I had an idea to make a scale version of a truly remarkable computer, the Cray-1. Here is the idea on paper. You'll notice it was designed to support two complete computers (mobo, psu, dvd, hdd, etc...) Here is the lay out on plywood. I plan on covering the lower part with Naugehide, like the original, so the plywood won't show through. Also, it is lighter than MDF or solid wood. Here are the roughed in lines another shot Here is a shot with the Mobo and placeholders laid out Here are the cutouts. top and bottom here they are together with the spacers Here is a shot with the vertical pieces in place, dry-fit together. Here is a view from the back.
Nice. Any chance of installing Acrylic windows so you can see the guts of the system? Like this: From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cray-1 Also, do you plan to keep the original Cray -1 colors?
Sweet. Supercomputers used to be built with so much more soul back in the day, things like Jaguar now are nothing more than big server farms. I miss monsters like the Cray-2, that needed coolant that costs $300 a gallon and still had a waterfall of it just because it looked cool...
Why do you use multiple optical drives? A single USB-DVD would do it aswell, no? Other then that, this is going to be huge
The cable management will be a problem since a Cray's wiring is measured in 0.01 mm and done with individual wires because of timing requirements. I interviewed with Seymour Cray in 1981. Brilliant engineer. The insides: /edit Excellent idea by the way!
Very cool! The Cray 1 is probably my all time favorite old time computer, this will look awesome sitting beside a desk. And good start, it already looks the part
I had planned on one dedicated for each system. Wasn't sure I could slave a USB-DVD between them. The overall dimensions are roughly 35" across and 25" tall. I does take up a lot of space though. May have to make a special stand for it.
Thank you very much. I am envious. You have met and interviewed a truly brilliant man. I researched alot for the project and found he (Mr. Cray) had hired women (seamstresses) if I'm not mistaken to handle the myraid of individual wires to minimize the distance travelled. I hope I can do justice to such an extraordinary computer.
I see your problem - it's the blue wire! - Field Engineer Each of the early Cray computers were shipped with a dedicated Field Engineer( job they wanted me for). The engineer was hired when the order was placed and ONLY knew one box - his/hers. The FE lived with the unit as it was being assembled, transported, installed, first boot, and turn over to customer. Serious money for serious dedication. Hardware and Unix software.