Tianhe-2 Supercomputer

thingiverse

Tianhe-2 or TH-2, literally "Heavenriver-2", translates as Milky Way 2, is a massive supercomputer with an astonishing processing power of 33.86 petaflops. This powerhouse is stationed at the National Supercomputer Center in Guangzhou and boasts the fastest title for five years straight. Engineers and scientists joined forces to bring this beast to life. As one might expect, topping the TOP500 list in 2013 and again in 2014 marked Tianhe-2's claim to fame, showcasing it as an undeniable giant in supercomputer realm. Sun Yat-sen University aimed to increase Tianhe-2's computing prowess with a massive expansion plan, but Intel suffered an unexpected setback when the US government turned down its export license for essential components. This snub not only hindered sales for Intel and their vendors but also created new opportunities for China's processor manufacturers to flourish. The US's information technology sector experienced a slight dip due to this decision, while on the other hand, Chinese industries witnessed a major growth spurt thanks to the sudden need for homegrown CPU production. And as fate would have it, Tianhe-2's core remains constructed from premium American parts.