Bull Gamma 60
The Bull Gamma 60 was a large transistorized mainframe computer designed by Compagnie des Machines Bull. Initially announced in 1957, the first unit shipped in 1960. It holds the distinction of being the world's first multi-threaded computer, and the first to feature an architecture specially designed for parallelism.
Scale model of the Bull Gamma 60 mainframe computer | |
| Developer | Compagnie des Machines Bull |
|---|---|
| Type | Large-scale mainframe computer |
| Generation | 2 |
| Release date | 1960 |
| Introductory price | 10M Francs (1960, about $18M USD in 2023) |
| Units sold | 17 |
| Operating system | GGZ, GGU |
| CPU | Transistorized, distributed and multi-threaded. Up to 25 Processing Units. 24-bit words with 1 to 4 words data types. @ 100 kHz |
| Memory | Central memory: 32 kwords (core memory). Up to four drum memory extensions (25 kwords each). |
| Storage | Up to 48 magnetic tape readers |
| Input | Magnetic tape, punched cards, paper tape, teletypes |
| Power | 200-400 kVA |
| Dimensions | Typically 3000-4000 sq.ft |
| Predecessor | Bull Gamma 3 |
| Successor | GE-600 series |
The Gamma 60 spearheaded numerous groundbreaking technologies during the early 1960s, notably in multi-programming, utilizing tools that were still in their nascent stages. Upon its release, its architecture garnered significant attention among machine designers, becoming a subject of study alongside contemporary supercomputers and being cited as an example for progress in computer design.
Despite its innovations, the Gamma 60's large footprint (close to 4000 sq.ft), high cost, energy consumption, and complexity ultimately resulted in limited commercial success, with about only twenty units sold worldwide. Its main competitors included the IBM 7070, 7090, and 7030 "Stretch". The last Gamma 60 remained in service until 1974.