[sdiy] fantasy computer poll

[Jaco Sloof]

--- Phil Harbison <alvitar at comcast.net> wrote:
> I know this isn't an analog topic, and I don't mean to start
> another digital-vs-analog thread; however, this is DIY (sort
> of) so I hope nobody objects to this poll.
> 
> Suppose you were given a computer with the following specs.
> 
>     + 512 processors (each PowerPC G4 or Pentium4 class)
>     + 2 Terabytes (2024GB) of DDR2 memory (not disk, *RAM*)
>     + 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections to the outside world
>     + Each processor is interconnected (i.e can share memory
>       or pass messages to the other processors)
>     + Assume any necessary I/O devices are available (e.g.
>       DACs, ADCs, MIDI, SCSI, etc.)
> 
> What would you do with it? Other than the obvious application
> (generating enough virtual porn to last a lifetime) I can
> think of a few applications.
> 
>     + directly synthesize an entire orchestra
>     + search genomics databases for DNA matches
>     + large scale simulations (e.g. global weather, US economy)
>     + extremely fast database server
>     + extremely fast search engine (Google on steroids)
>     + CGI and animation rendering
>     + signal processing (FFTs, FIR filters, etc.)
> 
> Any other ideas?

+ Hartmann Neuron type synthesis with 2+10^6 voice polyphony
+ Genetic Circuit rendering (ON topic! :D)
+ Finding a cure for cancer
+ (like you said) The next big Pixar film

uhm, this is going to get out of hand.

If I could think of every conceivable thing that such a pc would be able to
handle, I'd go nuts. Better ask a group of demo-sceners. They would know what
to do with it. Or better, think of something this computer would NOT be able to
do.

> 
> Please be warned that if anyone says "run a fantasy baseball
> league" I will bitch-slap you into the next time zone. :-)

So that's something this computer can't do?

> 
> -- 
> Phil Harbison
> (S3N10R HAX0R, BUTT APPAR3NTLY N0T L33T)

Hah! I found out your evil scheme. You wouldn't by chance be hacking a PS3 now
would you? Them Cell Processors are mighty fast indeed.

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