# XP/S20
**Wikidata**: [Q69819414](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q69819414)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xp-s20-q69819414

## Summary
XP/S20 is a supercomputer developed by Intel, running on the OSF/1 operating system. It was a high-performance computing system with 256 processor cores, achieving peak performance ratings of 12.8 gigaflops and sustained performance of 7.6 gigaflops in 1994–1996.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Supercomputer
- **Manufacturer**: Intel (founded 1968-07-18, United States)
- **Operating System**: OSF/1 (variant of Unix)
- **Top500 System ID**: 870
- **Performance**:
  - **Rpeak**: 12.8 gigaflops (1994–1996)
  - **Rmax**: 7.6 gigaflops (1994–1996)
- **Processor Cores**: 256
- **Supported OS**: Tru64 UNIX (inception 1992-01-01, United States)

## FAQs
### Q: What company built the XP/S20 supercomputer?
A: The XP/S20 was built by Intel, an American multinational technology company founded in 1968.

### Q: What operating system did XP/S20 use?
A: XP/S20 ran on OSF/1, a Unix-based operating system developed by the Open Software Foundation.

### Q: What were XP/S20's peak performance ratings?
A: XP/S20 achieved peak performance ratings of 12.8 gigaflops (Rpeak) and sustained performance of 7.6 gigaflops (Rmax) between 1994 and 1996.

### Q: How many processor cores did XP/S20 have?
A: XP/S20 was equipped with 256 processor cores.

### Q: What was XP/S20's ranking on the Top500 list?
A: XP/S20 was assigned the Top500 system ID 870, indicating its placement in the global supercomputing rankings.

## Why It Matters
The XP/S20 was a significant supercomputer in the late 1990s, leveraging Intel's semiconductor technology to deliver high-performance computing capabilities. Running on OSF/1 and Tru64 UNIX, it supported complex scientific and engineering applications. With 256 processor cores and peak performance of 12.8 gigaflops, it contributed to advancements in computational science and industrial applications. Its inclusion in the Top500 list underscores its role in the evolution of supercomputing infrastructure, enabling research and innovation in fields requiring massive computational power.

## Notable For
- **High-Core Architecture**: One of the first supercomputers with 256 processor cores, showcasing Intel's early multi-core capabilities.
- **Top500 Recognition**: Listed with ID 870, reflecting its competitive standing in global supercomputing rankings.
- **Unix-Based OS**: Ran on OSF/1 and Tru64 UNIX, demonstrating compatibility with industry-standard operating systems.
- **Late-1990s Performance**: Achieved 12.8 gigaflops (Rpeak) and 7.6 gigaflops (Rmax), setting benchmarks for its era.
- **Intel Manufacturing**: Built by Intel, highlighting the company's role in early supercomputing hardware development.

## Body
### Overview
XP/S20 was a supercomputer manufactured by Intel, a leading American technology company. It was designed to run on OSF/1, a Unix-based operating system developed by the Open Software Foundation, and supported Tru64 UNIX, another high-performance operating system.

### Performance Metrics
The XP/S20 achieved peak performance ratings of 12.8 gigaflops (Rpeak) and sustained performance of 7.6 gigaflops (Rmax) across multiple years from 1994 to 1996. These metrics were recorded under different benchmarks, reflecting its computational power during its operational period.

### Hardware Specifications
Equipped with 256 processor cores, XP/S20 represented Intel's early advancements in multi-core architecture. This configuration allowed it to handle complex computational tasks efficiently, making it suitable for scientific and industrial applications.

### Top500 Ranking
XP/S20 was assigned the Top500 system ID 870, indicating its position in the global rankings of supercomputers. This placement highlighted its significance in the supercomputing community and its role in enabling high-performance computing research.

### Operating Systems
The XP/S20 supported both OSF/1 and Tru64 UNIX, demonstrating its compatibility with industry-standard operating systems. This flexibility allowed users to leverage existing software ecosystems while benefiting from the supercomputer's high-performance capabilities.

### Historical Context
Developed in the late 1990s, XP/S20 was part of a broader trend in supercomputing that emphasized increased processing power and core counts. Its performance metrics and hardware specifications reflect the technological advancements of the era, contributing to the evolution of supercomputing infrastructure.