Round Rock Welcomes a Groundbreaking Supercomputer
ROUND ROCK, Texas – Exciting news is buzzing around Round Rock as the city prepares to become home to a one-of-a-kind supercomputer. This technological marvel is part of the University of Texas’ Advanced Computer Center, a project that’s been in the works for quite some time. Thanks to the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Round Rock, this endeavor has become a reality!
About two years ago, the city council approved an important economic incentive agreement aimed at bringing a new data center, known as Sabey, to town. This new facility is crucial because it will eventually support the supercomputer, marking a major step forward in advanced technology right here in our backyard.
A Sneak Peek into the Technology
Located off Louis Henna Boulevard and AW Grimes, the new Sabey data center has been carefully designed to accommodate some of the most advanced technology available. Mark Noonan, senior vice president of revenue for Sabey’s eastern U.S. locations, explained how important such a facility is in our everyday lives. “The building is designed to never go down,” he states. “Thus, things like Instagram, Snapchat, and all the digital services we use daily typically rely on data centers like ours.”
But what’s even more fascinating is the supercomputer itself, affectionately dubbed “Horizon.” It’s designed to handle tasks that involve science, research, healthcare, and weather modeling, amongst other functions. Noonan highlights its speed, claiming that it is “very, very fast.” With a whopping $457 million investment coming from the National Science Foundation, the horizon is set to become one of the fastest supercomputers globally. “That’s their goal,” Noonan added optimistically.
Innovative Cooling Solutions
As you might expect, maintaining such a powerful supercomputer requires special care. Noonan explains, “They have really high power loads, which means they also generate a lot of heat.” To tackle this challenge, the facility incorporates innovative cooling solutions, including liquid cooling technology. This cutting-edge method is becoming increasingly popular in the data center industry and is one of the reasons why Sabey was the ideal partner for this Horizon project.
A Promising Future for Round Rock
The Texas Advanced Computer Center intends to wrap up the installation of Horizon at the Sabey data center by 2026. Alongside this monumental addition, the project is projected to bring between 40 to 50 new jobs to Round Rock, adding to the local economy and offering new opportunities to residents.
Noonan believes that “Round Rock and the Austin metro region is going to be a great new center for a lot of data center projects.” Just two months ago, Sabey opened its first building, and they’re already planning for the construction of a second building, which is expected to be completed in the coming years. This rapid growth indicates a promising future for the area as a hub for technological advancements.
Round Rock is truly on the brink of a significant tech evolution. As the preparations for the Horizon supercomputer unfold, the city stands ready to embrace new innovations that will not only benefit local residents but also contribute to advancements in science and technology on a global scale. What a thrilling time to be in Round Rock!
