While gamers often focus on the frame rates their graphics cards can achieve, GPUs are capable of much more than just delivering smooth gameplay. A prime example is the recent discovery of the largest known prime number, made possible by the raw computing power of an NVIDIA A100 GPU.
This remarkable feat was accomplished by former NVIDIA engineer Luke Durant, who utilized the A100’s immense processing capabilities to unlock the secrets of prime numbers. The newly discovered prime number, aptly named “M136279841,” is equal to 2 raised to the power of 136,279,841, minus 1. This colossal number boasts a staggering 41,024,320 digits and occupies a hefty 18.3MB of storage space, highlighting its sheer magnitude.
The prime number discovered by Durant is classified as a Mersenne prime, which is a prime number that can be expressed in the form 2n – 1. Interestingly, the last Mersenne prime discovered was found by Patrick Laroche over five years ago, who used the GIMPS (Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search) software running on a four-core Intel Core i5-4590T processor for 12 days.
Durant’s discovery using an NVIDIA A100 GPU emphasizes the exceptional computational power of modern graphics cards. This breakthrough is a testament to their capabilities beyond gaming, extending into the realm of scientific research and exploration. The discovery of this massive prime number not only showcases the power of GPUs but also highlights the continuous advancements in computing technology, enabling us to delve deeper into the mysteries of mathematics and the universe.