The US government is auctioning off what was until recently one of the 20 most powerful computers in the world.

The Cheyenne Super Computer — installed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming — is a 5.34 petaflop system. When launched in 2017, according to NCAR, “it ranked as the 20th fastest supercomputer on the top500.org list.”

“The system was originally slated to be replaced after five years, but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, severely disrupting supply chains. Cheyenne was called upon to serve an additional two years—maintained and supported by a dedicated staff of about 20 NWSC engineers—until the necessary parts were available to build its successor.”

 

Top500‘s last ranking shows the Cheyenne Super Computer as having fallen to #160 on their list.

“Cheyenne was a special machine that has certainly earned its retirement,” said the National Science Foundation’s NCAR Director Everette Joseph.

Read More: The Man Who Made His Computer Sing: Max Mathews & the Invention of Digital Music

Bidding for the Cheyenne Super Computer opened at $2,500 but has been bid up to around $50k at the time of writing, which is below the reserve price (and frankly a steal). The bidding closes on May 3 2024. The buyer is responsible for moving the system (the 14 e-cells weigh 1,500 lbs each) which “requires experienced movers equipped with proper Professional Protection Equipment (PPE).”

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