CONTROL DATA CORPORATION, 1967

Serial Number: 1025
Including CDC 6500 supercomputer, CDC DD60B console with associated chair, Control Data 415 card punch, Control Data 501 printer, Control Data 677-2 magnetic tape transport, Control Data 7021-31 peripheral controller, Control Data 405 card reader, later frequency converter.

The first computer to achieve the performance milestone of 1 million instructions per second.

The CDC 6500, introduced by Control Data Corporation (CDC) in 1967 with a price tag of $8 million, represents a pivotal moment in the history of high-performance computing. As a pioneering supercomputer, the CDC 6500 was renowned for its speed and reliability, setting new standards for computational power and efficiency. During a period of rapid evolution in supercomputing, the CDC 6500 emerged as a notable exemplar of technological advancement.

The 6000-series computers set new benchmarks for performance and pioneered Cray’s parallel-processing architecture. The CDC 6500, designed by Bill Sembrat, combined two central processing units (CPUs) from the CDC 6400 with ten peripheral processing units (PPUs) to handle data input and output efficiently. This architecture enabled the CDC 6500 to manage parallel processing with remarkable efficiency, significantly enhancing its throughput and performance.

One of the CDC 6500’s most significant achievements was its ability to perform at a groundbreaking rate of 1 million instructions per second (MIPS). This milestone marked the CDC 6500 as the fastest computer of its time, surpassing its contemporaries and setting a new industry benchmark. Its impressive speed and reliability made it an invaluable tool for researchers and government agencies, particularly during the Cold War era when computing power was critical for defence and scientific applications. Control Data Corporation’s commitment to advancing computing technology during this time solidified its role as a major player in the industry. The CDC 6500, with its advanced design and exceptional performance, played a crucial role in CDC’s success and legacy. As one of the first supercomputers to achieve such high levels of performance, the CDC 6500 not only pushed the boundaries of computing but also paved the way for future developments in the field.

The release of the CDC 6500 also marked the beginning of Seymour Cray's influential two-decade dominance over the supercomputer industry. Cray's innovations in parallel processing and computer architecture continued to shape the field, with the CDC 6500 serving as a key milestone in his career. The 6000-series computers were instrumental in setting new performance benchmarks and establishing Cray's reputation as a leader in high-performance supercomputing.

Approximate overall dimensions 6 ft. 8 in. (2 m.) high, 24 ft. 4 in. (7.4 m.) wide, 25 ft. (7.6 m.) deep

Purdue University from 1967 to 1989.
Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology.
Acquired from the above by the late owner in 2013.

Please note that all property in this sale is currently located in Seattle and will ship from Seattle, and that the total purchase price will be subject to the applicable state sales tax. All post-sale matters for the online sale (inclusive of invoicing and property pickup/shipment) will be handled by Christie's. Kindly note that this lot requires a detailed deinstallation. Please reach out to GenOne@christies.com for full information and quotes

This lot is subject to additional disclaimers. Please carefully review Section E(2), subsection (h) “Vintage Computers and Machines”.