Artifact Details

Description

Sign attached to right side of CPU cabinet (removed 11/29/2010) read:

CONTROL DATA 6600
Control Data Corporation

Word length: 60-bit (Main processor); 12-bit (Peripheral Control Processors)

Speed: 3,000,000 instructions per second, 10 MHz (4, 25ns phases)

Primary Memory: 131,072 words core memory

Secondary Memory: With additional Peripheral Control Processors almost unlimited number of tape drives and disk drives.

Instruction Set: 15-bit or 30-bit instructions using 6-bit operation codes, hence 2, 3 or 4 instructions per word.

Architecture: 10 Peripheral Control Processors act independently of a Main Processor.

Technology: 600,000 silicon transistors

Input and Output: Card, tape or direct terminal input.

Price: $7,000,000

Size: 400 cubic feet

Software: COS (Chippewa Operating System), FORTRAN, Assembly systems for both Main and Peripheral Processors.

Development History: Started in 1960, the 6600 was introduced August 22, 1963. Designed by Seymour Cray, Jim Thornton, and a small team of engineers in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Production History: The first unit was delivered to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories in September 1964. The first ten units were produced in Chippewa Falls.

Use: Large time-sharing systems; sophisticated scientific computation.

Achievements: Fastest computer of its time. First use of peripheral processors. First use of Freon cooling and double-sided “cordwood” modules led to greatest component density achieved of its time.

Date

1964

Manufacturer

Control Data Corporation (CDC)

Place Manufactured

U.S.

Identifying Numbers

Model number	CDC 6600
Other number	0001	S/N of condensing unit
Other number	4713	On label attached to the rear
Serial number	1

Dimensions

overall: 79 in x 136 in x 136 in

Category

Digital computer/supercomputer

Lot Number

X1385.97

Related Records

X1385.97F	CDC 6600 CPU cabinet (1 of 4)
X1385.97G	CDC 6600 CPU cabinet (2 of 4)
X1385.97I	CDC 6600 CPU cabinet (4 of 4)
X1385.97J	CDC 6600 operator console