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Frontier ranked No. 1 in the June 2024 TOP500 list, ahead of Intel-powered Aurora: its High Performance Linpack (HPL) result was 1.206 exaflops, compared with Aurora’s 1.012 exaflops. That was a lead on the benchmark used for the ranking—not proof that Frontier was faster for every scientific or AI workload.
What the June 2024 TOP500 ranking showed
The TOP500 list ranks supercomputers using the HPL benchmark. In its June 2024 release, Frontier, installed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), placed first. Aurora, installed at Argonne National Laboratory, placed second. The U.S. Department of Energy described the two as the world’s first and second official exascale systems.
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| System | June 2024 HPL result | June 2024 position | Laboratory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | 1.206 exaflops (TOP500, 2024) | No. 1 | Oak Ridge National Laboratory |
| Aurora | 1.012 exaflops (TOP500, 2024) | No. 2 | Argonne National Laboratory |
Both results exceeded one exaflop on HPL, the conventional threshold used to describe exascale performance. The result explains the headline that AMD “staved off” Intel: Frontier’s submitted HPL score was higher. It does not establish a universal performance winner across applications.
How Frontier and Aurora are built
The systems share an HPE Cray platform family and Slingshot-11 interconnect, but use different processors and accelerators.
#1 Best Overall
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
| Feature | Frontier | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | HPE Cray EX235a | HPE Cray EX architecture with Intel Exascale Compute Blades |
| CPU | 3rd-generation AMD EPYC | Intel Xeon CPU Max |
| Accelerator | AMD Instinct MI250X | Intel Data Center GPU Max |
| Interconnect | Slingshot-11 | Slingshot-11 |
| Core/configuration detail | 8,699,904 combined CPU and GPU cores (TOP500, 2024) | Submitted June 2024 configuration described as half-scale; a comparable combined core count is not stated in the cited TOP500 material. |
What Aurora’s half-scale status means
TOP500 reported that Aurora’s June 2024 submission was a half-scale system, while also calling it the second exascale machine. Those descriptions are compatible: the submitted configuration crossed the exascale threshold on HPL even though it was described as half-scale in relation to the planned system. The ranking compares the submitted results, not hypothetical performance from a completed configuration.
Was Frontier still the fastest supercomputer?
Not according to the next TOP500 list in November 2024. That release placed El Capitan first, Frontier second, and Aurora third. Frontier’s No. 1 result therefore applies specifically to the June 2024 list, not to every later ranking.
Rank #2
- Powerful 8th Generation Processor - The Dell OptiPlex 7060 desktop computer is powered by an Intel 6-core 8th Generation i7-8700 processor, which can reach up to 4.60 Ghz, enabling efficient multitasking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – This Dell small form factor desktop computer comes pre-installed with the Windows 11 Professional operating system. Microsoft has reimagined how the PC should work for you and alongside you, and this Windows 11-powered desktop is redefining productivity.
- Smooth Multitasking – The Dell OptiPlex is equipped with a blazing-fast new 512GB M.2 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), which stores important files and applications while supporting faster boot speeds and higher data transfer rates.
- High-Performance Office Desktop – This business desktop computer serves as a reliable workstation, suitable for both home and business computing. The spacious desktop tower case allows for future expansion, making it an excellent fit for use as an office PC.
- Rich Ports – This Dell OptiPlex computer is equipped with 5 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 DisplayPort ports, supporting dual-monitor connections. Additionally, a wireless keyboard and mouse are included.
What the comparison does—and does not—tell you
HPL provides a standardized basis for comparing the listed systems, and by that measure Frontier led Aurora in June 2024. It does not show which machine is faster for every simulation, data-analysis task, or AI workload. Those outcomes depend on the application, software, and how effectively each system’s hardware is used.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [INTEL POWERED CONTENT] - Built with a 8th Generation Hexa-Core Intel i5 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM; Modern, Windows 11 ready, with 4K support, Executive multitasking, media streaming and smooth, multi-tab web browsing; Perfect as an all-purpose multimedia computer; built for content creators; Plenty of RAM and Mass storage for photo and video editing powered by Intel HD 630
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Rank #4
- 🖥POWERFUL PROCESSOR and SUPERIOR STORAGE: Configured with top of the Intel Core i5 processor for lightning-fast, reliable and consistent performance to ensure an exceptional PC experience. 16GB RAM memory to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. 2TB HDD storage space to store apps, games, photos, music, and movies. Loaded with 16GB to zip through multiple tasks in a hurry without lag.
- 🖥️New 22 Inch Full HD (1920x1080) LED monitor: with 75hz, High-Quality panel with quick refresh rate and response time. With 1080p resolution, you can enjoy gaming or a modern computing experience. 22 Inch monitor has a Smart Contrast to provide optimized image quality. Bezel-less and sleek design with glossy finish, crisp edge-to-edge visuals. Wide Viewing Angles for clarity from any viewpoint. VESA Mountable and built-in tilt options allow for a variety of monitor configurations.
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- 💿 WINDOWS 10 Pro LATEST: A new installation of the latest Microsoft Windows 11 Professional 64 Bit Operating System software, free of bloatware commonly installed from other manufacturers. As Microsoft's latest and best OS to date, Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit will maximize the utility of each PC for years to come. Optional software such as Anti-Virus and Office 365 can also be easily downloaded through the Microsoft Windows App Store.
Rank #3
- Powerful 9th Gen Processor - The Dell OptiPlex 7070 desktop computer driven by the Intel 8 Core 9th generation i7-9700 processor upto 4.70 Ghz for efficient multitasking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - This Dell small form factor desktop is Pre-installed with the Windows 11 Professional operating system,Microsoft has re-imagined how the PC should work for you and with you. This Windows 11 desktop computer is redefining productivity.
- Multitask Smoothly - The Dell OptiPlex is equipped with a blazing fast New 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD to store important files and applications, support faster Boot speed and faster storage rates.
- High Performance Office Desktop- The business desktop computer is a solid workstation that is suitable for both home and business computing. The roomy desktop tower case allows for future expansion making it a great fit for an office PC.
- Rich Ports - This Dell OptiPlex Computer with 5 x USB 3.1 ports,4 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x display ports,which support for two displays. Also wireless keyboard & mouse.
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