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.

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. 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.