Cheyenne Supercomputer Goes Under the Hammer: A Glimpse into its Features and Specifications
For the tech-savvy and those interested in acquiring a piece of computing history, the decommissioned Cheyenne supercomputer is now available through a government auction. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its features and specifications to help you assess its potential value.
Unveiling the Core of Cheyenne
Cheyenne, a 5.34-petaflop supercomputer, was ranked among the top 20 most powerful in the world during its operational years from 2017 to 2023. A joint venture of Silicon Graphics International (SGI) and Intel, this ICE XA system boasts an impressive 4,032 dual-socket nodes, each equipped with two 18-core Intel Xeon processors. This translates to a staggering 145,152 CPU cores, providing exceptional processing power.
Incredible Memory and Storage Capacity
Complementing its processing capabilities, Cheyenne also offers ample memory and storage. With 313 terabytes of memory and 40 petabytes of storage, this supercomputer can handle massive datasets and complex simulations with ease. Its storage capacity is equivalent to storing approximately 20 million high-definition movies.
Energy Efficiency at its Peak
Energy efficiency is a critical aspect of modern supercomputing, and Cheyenne excels in this regard. With a peak performance of 5,340 teraflops, it can perform 3 billion calculations per second for every watt of energy consumed. This makes it three times more energy-efficient than its predecessor, Yellowstone.
Current Status and Auction Details
Cheyenne has recently experienced some maintenance limitations due to faulty quick disconnects in its cooling system, resulting in the failure of approximately 1% of its compute nodes. The auction price currently stands at $27,643, with the reserve yet to be met. The auction closes on May 5th at 6:11 pm Central Time, and interested parties can participate in the bidding process.
Potential Limitations and Buyer Considerations
While Cheyenne offers impressive capabilities, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations. The supercomputer requires professional movers with specialized equipment to handle its heavy components. Additionally, the auction excludes fiber optic and CAT5/6 cabling, which are essential for connectivity.
A Legacy of Scientific Advancements
Throughout its operational years, Cheyenne made significant contributions to atmospheric and Earth system sciences research. It supported over 4,400 users, nearly 1,300 NSF awards, and over 4,500 peer-reviewed publications. Its retirement marks the end of an era but also presents an opportunity for individuals or organizations to acquire a piece of computing history.