Chinese Supercomputer LineShine Tops Global Ranking, Replaces US Machine
4 verified5 unconfirmed2 contested
A Chinese supercomputer named LineShine has become the world’s fastest, displacing the U.S. system El Capitan at the top of the TOP500 ranking. It is the first time a Chinese computer has held the top spot since at least 2017 or 2018, according to varying reports. LineShine, located in China, runs entirely on conventional CPUs rather than GPUs typically used in such systems. According to the TOP500 project, it consumes 42.2 megawatts of power. The ranking also includes three other U.S. machines in the top five, as well as a German system in fifth place. The achievement comes amid U.S. restrictions on chip sales to China.
What’s verified
LineShine is now ranked as the world’s fastest supercomputer, replacing El Capitan.
The system uses only conventional CPUs, not GPUs.
LineShine consumes 42.2 megawatts of electricity.
It appears on the TOP500 list of the world’s most powerful supercomputers.
Where accounts differ
The last time a Chinese supercomputer topped the list: one source states 2018, another states 2017.
Performance figures: one source states LineShine crossed the 2,000 exaflop barrier and is 20 percent faster than El Capitan, while another reports LineShine achieved 2.198 exaflops.
Not yet confirmed
Specific processor details (45,000 LX2 processors with 304 cores each, LingQi network) reported by only one source.
The exact location (Shenzhen) reported by only one source.
The ranking of Jupiter in Germany as fifth reported by only one source.
The announcement date (Tuesday) reported by only one source.
The context of U.S. trade restrictions reported by only one source.
Key figures
LineShine; El Capitan; TOP500 ranking.
Sources: The Verge, abcnews.com
