Cray, AMD to Build World’s Fastest Exascale Computer

Seattle-based supercomputer manufacturer Cray Inc. and chipmaker AMD will build the world’s most powerful computer, which is slated for debut in 2021.

The Energy Department made the announcement May 7, saying the contract award is worth over $600 million for the system and technology development.

As a second-generation AI system, the Frontier will solve over a quintillion, or 1018, calculations, per second. DOE said it will help researchers deliver breakthroughs in scientific discovery, energy assurance, economic competitiveness and national security.

“Frontier’s record-breaking performance will ensure our country’s ability to lead the world in science that improves the lives and economic prosperity of all Americans and the entire world,” Energy Secretary Rick Perry said in a statement. “Frontier will accelerate innovation in AI by giving American researchers world-class data and computing resources to ensure the next great inventions are made in the United States.”

Frontier will be built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. 

Photo courtesy of AMD