China’s supercomputer, the Tianhe-2, also known as the Milky Way 2, has this week retained the title of the world’s fastest supercomputer, taking the title away from the United States.
The Tianhe-2 supercomputer is part of China’s National University of Defense Technology and will be installed within the National Supercomputer Center in Guangzhou, China by the end of this year.
Performance and Capabilities
The Tianhe-2 supercomputer not only reclaimed the title for China but also blew the competition out of the water by beating them with a clear margin. The United States’ Titan supercomputer, based at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, scored an impressive 17.59 petaflops per second. However, the Chinese Tianhe-2 supercomputer produced a staggering 33.86 petaflops per second in Linpack according to the Top 500 Supercomputer Sites. This performance is nearly double that of its closest competitor, showcasing China’s significant advancements in supercomputing technology.
The Tianhe-2’s architecture is a marvel of modern engineering. It incorporates 16,000 computer nodes, each equipped with two Intel Xeon E5-2692 processors and three Xeon Phi 31S1P co-processors. This combination allows the system to achieve its remarkable processing power. Additionally, the supercomputer boasts a total memory of 1,375 terabytes, enabling it to handle massive datasets and complex simulations with ease.
Applications and Impact
The applications of the Tianhe-2 are vast and varied. It is designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from climate modeling and weather forecasting to computational chemistry and physics simulations. One of its primary uses will be in national defense, where it will assist in the development of advanced defense technologies and strategies. Furthermore, the supercomputer will play a crucial role in scientific research, helping scientists to solve complex problems that were previously beyond reach.
For example, in the field of climate science, the Tianhe-2 can simulate intricate climate models that predict future weather patterns and climate changes with unprecedented accuracy. This capability is essential for understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In the realm of medicine, the supercomputer can analyze vast amounts of genetic data to identify potential treatments for diseases, accelerating the pace of medical research and innovation.
The Tianhe-2’s success also highlights China’s growing prowess in the field of supercomputing. By investing heavily in research and development, China has positioned itself as a leader in this critical area of technology. This achievement not only boosts national pride but also has significant implications for the global balance of technological power.
You can check out the full list of the world’s 500 most powerful supercomputers and their relative scores over on the Top 500 Supercomputer Sites.
Source: Tech Spot
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