# iPSC/860
**Wikidata**: [Q69745875](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q69745875)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ipsc-860-q69745875

## Summary
The iPSC/860 is a supercomputer developed by Intel in the mid-1990s, part of the Intel iPSC (Intel Parallel Super Computer) series. It achieved a peak performance of 5.12 gigaflops and was recognized in the TOP500 list of the world's fastest supercomputers. Notably, it utilized 128 processor cores, showcasing Intel's advancements in parallel computing during that era.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer**: Intel, a U.S.-based semiconductor company founded in 1968.
- **Instance Of**: Supercomputer, specifically designed for high-performance parallel processing.
- **TOP500 System ID**: 643, indicating its ranking in the TOP500 list.
- **Processor Cores**: 128, enabling distributed computing tasks.
- **Performance (Rmax)**: 2.6 gigaflops (measured on November 1, 1994, and June 1, 1995).
- **Performance (Rpeak)**: 5.12 gigaflops (theoretical peak performance as of 1993–1995).
- **Operational Period**: Primarily active from 1993 to 1995, with benchmark updates throughout this timeframe.

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed the iPSC/860?
A: The iPSC/860 was developed by Intel, a leading semiconductor and technology company, as part of its iPSC series of parallel supercomputers.

### Q: How powerful was the iPSC/860?
A: The system achieved a theoretical peak performance (Rpeak) of 5.12 gigaflops and a sustained performance (Rmax) of 2.6 gigaflops, measured across multiple benchmarks between 1993 and 1995.

### Q: What distinguished the iPSC/860 from other supercomputers of its time?
A: It utilized 128 processor cores, emphasizing parallel processing capabilities, and was recognized in the TOP500 list, a key metric for supercomputing performance.

## Why It Matters
The iPSC/860 represents a significant milestone in Intel's contributions to high-performance computing during the 1990s. As part of the iPSC series, it exemplified the shift toward parallel processing architectures, which became critical for solving complex scientific and engineering problems. Its inclusion in the TOP500 list underscored its standing among the world's fastest supercomputers of the mid-1990s, highlighting Intel's role in advancing computational power. The system's design and performance metrics also provided valuable insights for future supercomputer development, particularly in optimizing multi-core processing efficiency.

## Notable For
- **Parallel Architecture**: Utilized 128 processor cores to enable distributed workload processing.
- **TOP500 Recognition**: Achieved a ranking in the TOP500 list, a prestigious benchmark for supercomputing performance.
- **Intel Innovation**: Demonstrated Intel's early expertise in designing scalable, high-performance computing systems.
- **Benchmark Consistency**: Maintained consistent Rmax and Rpeak performance metrics across multiple evaluations from 1993 to 1995.

## Body
### Development Context
The iPSC/860 was part of Intel's broader efforts to compete in the supercomputing sector during the 1990s. As a successor to earlier iPSC models, it incorporated improved processor technologies and interconnect architectures to enhance parallel processing efficiency.

### Technical Specifications
- **Processor Cores**: 128 individual processing units.
- **Performance Metrics**:
  - **Rmax (Sustained Performance)**: 2.6 gigaflops (measured on November 1, 1994; June 1, 1995; and earlier dates).
  - **Rpeak (Theoretical Peak)**: 5.12 gigaflops, consistent across evaluations from 1993 to 1995.
- **Benchmark Dates**: Performance was reassessed in June and November of 1994 and 1995, reflecting minor optimizations or environmental adjustments.

### Historical Significance
The iPSC/860 operated during a transformative period for supercomputing, marked by the rise of parallel processing and the decline of vector-based architectures. Its design influenced later Intel supercomputing projects and contributed to the evolution of high-performance computing (HPC) standards.

### Legacy
While the iPSC/860's performance was eclipsed by subsequent systems, its role in Intel's product lineup and its TOP500 recognition solidified its place in the history of supercomputing. The system's emphasis on multi-core scalability foreshadowed modern HPC designs, which rely heavily on distributed processing to achieve exascale performance.