ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — Sandia National Laboratories has introduced Spectra, a prototype supercomputer that could redefine how high-performance systems handle complex simulations. While not the largest in the world, Spectra is among the most unconventional designs in national security computing.
Developed in partnership with tech company NextSilicon, Spectra uses 128 Maverick-2 dual-die accelerators—specialized chips that analyze code and prioritize tasks in real time. Unlike traditional CPUs and GPUs, which treat all data equally, this adaptive approach aims to deliver up to 10x faster performance at half the power.
“We have deployed a first-of-its-kind computing capability,” said James Laros, Sandia senior scientist and project lead. “It’s the result of a tremendous partnership between the national labs and industry.”
Spectra is part of Sandia’s Vanguard program, which explores emerging technologies for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Advanced Simulation and Computing mission. The system will run critical simulations—such as advanced fluid dynamics—to ensure the safety and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent without underground testing.
Integrated by Penguin Solutions, Spectra’s design supports future scalability and includes advanced liquid cooling for efficiency. Researchers will test its ability to handle real-world workloads like molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations.
Spectra represents a shift in supercomputing strategy: moving from sheer size to smarter, adaptive architectures. If successful, it could pave the way for more efficient, cost-effective systems across national labs.
