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Eight PS3 'Supercomputer' Ponders Gravity Waves

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the because-you-can dept.

Jamie found a story about a inexpensive supercomputer being used by an astrophysicist to research gravity waves. The interesting bit is that the system is built using 8 PS3s. Since nobody is actually playing games on the system, it makes sense to use them for research projects like this, but I really wonder now what is defining 'Supercomputer'... I mean, a hundred PS3s sure, but 8? I think we are de-valuing the meaning of the word 'super' :)

2 of 293 comments (clear)

  1. 8 systems x 8 cores = by zifferent · · Score: 5, Insightful

    64 cpu's. That seems supercomputerish enough for me.

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  2. Re:Inexpensive, eh? by The13thSin · · Score: 5, Insightful

    For a supercomputer that's pretty cheap. Also I find the statement in the summary that there are no games to be played on the PS3 a bit childish. The PS3 has not been out for a year yet and there are multiple great games to get for it right now and even more coming very soon. I expected more from the Taco.

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    "This should be fun, and by fun, I mean a wholly depressing insight into the cognitive ability of some grown adults."