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List of computer size categories

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{{More citations needed|date=April 2024}}

This list of computer size categories attempts to list commonly used categories of computer by the physical size of the device and its chassis or case, in descending order of size. One generation's "supercomputer" is the next generation's "mainframe", and a "PDA" does not have the same set of functions as a "laptop", but the list still has value, as it provides a ranked categorization of devices. It also ranks some more obscure computer sizes. There are different sizes like minicomputers, microcomputers, mainframe computers and super computers.{{cite book |last1=Warford |first1=J. Stanley |title=Computer Systems |date=November 2004 |publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning |isbn=978-0-7637-3239-4 |page=11 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XtM3aQ-E9NoC}}{{cite book |last1=II |first1=Joseph D. Dumas |title=Computer Architecture: Fundamentals and Principles of Computer Design, Second Edition |date=25 November 2016 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-4987-7274-7 |page=35 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TZ6VDQAAQBAJ}}

Large

File:IBM Blue Gene P supercomputer.jpg

These are mainly used for scientific calculations or simulations and processing big data with high precission.

  • Mainframe computer {{cite web |title=Mainframe {{!}} Definition & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/mainframe |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |date=8 March 2024}}
  • Supercomputer{{cite web |title=Supercomputer {{!}} Definition, Characteristics, Examples, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/supercomputer |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |date=8 April 2024}}
  • Minisupercomputer

Intermediate

  • Midrange computer
  • Workstation
  • Minicomputer
  • Superminicomputer{{cite magazine |last=Connolly |first=James |date=September 30, 1985 |title=Superminis: Dynamic machines evolving to new uses |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MmR2XHzI9yoC&pg=PA64 |magazine=Computerworld |page=SR/4, SR10 |access-date=5 December 2019 |quote=No one can say with certainty who coined the word 'superminicomputer' and to what systems he meant it to apply, but consensus is emerging that a supermini is nothing more than a minicomputer — a high-end mini, but a mini nonetheless.}}

Microcomputer

{{main|Microcomputer}}

This is a very broad categorization that includes computers with a single microprocessor as their central processing unit (CPU).{{cite web |title=Microcomputer {{!}} Definition, Examples, Uses, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/microcomputer |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |date=19 March 2024}}

Mobile

{{main|Mobile computing}}

Others

See also

References

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{{Computer form factors}}

{{Computer sizes}}

List of computer size categories

Computer size categories