IBM
e1350 (pegasus): 2005–2008
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The Scientific Computing Division, part of NCAR's Computational Science and Information Systems Laboratory, took delivery on a a new IBM e1350 supercomputer named "pegasus" on January 31, 2005. NCAR scientists are using the new machine to run the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS), a computer model based at NCAR that will issue operational forecasts for researchers stationed in Antarctica.
The IBM e1350 is a relatively inexpensive yet powerful supercomputer designed to meet near-term modeling needs, with the potential of being expanded to accommodate possible future increases in AMPS model resolution and complexity.
With 132 processors, a clock speed of 2200 MHz, and a peak computational capability of nearly 580 gigaflops, pegasus can run a 20-kilometer (12-mile) version of AMPS about four times faster than the old system ran a coarser 30-km (19-mile) version. The machine also has more than 270 gigabytes of memory and 3 terabytes of disk capacity. It is connected to NCAR's massive data storage system and local area network via Ethernet links.
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The National Science Foundation, NCAR's primary sponsor, funded the computer through a special award from its Division of Atmospheric Sciences, with research support from the NSF Office of Polar Programs.