Gigabyte supplies high-performance computing system for Japan's quantum project

Gigabyte Technology is supplying a next-generation high-performance computing (HPC) system for Japan's national JHPC-quantum project. This initiative merges traditional HPC with quantum computing, aiming to tackle complex scientific challenges that exceed current computational limits. Gigabyte is responsible for the design and manufacture of high-density GPU nodes.

The project, supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), positions Japan at the forefront of hybrid computing. The system will connect the Fugaku supercomputer with quantum systems like IBM Quantum System Two and the Reimei ion-trap quantum computer, utilizing a unified software framework and high-speed networking.

Gigabyte's contribution includes 135 computing nodes, each equipped with NVIDIA's Grace Blackwell GB200 NVL4 superchip, totaling 540 GPUs. A key technical challenge addressed was thermal management for the extreme power density. The solution employs an efficient warm-water cooling architecture capable of operating at higher ambient temperatures, ensuring performance and energy efficiency.

The system features a modular, high-density design for rapid assembly and delivery. Deep integration with NVIDIA's high-speed networking, such as InfiniBand, ensures low-latency data exchange between nodes for synchronized performance. The computing hub is scheduled to become operational within Japan's fiscal year 2025 at RIKEN's Kobe site.