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Benchmark Electronics, Inc. , a leading contract manufacturing provider, announced today that, through a strategic alliance with Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI) , it helped create the computer system for which NASA achieved the ranking of third fastest supercomputer in the world.

NASA's new Pleiades system is a 51,200-core SGI(R) Altix(R) ICE 8200EX system from SGI and is capable of generating a theoretical peak of 609 trillion operations per second (TeraFLOPS). Benchmark worked closely with Silicon Graphics to manufacture Pleiades, which SGI deployed and optimized at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. The supercomputer is expected to support the development of the space agency's next-generation space fleet, along with projects related to all other NASA mission directorates.

As a strategic partner to SGI, Benchmark Electronics contributed to the program's success by providing new product introduction services (NPI), printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), system integration (chassis build) and functional test. Benchmark's manufacturing teams were responsive to NASA's needs and delivered quality product, on schedule. As a result, NASA and Silicon Graphics were able to deliver a productive, world-class supercomputing resource to NASA researchers just weeks after installation began.

Silicon Graphics, Inc. is a leader in high-performance computing. SGI delivers a complete range of high-performance server and storage solutions along with industry-leading professional services and support that enable its customers to overcome the challenges of complex data-intensive workflows and accelerate breakthrough discoveries, innovation and information transformation. SGI solutions help customers solve their computing challenges whether it's enhancing the quality of life through drug research, designing and manufacturing safer and more efficient cars and airplanes, studying global climate, providing technologies for homeland security and defense, or helping enterprises manage large data. With offices worldwide, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and can be found on the Web at http://www.sgi.com/.

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. provides electronics manufacturing, design and engineering services to original equipment manufacturers of computers and related products for business enterprises, medical devices, industrial control equipment, testing and instrumentation products, and telecommunication equipment. Benchmark's global operations include 20 facilities in ten countries. Benchmark's Common Shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE.

SGI and Altix are registered trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries worldwide.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: james.walker@bench.com

SOURCE: Benchmark Electronics, Inc.