CRAY RESEARCH, INC., 1985

Serial no. 2021
Including CRAY-2 supercomputer, CRAY-2 reservoir, CRAY-2 Support pod heat exchange unit, CRAY-2 Master-pod heat exchange unit, Cray 2 Support Pod heat exchange unit

The fastest supercomputer of its day with pioneering liquid-cooled processing power.

Amongst the significant advancements in supercomputing, the Cray-2 holds a prominent place for its innovative design and advanced computational capabilities. Introduced in 1985, this supercomputer was developed by Seymour Cray and produced by Cray Research, with an initial cost of approximately $16 million. It represented a considerable advancement in the field of high-performance computing.

Like its predecessor the Cray-1, the Cray-2's design was notable for its cylindrical form, which was a departure from the conventional rectangular configurations of earlier supercomputers. This design was not merely aesthetic; it addressed practical challenges associated with cooling. The cylindrical shape facilitated the use of a Fluorinert cooling system, effectively managing the substantial heat generated by its processors and allowing for increased operational speeds and enhanced reliability. The distinctive "waterfall" cooling system became emblematic of high-performance computing in popular culture.

Central to the Cray-2's capabilities was its processing power. It was capable of performing up to 1.9 billion floating-point operations per second (FLOPS), making the fastest computer of its time. This computational capability enabled more sophisticated and rapid analysis in various scientific fields, including molecular modeling and fluid dynamics. Researchers were able to undertake complex simulations and computations with greater efficiency than was previously possible.

Its influence extended beyond its period of active use, setting a new benchmark for supercomputing architecture and performance. The design and technological advancements introduced by the Cray-2 had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of high-performance computing systems. Only 25 were sold. This Cray- 2 was a custom Cray-2 for REI with more memory than a standard Cray-2, the first of only three built. It is also believed to be the longest running system for REI and possibly the longest running Cray-2 for the world when it was shut down in 1999.

Approximate overall dimensions of supercomputer: 6 ft. 8 in. (2 m.) high, 14 ft. 5 in. (4.4 m.) wide, 11 ft. 6 in. (3.5 m.) deep.

Minnesota Supercomputer Center, Inc.
Acquired from the above by the late owner, 2016.

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”.

Please note that the start bid has been amended. This lot is No Reserve.