HPE Dominates Saudi Arabia's Supercomputing Landscape

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has solidified its position as a global leader in supercomputing by building the fastest and most energy-efficient systems. These advancements empower research institutions and large enterprises to tackle immense workloads, fostering groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. Notably, HPE is the only organization responsible for constructing all three verified exascale systems globally.

El Capitan: The Pinnacle of Supercomputing Power

El Capitan, developed in partnership with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and AMD, has achieved a staggering 1.742 exaflops. This milestone secures its place as the most powerful supercomputer in the world, ranking prominently on the November 2024 TOP500 list. Alongside its exceptional performance, El Capitan is among the top 20 energy-efficient systems globally. It joins HPE’s other exascale systems, Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (No. 2) and Aurora at Argonne National Laboratory (No. 3), showcasing HPE's unmatched expertise.

Dominance in the TOP500 Rankings

HPE-built supercomputers collectively lead the TOP500 list, contributing over 5.75 exaflops of performance. Among the top 10 systems, seven utilize HPE’s cutting-edge Cray Supercomputing EX technology, which features the industry’s first 100% fanless direct liquid cooling system. This innovative architecture underscores HPE's commitment to high-performance computing (HPC) and sustainability.

“We are proud to have delivered not only the top 3 Supercomputers in the world but also 3 of the top 4 supercomputers in Saudi Arabia. El Capitan showcases how monumental performance capabilities can accelerate AI-driven scientific discovery and make incredible breakthroughs. With high ambitions to be leaders in the development of AI, I expect to see further investments in supercomputing in the Middle East region,” said Mohammad Alrehaili, Middle East Managing Director at HPE. “The success of El Capitan highlights the importance of investing in new supercomputing capabilities that will help the Middle East to accelerate AI-driven research and will boost the development of the AI ecosystem. We stand ready to support organizations in the Middle East to realise their AI ambitions”

Driving National Security and Scientific Research

El Capitan was designed to strengthen the United States' national security by enabling high-fidelity modelling and simulations. These capabilities address challenges that require the unparalleled power of exascale computing. Additionally, El Capitan advances research in artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear science, materials discovery, and fusion energy, reinforcing the nation’s scientific leadership.

Frontier: The Pioneer of Exascale Computing

Frontier, the world’s second-fastest supercomputer, broke the exascale barrier in 2022. Developed with ORNL and AMD, Frontier has revolutionized AI-enabled supercomputing. Researchers leverage its capabilities for advancements in cancer research, drug discovery, nuclear fusion, materials science, and even the study of supernovae. Its versatility underscores its role in shaping the modern era of HPC.

Aurora: Pushing Boundaries in Data-Intensive Research

Aurora, the third-ranked exascale system, is a collaborative effort between Intel and HPE. Its AI-driven architecture supports groundbreaking research in areas such as aircraft design, cancer treatment, and sustainable energy. The Aurora Early Science Program has achieved significant progress in connectomics and protein sequence design, earning recognition with a Gordon Bell Prize nomination.

Expanding Leadership in Europe

HPE’s influence extends to Europe, where its Cray Supercomputing EX systems power the region’s three most powerful AI-enabled supercomputers. This expansion highlights HPE’s global commitment to advancing HPC and AI capabilities.

Innovations in Energy Efficiency

Supercomputers demand immense energy, making efficiency a critical focus. HPE’s 100% fanless direct liquid cooling systems reduce cooling energy consumption by up to 94%, setting a new standard for sustainable computing. The HPE Slingshot interconnect, built with Dragonfly topology, enhances workload efficiency while minimizing energy requirements. These innovations demonstrate why many of the world’s most energy-efficient supercomputers are HPE-built.

Enabling Breakthroughs Across Industries

HPE supercomputers power transformative research across various sectors, including agriculture, finance, healthcare, energy, and climate science. By enabling faster simulations and higher resolutions, HPE accelerates discoveries that address global challenges. Through strategic partnerships, HPE continues to lead the charge in HPC and AI innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in scientific research and enterprise applications.