Physical Characteristics of the
CRAY-2 Supercomputer

The CRAY-2 mainframe was elegant in appearance and architecture. The memory, computer logic, and DC power supplies were integrated into a compact mainframe composed of 14 vertical columns arranged in a 300°arc.

The upper part of each column contained a stack of 24 modules, and the lower part contained the system's power supplies. The total cabinet height, including the power supplies, was 45 inches, and the diameter of the mainframe was 53 inches. Thus, the mainframe's "footprint" was a mere 16 square feet of floor space.

In direct contact with the integrated circuit packages, an inert fluorocarbon liquid circulated in the mainframe cabinet. This liquid immersion cooling technology allowed for the small size of the CRAY-2 mainframe and was thus primarily responsible for the high computation rates.

Summary

• Occupies only 16 sq. ft. of floor space                                        

• Stands 45 inches high; diameter is 53 inches

• Weighs 5500 pounds

• 14 columns arranged in a 300° arc

• Liquid immersion cooling

• Uses 16-gate array logic chips

• Three-dimensional modules

• 320 pluggable modules

• 195 kW power consumption

• 400 Hz power from motor generators

• Chilled water heat exchange