only Spack. No slurm-factory tool installation is required.

Overview

The slurm-factory buildcache provides pre-compiled, GPG-signed Slurm packages that install in 5-15 minutes instead of 45-90 minutes from source. All packages are signed with GPG key DFB92630BCA5AB71 for security verification.

The buildcache uses a two-tier mirror architecture organized by OS toolchain:

{toolchain}/slurm/deps/ - Slurm runtime dependencies (OpenMPI, PMIx, Munge, etc.) for each OS
{toolchain}/slurm/{version}/ - Slurm packages for each OS and version

Use this method when:

✅ You want the fastest installation (5-15 minutes)
✅ You don't need custom build configurations
✅ You want GPG-verified, trusted binaries
✅ You want to avoid Docker/compilation complexity

Use slurm-factory tool instead when:

❌ You need custom build options or patches
❌ You're building for unsupported OS/architecture
❌ You want to create your own buildcache

Prerequisites

Only Spack is required - no Docker, no Python packages, no build tools:

OS: Ubuntu 20.04+ or RHEL 8+ compatible Linux
Spack: v1.0.0 (installed below)
Internet: Access to download ~2-5GB of binaries

Quick Start

1. Install Spack

# Clone Spack v1.0.0
git clone --depth 1 --branch v1.0.0 https://github.com/spack/spack.git ~/spack

# Activate Spack in your shell
source ~/spack/share/spack/setup-env.sh

# Add to your shell profile for persistence
echo 'source ~/spack/share/spack/setup-env.sh' >> ~/.bashrc

2. Configure Buildcache Mirrors

The buildcache uses three separate mirrors for optimal caching:

# Set versions
SLURM_VERSION=25.11
TOOLCHAIN=noble
CLOUDFRONT_URL=https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai

# Add two-tier mirror structure (organized by OS toolchain)
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm-deps "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/deps"
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/${SLURM_VERSION}"

3. Import GPG Signing Keys

# Import and trust the GPG key (enables automatic signature verification)
spack buildcache keys --install --trust

# Verify the key was imported
gpg --list-keys DFB92630BCA5AB71

4. Install Slurm

# Install Slurm with automatic signature verification (5-15 minutes)
spack install slurm@${SLURM_VERSION} target=x86_64_v3

# Load Slurm into your environment
spack load slurm@${SLURM_VERSION}

# Verify installation
sinfo --version
# Output: slurm 25.11.4

Supported Versions

All 27 combinations of Slurm × GCC are available in the buildcache:

Slurm Versions

Version	Status	Description
25.11	Latest	Most recent features and improvements
24.11	LTS	Long-term support, production recommended
23.11	Stable	Previous stable release

Toolchains

Toolchain	OS/Distribution	System GCC	Glibc
noble	Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble)	13.2.0	2.39
jammy	Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy)	11.4.0	2.35
focal	Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal)	9.4.0	2.31
rockylinux10	Rocky Linux 10 / RHEL 10	14.2.1	2.40
rockylinux9	Rocky Linux 9 / RHEL 9	11.4.0	2.34
rockylinux8	Rocky Linux 8 / RHEL 8	8.5.0	2.28

Installation Examples

Example 1: Latest Slurm (Recommended)

# Set versions
SLURM_VERSION=25.11
TOOLCHAIN=noble
CLOUDFRONT_URL=https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai

# Add two-tier mirrors (organized by OS toolchain)
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm-deps "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/deps"
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/${SLURM_VERSION}"

# Import GPG keys
spack buildcache keys --install --trust

# Install latest Slurm with system compiler
spack install slurm@${SLURM_VERSION} target=x86_64_v3

# Load and verify
spack load slurm@${SLURM_VERSION}
sinfo --version

Example 2: LTS Version for Production

# Set versions for LTS
SLURM_VERSION=24.11
TOOLCHAIN=jammy
CLOUDFRONT_URL=https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai

# Add mirrors (organized by OS toolchain)
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm-deps "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/deps"
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/${SLURM_VERSION}"

# Import GPG keys
spack buildcache keys --install --trust

# Install LTS Slurm
spack install slurm@${SLURM_VERSION} target=x86_64_v3

# Load and verify
spack load slurm@${SLURM_VERSION}
sinfo --version

Example 3: Rocky Linux 8 Compatible

# Use Rocky Linux 8 toolchain for RHEL 8 compatibility
SLURM_VERSION=25.11
TOOLCHAIN=rockylinux8
CLOUDFRONT_URL=https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai

# Add mirrors (organized by OS toolchain)
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm-deps "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/deps"
spack mirror add slurm-factory-slurm "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/slurm/${SLURM_VERSION}"

