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How much does a supercomputer cost?

The cost of a supercomputer can vary significantly depending on several factors such as its computational power, memory, storage, and other hardware components. Here's a general range of costs:

Entry-Level Supercomputers:

- Can range from $1 million to several million dollars.

These systems typically offer moderate computing capabilities and are used for research, academic, or small business applications.

Mid-Range Supercomputers:

- Cost between $5 million to $20 million.

These supercomputers provide higher performance and are suitable for more demanding tasks such as weather forecasting, computational fluid dynamics, and molecular modeling.

High-End Supercomputers:

- Can cost anywhere from $25 million to over $100 million.

These are top-of-the-line systems and are used for highly complex simulations, advanced scientific research, and data-intensive applications.

Examples of high-end supercomputers include the IBM Summit, Cray XC, and Fujitsu Fugaku, which are among the most powerful supercomputers in the world.

It's important to note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific configuration, customization, and software licenses required for the supercomputer. Additionally, the cost of operating and maintaining a supercomputer, including personnel, energy consumption, and data storage, can add significant ongoing expenses.