A non-super chip for a supercomputer

What’s the super in supercomputing? A leading-edge CPU or the number of processors slaved to build the computational behemoth?
If you ask the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, numbers count. That’s why it has chosen to build a high performance computer out of an ARM-based chip that powers Samsung’s US$249 Chromebook.
 
You read that right.
 
(Samsung’s Chromebook) 
According to a report in ComputerWorld U.S., the goal is to build a supercomputer from commodity parts, including 2,000 Samsung-made ARM processors. Why? To save power.
RELATED CONTENT
 
There is no doubt that the CPUs in modern laptops are tremendously more powerful than the ones we used five years ago, but who would have thought that a processor in a light device would suffice? Truth is, the BSC’s goals are modest. Still, from little things great ideas grow.
 

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Howard Solomon
Howard Solomon
Currently a freelance writer, I'm the former editor of ITWorldCanada.com and Computing Canada. An IT journalist since 1997, I've written for several of ITWC's sister publications including ITBusiness.ca and Computer Dealer News. Before that I was a staff reporter at the Calgary Herald and the Brampton (Ont.) Daily Times. I can be reached at hsolomon [@] soloreporter.com

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now