# Import GPG keys
spack buildcache keys --install --trust

# Install with Rocky Linux 8 toolchain
spack install slurm@${SLURM_VERSION} target=x86_64_v3

# Load and verify
spack load slurm@${SLURM_VERSION}
sinfo --version

Buildcache Structure

The buildcache is organized by OS toolchain for optimal performance:

https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai/
├── noble/                          # Ubuntu 24.04 toolchain
│   └── slurm/
│       ├── deps/buildcache/        # Dependencies for Ubuntu 24.04
│       ├── 25.11/buildcache/       # Slurm 25.11 for Ubuntu 24.04
│       ├── 24.11/buildcache/       # Slurm 24.11 for Ubuntu 24.04
│       └── 23.11/buildcache/       # Slurm 23.11 for Ubuntu 24.04
├── jammy/                          # Ubuntu 22.04 toolchain
│   └── slurm/
│       ├── deps/buildcache/
│       └── {version}/buildcache/
├── rockylinux10/                   # Rocky Linux 10 toolchain
│   └── slurm/
│       ├── deps/buildcache/
│       └── {version}/buildcache/
├── rockylinux9/                    # Rocky Linux 9 toolchain
│   └── slurm/
│       ├── deps/buildcache/
│       └── {version}/buildcache/
├── rockylinux8/                    # Rocky Linux 8 toolchain
│   └── slurm/
│       ├── deps/buildcache/
│       └── {version}/buildcache/
├── resolute/                       # Ubuntu 25.04 toolchain
│   └── slurm/
│       ├── deps/buildcache/
│       └── {version}/buildcache/
└── focal/                          # Ubuntu 20.04 toolchain (legacy)
    └── slurm/
        ├── deps/buildcache/
        └── {version}/buildcache/

Tarball Downloads

Pre-packaged tarballs for offline installation:

https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai/
├── noble/
│   ├── 25.11/
│   │   ├── slurm-25.11-noble-software.tar.gz      # Complete tarball
│   │   └── slurm-25.11-noble-software.tar.gz.asc  # GPG signature
│   ├── 24.11/
│   └── 23.11/
├── jammy/
│   ├── 25.11/
│   │   ├── slurm-25.11-jammy-software.tar.gz
│   │   └── slurm-25.11-jammy-software.tar.gz.asc
│   └── ...
└── {other toolchains}/
    └── {versions}/

Mirror Architecture Benefits

The two-tier OS-based structure provides:

✅ OS-native compatibility - Uses system compilers for maximum compatibility
✅ Better caching - Dependencies shared across Slurm versions per OS
✅ Reduced storage - No duplication of common packages
✅ Parallel downloads - Spack fetches from multiple mirrors simultaneously
✅ Simplified maintenance - No custom GCC builds required

Alternative: Download Pre-built Tarball

Instead of using Spack buildcache, you can download a complete Slurm installation as a tarball. This is ideal for air-gapped environments or simple deployments.

1. Download Tarball and Signature

# Set versions
SLURM_VERSION=25.11
TOOLCHAIN=noble
CLOUDFRONT_URL=https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai

# Download tarball
wget "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/${SLURM_VERSION}/slurm-${SLURM_VERSION}-${TOOLCHAIN}-software.tar.gz"

# Download signature
wget "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/${TOOLCHAIN}/${SLURM_VERSION}/slurm-${SLURM_VERSION}-${TOOLCHAIN}-software.tar.gz.asc"

2. Verify GPG Signature

# Import the public GPG key
gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys DFB92630BCA5AB71

# Verify the tarball signature
gpg --verify slurm-${SLURM_VERSION}-${TOOLCHAIN}-software.tar.gz.asc \
             slurm-${SLURM_VERSION}-${TOOLCHAIN}-software.tar.gz

Expected output:

gpg: Signature made [DATE]
gpg:                using RSA key DFB92630BCA5AB71
gpg: Good signature from "Vantage Compute Corporation (Slurm Factory Spack Cache Signing Key) <info@vantagecompute.ai>"

If you see BAD signature or the signature doesn't match, do not use the tarball - it may have been tampered with.

3. Trust the GPG Key (Optional)

To avoid "untrusted signature" warnings in the future:

# Start GPG key editor
gpg --edit-key DFB92630BCA5AB71

# In the GPG prompt, type:
trust
# Choose: 5 (I trust ultimately)
quit

4. Extract and Install

# Extract to /opt (or your preferred location)
sudo tar -xzf slurm-${SLURM_VERSION}-gcc${COMPILER_VERSION}-software.tar.gz -C /opt/

# Run the installation script
cd /opt
sudo ./data/slurm_assets/slurm_install.sh --full-init

# Verify installation
module load slurm/${SLURM_VERSION}
sinfo --version

Tarball Contents

Each tarball contains:

slurm-25.11-gcc15.2.0-software.tar.gz
├── view/                      # Slurm binaries & libraries
├── modules/slurm/25.11.lua    # Lmod module (relocatable)
└── data/slurm_assets/         # Config templates & install script
    ├── slurm_install.sh       # Installation script
    ├── defaults/              # Default configuration files
    ├── systemd/               # Systemd service units
    └── ...

