Exascale Supercomputer
December 1, 2024
In high-performance computing, a new champion has emerged: El Capitan. This exascale supercomputer, housed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has set a new benchmark for computational power, achieving an astounding 1.742 exaflops. This means it can perform over a quintillion calculations per second, making it the most powerful supercomputer in the world.
What is an Exascale Computer?
An exascale computer is a supercomputer capable of performing at least one exaflop, or one quintillion (10^18) calculations per second. To put this into perspective, it's about a thousand times more powerful than the most advanced petascale computers, which operate at the level of one quadrillion (10^15) calculations per second.
Unmatched Performance and Efficiency
El Capitan is powered by more than 11 million combined CPU and GPU cores, featuring advanced processors and AI accelerators. These processors are integrated with high-bandwidth memory, providing exceptional performance and efficiency. The system is designed to be highly efficient, achieving remarkable computing power per watt.
A Tool for National Security and Scientific Discovery
El Capitan's primary mission is to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the United States' nuclear stockpile. It supports the Stockpile Stewardship Program, which certifies the nation's nuclear arsenal without the need for underground nuclear testing. Additionally, El Capitan is a versatile tool for scientific research, aiding in fields such as fusion energy, climate research, and drug discovery.
The Future of High-Performance Computing
With its unprecedented computational capabilities, El Capitan is expected to maintain its position as the world's most powerful supercomputer for the foreseeable future. Its advanced architecture and AI-driven workflows set a new standard for high-performance computing, paving the way for future innovations and discoveries. Learn more about LLNL.
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