In recent years, technology has been updated at an extraordinary rate. New items come one after another. The characteristics of gaming computers are improving, the parameters are increasing. Consequently, the price does not stand still. In this article, we tried to answer the question "What are the most expensive computers in the world?". Indeed, modern machines are capable of performing thousands of operations per minute. Doing manually what modern computers do, it would take a man more than a dozen years. Therefore, scientists have invented ultra-smart and powerful computers. So, here are the top 10 of these PC monsters.
10. IBM Roadrunner. USA | 100 million dollars
A computer specifically designed for the Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico. First launched in 2008. The developers expected a maximum performance of 1.7 petaflops. But in May 2008, he achieved 1.03 petaflops, becoming the first Linpack machine in the world to reach that mark. Six months later, the car reached a performance of almost 1.5 petaflops.
"Roadrunner" In 2008, it was on the 4th place in the list of the most energy-efficient computers in the world. He worked for only five years, and in April 2013 he was replaced by the Cielo supercomputer, which was smaller in size and best in energy consumption. And the "road runner" began to count on the nuclear arsenal of the United States. One of the most expensive computers in the world.
9. Vulcan BlueGene. USA | 130 million dollars
Vulcan BlueGene - A huge computer system consisting of 24 racks. Developed by IBM by order of the US Department of Energy. Located in the state of California in the city of Livermore. Developing a maximum performance of five petaflops, today it is the ninth fastest computer in the world and the ninth in the list of the most expensive super machines in the world.
First earned in 2013. Using this machine, scientists from the Livermore Laboratory conduct research in the field of biology, physics, and hydromechanics. The National Nuclear Safety Administration also periodically uses it for its own purposes.
8. SuperMUC. Germany | 111 million dollars
Today, this expensive car is in 14th place among the fastest computers in the world. A couple of years ago, he was four lines higher in the list, but, given the pace with which technology is developing in the world, the computer did not hold its ground. At home, the car is still in second place. (At the first, JUQUENNE is the eighth supercomputer in the world in speed). To find "Supermuc»Can be at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences in Leibniz.
The maximum performance of this machine is 3 petaflops. It is noteworthy that the processors of the German computer, of which there are 19,000, are cooled using hot water. This method saves almost half of the electricity consumed.
The range of work of SuperMUC includes medicine, hydrodynamics, earthquake simulation and much more.
7. Trinity. USA | 174 million dollars
Taking into account the purpose for which this computer will be used, a high price could be expected. But, with the advent of more modern technologies, production costs have been reduced. Therefore, only seventh place in the top of the most expensive computers. Purpose "Trinity"- maintain the safety, order and effectiveness of US nuclear weapons.
The joint creation of the Sandia and Los Alamos laboratories is still not in operation. But if the supercar is launched, it is she who will control the launch of nuclear missiles during the military conflict.
6. Sequoia BlueGene. USA | 250 million dollars
Designed by order of the National Nuclear Safety Administration. Earned in 2012 at the Ernest Lawrence Academy in Livermore. Three years ago was considered the fastest computer in the world. Today it is in third place in speed and sixth in the ranking of the most expensive computers. Maximum performance reaches 20 petaflops.
The current goal is “Seqouia"- support for record scientific applications. It is also used to study the human genome, climate, astronomy, and, of course, nuclear weapons.
5. ASC Purple and Bluegene / L. USA | 290 million dollars
Two, included, cars. Ordered from IBM by the US Department of Energy. Earned in 2005 at the Ernest Lawrence Laboratory. In 2010, decommissioned. Ten years ago "Asc purple»Ranked 66th in the list of best supercomputers. His symbiotic neighbor Bluegene / L was an older and slower model. The machines were designed to simulate nuclear tests, predict global warming, and study the relationship between atmospheric density and its pollution.
In 2005, experts calculated that the computing power of these two machines is greater than the 500 best supercomputers of 2002. But, now is 2019, so the car is only the fifth in the list of the most expensive computers in the world.
4. Sieraa, Summit. USA
With the help of these two computers, America set out to regain its lost leadership in the computing speed of supermachines, as well as economics, security, and technological progress. Commissioning is scheduled for 2017. "Sierra"Produces 100 petaflops, while Summit will reach a peak power of 300 petaflops.
Computers will provide protection, efficiency and security for the US nuclear program. One of the most expensive cars in the world. It is planned that “Summit” will come to replace the outdated computer “Titan”, testing applications for various research in the field of science.
3. Tianhe-2. China | 390 million dollars
It is the fastest computer in the world. More than 1000 engineers and scientists took part in its creation. Designed in Guangzhou Computer Center. For two years in a row, it ranks first in the top 500 of the world's best supercomputers. Designed by order of the Chinese government by the Defense Science and Technology University.
«Tianhe-2»Performs over 33,000 trillion operations per second. In an hour he calculates as much information as 1.3 billion people could do in 1000 years. The machine is used to analyze and simulate applications of government security systems. Third place in the top of the most expensive computers is another great achievement.
2. Earth Simulator. Japan | 500 million dollars
Project to create this computer Earth simulator It was finished back in 1997. He was then worth 60 billion yen. In terms of today's money, it's half a billion dollars.
The machine itself was completed by 2002. Designed for the Japan Aerospace Research Agency, from 2002 to 2004 it was the fastest computer in the world. At the beginning of the century, he made a lot of hype, but, as you can see now, he failed to keep up with progress. The machine has protection against earthquakes (in the form of rubber supports), and lightning (protection in the form of a nest above the building).
1. Fujitsu K. Japan | 1.2 billion dollars
The leader of our rating. Although Japanese computers occupy the first two places in the top of the most expensive cars in the world, in recent years the Asian country has been rapidly losing leadership in this area. But, nevertheless, the computer ranks fourth in the world in speed. In 2011, it reached a performance mark of 11 petaflops. Service "Fujitsu"Costs $ 10 million. To work, he needs as much energy as 10,000 private homes in Japan consume.