GPG Signature Verification

All packages are signed with GPG for security:

Key Information:

Key ID: DFB92630BCA5AB71
Owner: Vantage Compute Corporation (Slurm Factory Spack Cache Signing Key)
Email: info@vantagecompute.ai

Manual Verification

# Import the GPG key
spack buildcache keys --install --trust

# List imported keys
gpg --list-keys DFB92630BCA5AB71

# View key details
spack gpg list

# Packages are automatically verified during installation
spack install slurm@25.11%gcc@13.4.0
# ✓ All packages verified with GPG signatures

Security Benefits

Authenticity: Verifies packages come from Vantage Compute
Integrity: Ensures no tampering or corruption
Supply Chain Security: Trusted build provenance
Automatic: Verification happens transparently during install

Advanced Usage

Multiple Mirrors

You can configure multiple buildcache mirrors for different versions:

# Set CloudFront URL
CLOUDFRONT_URL=https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai

# Add mirrors for Slurm 25.11 on Ubuntu 24.04 (noble)
spack mirror add slurm-25-noble-deps "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/noble/slurm/deps"
spack mirror add slurm-25-noble "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/noble/slurm/25.11"

# Add mirrors for Slurm 24.11 on Ubuntu 22.04 (jammy)
spack mirror add slurm-24-jammy-deps "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/jammy/slurm/deps"
spack mirror add slurm-24-jammy "${CLOUDFRONT_URL}/jammy/slurm/24.11"

# List configured mirrors
spack mirror list

# Install from specific versions
spack install slurm@25.11  # Uses slurm-25-noble mirrors
spack install slurm@24.11  # Uses slurm-24-jammy mirrors

Specific Target Architecture

# Install for specific CPU microarchitecture
spack install slurm@25.11%gcc@13.4.0 target=x86_64_v3  # Recommended
spack install slurm@25.11%gcc@13.4.0 target=x86_64_v4  # Latest CPUs
spack install slurm@25.11%gcc@13.4.0 target=x86_64     # Maximum compatibility

Verify Before Installing

# List available packages in buildcache
spack buildcache list

# Search for specific package
spack buildcache list slurm

# Get package info
spack info slurm

Deployment

After installing from buildcache, deploy Slurm to your system. See the Deployment Guide for complete instructions.

Quick Deployment Overview

# 1. Install from buildcache (as shown above)
spack install slurm@25.11%gcc@13.4.0 target=x86_64_v3

# 2. Find installation location
spack location -i slurm@25.11

# 3. Copy to system location (optional)
sudo cp -r $(spack location -i slurm@25.11) /opt/slurm

# 4. Configure and start services
# See deployment guide for detailed configuration steps

Troubleshooting

Mirror Connection Issues

# Test mirror connectivity
curl -I https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai/

# Remove and re-add mirror
spack mirror remove slurm-factory
spack mirror add slurm-factory \
  https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai/slurm/25.11/13.4.0/

GPG Key Issues

# Re-import GPG keys
spack buildcache keys --install --trust

# List imported keys
spack gpg list

# If still failing, manually download and import
curl https://slurm-factory-spack-binary-cache.vantagecompute.ai/build_cache/_pgp/DFB92630BCA5AB71.pub | \
  spack gpg trust

Package Not Found

# Update buildcache index
spack buildcache update-index slurm-factory

# List what's available
spack buildcache list --allarch

# Check you're using the right version combination
spack mirror list

Slow Download

# The buildcache uses CloudFront CDN, but downloads can still be slow for large packages
# Monitor progress with verbose output
spack -d install slurm@25.11%gcc@13.4.0

# Or install specific dependencies first
spack install openssl@3:
spack install munge
spack install slurm@25.11%gcc@13.4.0

Comparison: Buildcache vs Building

Method	Time	Disk	Requirements	Customization
Buildcache	5-15 min	~5GB	Spack only	None
slurm-factory	45-90 min	~50GB	Docker + Python	Full control

Next Steps

Deploy Slurm: See Deployment Guide
Build Custom: See Installing slurm-factory Tool
Documentation: Visit slurm-factory docs
Support: Contact info@vantagecompute.ai

Buildcache Architecture - Technical details
Installation Guide - Installing the slurm-factory build tool
Deployment Guide - Configuring and running Slurm
Examples - Common usage patterns

Overview​

Prerequisites​

Quick Start​

1. Install Spack​

2. Configure Buildcache Mirrors​

3. Import GPG Signing Keys​

4. Install Slurm​

Supported Versions​

Slurm Versions​

Toolchains​

Installation Examples​

Example 1: Latest Slurm (Recommended)​

Example 2: LTS Version for Production​

Example 3: Rocky Linux 8 Compatible​

Buildcache Structure​

Tarball Downloads​

Mirror Architecture Benefits​

Alternative: Download Pre-built Tarball​

1. Download Tarball and Signature​

2. Verify GPG Signature​

3. Trust the GPG Key (Optional)​

4. Extract and Install​

Tarball Contents​

GPG Signature Verification​

Manual Verification​

Security Benefits​

Advanced Usage​

Multiple Mirrors​

Specific Target Architecture​

Verify Before Installing​

Deployment​

Quick Deployment Overview​

Troubleshooting​

Mirror Connection Issues​

GPG Key Issues​

Package Not Found​

Slow Download​

Comparison: Buildcache vs Building​

Next Steps​

Related Documentation​