Super computers

Overview

Extremely fast processing where huge amounts of data need to be processed. 1,000 to a million times as fast as a PC. To search for supercomputers try; http://top500.org/sublist/

type/size

Example: CRAY T3E In late 1996, SDSC installed a CRAY T3E configured with 256 processors-each with 128 MB (16 megawords) of memory. Each processor is a DEC Alpha 21164 (300 MHz clock). A total of 240 processors are available for use in parallel jobs. 300 GB of disk, multiple HIPPI and FDDI network interfaces, and four GigaRing channels that provide a total of almost 4 Gb/s of I/O bandwidth. The T3E has a peak performance of more than 150 Gflops--eight times the performance of the CRAY T3D system it replaced. Unlike the T3D, which used SDSC's C90 as a front end, the T3E is a self-hosted system. The T3E runs the UNICOS/mk operating system.

cost

• multimillion for example. Cray Y-MP from Cray Research Inc, $20 million.

user friendliness

• Highly specialised applications, with highly skilled operators and users.

speed

• 4 billion instructions per second.
• (1,000 to 1 million times faster than a PC)

Storage

memory capacity

storage capacity

Disk:
Tape:

Multiuser features

complexity of tasks

number of (simultaneous) users

• Shares mainframes!!

Software types

Operating System
Application

Development

complexity of software

Support

Software

Hardware

Data features

data sharing

data integrity

data security

Cray-7 User's Guide - July 30, 1996

Congratulations on your purchase of the fabulous new Cray-7 computer. With proper care your new computer can give you many years of useful work and play. Just follow these simple guide-lines and all will be well.

1. The new tachyonics-based CPU can be dangerous to unshielded organisms. Always remember to keep clear of the tachyon chamber when the power is on. Tachyon radiation can be hazardous to your age.

2. As with all sensitive equipment, keep water and moisture out of the CPU and peripheral equipment.

3. Whenever the CPU is in compute mode, stay at least seven feet outside the shield walls. When computing, the CPU uses computrons at a rate hithertofore unknown to Man. This causes a "computron vacuum" in the immediate vicinity. Thus the CPU may suck up the informational content of your DNA should you stray too close.

4. Due to the local up-grade of the speed of light around the Cray-7's Virtually Infinite Associative Memory (VIAM), it is imperative that the computer be kept in a dark room. Strong light will crash the system, and can do irreparable harm to the hardware.

5. Never put on the High-speed Analog Bionic Interface (HSABI) until the system has completed its automatic check-out sequence. When the Omniscience option is present, this can cause a positive Zen feedback, resulting in total psyche burnout. It should be avoided, except for an advanced soul under guidance.

6. And above all, never, never feed the Cray-7 after midnight.

Author: Brian Utterback - found on a BBS.