A Piece of Computing History
A landmark piece of computing heritage has hit the auction block. The very first Cray T3D model ever manufactured, bearing serial number 6001, is currently being auctioned by The Saleroom. Bidding for the historic machine starts at £60,000 (approximately $81,000).
Known as the "Typhoon," this specific unit holds significant historical value. It served as Cray’s internal development machine before being deployed at Edinburgh University. Its prestige was cemented in June 1996, when it officially topped the TOP500 list as the fastest supercomputer in Europe.
Transitioning to Parallel Computing
The Cray T3D represented a pivotal transformation for the company. According to the auction documentation,
«As the inaugural machine of the T3D series, it represents a defining step in Cray’s move from traditional vector systems into the era of massively parallel supercomputing». Experts consider this unit to be a museum-grade artifact of immense technical importance.
Technical Specifications and Scale
Housed in a striking "Tomato Red" chassis measuring over 6 feet in height, the T3D-MC512 is a powerhouse of 1990s technology. Key details include:
- Processor power: It features 512 DEC Alpha 21064 150 MHz compute processors.
- Cooling system: The machine relies on Fluorinert liquid-based cooling.
- Physical footprint: The lot includes the primary cabinet and the substantial HEU first-stage cooling unit, which weighs 0.85 tons and stands over 6 feet tall.
Market Outlook and Additional Lots
While the $81,000 reserve price is substantial—especially considering the logistical challenges of housing such a massive machine—the auction house suggests it is a relative bargain compared to its original $15 million price tag. As of now, the auction is active until May 31.
In addition to the T3D, collectors have the opportunity to bid on two other legendary machines: the Cray Triton T-932 and the Cray Y-MP4E, both of which are also scheduled to close on May 31.