What makes a supercomputer super?

Answer 1

Supercomputers have certain distinguishing features. Unlike conventional computers, they usually have more than one CPU (central processing unit), which contains circuits for interpreting program instructions and executing arithmetic and logic operations in proper sequence. The use of several CPUs to achieve high computational rates is necessitated by the physical limits of circuit technology. Electronic signals cannot travel faster than the speed of light, which thus constitutes a fundamental speed limit for signal transmission and circuit switching. This limit has almost been reached, owing to miniaturization of circuit components, dramatic reduction in the length of wires connecting circuit boards, and innovation in cooling techniques (e.g., in various supercomputer systems, processor and memory circuits are immersed in a cryogenic fluid to achieve the low temperatures at which they operate fastest). Rapid retrieval of stored data and instructions is required to support the extremely high computational speed of CPUs. Therefore, most supercomputers have a very large storage capacity, as well as a very fast input/output capability.

Answer 2

It's faster than the user behind the keyboard. If a computer does what we want fast enough that it waits on us, we consider that a "powerful" computer. Power also relates to complexity: the more complex the problem, the faster it outputs what we want, the more powerful it is.

Answer 3

Super computers has a big differences from ordinary computers like high speed and it is the most high speed performance as of today and also capable of manipulating massive amount of data in a short time.

Alternative answer:

• They are much more faster
• Generally used for scientific calculations
• Use much more power
• Give off more heat
• Much more expensive
  

Answer 4

Well a supercomputer refers to a computer with far-above normal capabilities. A supercomputer can run thousands of processes at a time without much negative impact. Some of the on board computers on jets can handle over a trillion processes at once.

Answer 5

Proprietary processing architectures. Everyone is competing to be able to process more data, faster, than everyone else.

They always have a bunch of processors, and graphics cards, set up to work parallel and giant heat-sinks or water cooling systems to dissipate all the heat created by processing information.

Currently (Jan 2013) the Titan system is the worlds fastest, at 17.59 peta-flops, or 17.59 billion ghz.

Answer 6

Super computers are the fastest types of computers. They are very expensive and are used specialized applications that require vast amounts of mathematical calculations.

Answer 7

it's just super ok

Answer 8

torma