Difference between Supercomputer and Mainframe

Key Difference: A supercomputer is a powerful computer which is used for processing data at the fastest possible speed. A mainframe is a large computer which is used for calculations dealing with a huge amount of data. Thus, the primary focus of a supercomputer is speed, whereas for a mainframe it is to deal with an extensive amount of data. The basic difference between Supercomputer and Mainframe is that Mainframe computers are not as powerful as supercomputers.

include("ad4th.php"); ?>

Difference between Supercomputer and Mainframe A supercomputer is a very powerful computer. It is used for carrying out calculations at a very fast rate. It deals with a huge amount of data but still does not compromise on speed. They are used for calculations involved in complex processes. For example – analyses and forecasting of the global weather pattern are conducted by using supercomputers.

These computers are very expensive and consume a lot of power. They are kept in a controlled environment which offers a special cooling system and security features.

Also see: F undamental rights and human rights

Mainframe computers fall into the category of large computers. These computers are commonly used in large organizations. They provide access to frequently required data, which is stored in huge databases. These computers are capable of storing billions of records.

Difference between Supercomputer and Mainframe They are mostly used as specialized servers. They are generally priced at a range from 30,000 dollars and above. They also require a protective system which offers special air conditioning for keeping them cool. Almost every mainframe can run multiple operating systems, and therefore rather than operating as a single computer, it acts as a number of virtual machines.

include("ad3rd.php"); ?>

There are several differences between the two – mainframe is used for large server or large business applications, whereas supercomputers are used for scientific applications. They both are large machines. The typical cost of a supercomputer is much higher than that of mainframes. Mainframes are measured in millions of instruction per second, whereas supercomputers are measured in floating point operations per second.

Also read: Difference between civil rights and civil liberties

Difference between Supercomputer and Mainframe:

	Supercomputer	Mainframe
Definition	An extremely fast computer capable of performing hundreds of millions of instructions per second.	A large computer used as large servers and for intensive business applications.
Components	A supercomputer usually includes more than one CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, I/O system, and an interconnect.	Many banks of internal storage, multiple input/output devices and magnetic disk and tape storage.
Example	Cray supercomputer	IBM ES/9000
Application Areas	Nuclear weapon development, accurate weather forecasting, host processes for a local computer	Used for typical bulk data processing like census industry and consumer statistics, ERP, and financial transaction processing
Operating Systems	Run many different types of operating systems	Typically run a variant of Linux as their operating system
Measurement	Floating point operations per second	Millions of instructions per second