*3 K computer :-
               
                             Located at the Riken Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Kobe, Japan, this supercomputer researches disaster prevention, climate change, and meteorology.

                               The performance of K is equivalent to linking around one million desktop computers, Mr. Dongarra said.

                               Supercomputers are used for earthquake simulations, climate modeling, nuclear research and weapons development and testing, among other things. Businesses also use the machines for oil exploration and rapid stock trading.

                               Building supercomputers is costly and involves connecting thousands of small computers in a data center. K is made up of 672 cabinets filled with system boards. Although considered energy-efficient, it still uses enough electricity to power nearly 10,000 homes at a cost of around $10 million annually, Mr. Dongarra said.

                               The research lab that houses K plans to increase the computer’s size to 800 cabinets. That will raise its speed, which already exceeds that of its five closest competitors combined, Mr. Dongarra said.


                                   

Speed: 10.51 petaflops per second

Date Created: 2011

Country: Japan