The Cray-2 - The Sci-Fi Supercomputer - Processor Board

About this Artwork

This artwork celebrates the Cray-2 Supercomputer perhaps the most well-known computer in popular culture and science fiction. The Cray-2 Supercomputer was designed by Seymour Cray, the father of supercomputing. When introduced in 1985, the Cray-2 was the world’s fastest computer. It was 12 times faster than the Cray-1. Each Cray-2 system cost about $50 million in today’s dollars and only 27 Cray-2s were ever produced.

Here are some key features and aspects of the Cray-2:

Performance: The Cray-2 was the fastest supercomputer of its time. It achieved a peak performance of 1.9 gigaflops (billion floating-point operations per second), which was an unprecedented level of computing power at that period.

Liquid Cooling: One of the notable innovations of the Cray-2 was its use of liquid cooling. The machine was immersed in a specially designed coolant fluid, which helped dissipate the immense heat generated by the processors. The unique design of the Cray-2, resembling a cylindrical structure filled with liquid, made it an iconic symbol of supercomputing. Design and Aesthetics: The Cray-2's distinctive appearance, with its cylindrical shape and vibrant red exterior, captured the imagination of the public and solidified its status as an icon of high-performance computing. Its design was so striking that it even found its way into popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and video games.

Popularity in Media: The Cray-2's unique and futuristic appearance led to its inclusion in various forms of media. For example, it made appearances in films like "Jurassic Park" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," where it was depicted as a powerful and advanced computer system. The Cray-2 also found its way into video games like "SimCity" and "Deus Ex," adding a touch of authenticity and prestige to virtual computer systems.

Symbol of Technological Advancement: The Cray-2 represented a symbol of technological prowess and advanced computing capabilities. Its presence in popular culture helped reinforce the notion that supercomputers were cutting-edge and had the potential to solve complex scientific and engineering problems.

The artwork features the image of the Cray-2 Processor Complex and "Bubbles," its liquid cooling system, the Cray-2 processor board, and the faded background shows the wiring found on the inside of Cray-2 Processor Complex.

Framing

The artwork is 9"x20" in a black shadow box frame, with glass. All framing materials are acid-free. A narrative about the artwork that includes the artist’s signature is placed on the back of the artwork.

Please note:  The look of the artifacts in the artworks may vary; each piece is unique.