The third most powerful computer on the planet was switched on in New Mexico yesterday, a record 48 hours after delivery.

Many top-ranked supercomputers can take weeks or even months to deploy, but the 14,336-core Altix Ice system from SGI was up and running within two days.

Fitted with Intel Xeon processors, 28TB of Ram and 172TB of SGI storage, the integrated system is housed at the Intel facility in Rio Rancho.

The system was acquired as part of an economic and educational development driven by New Mexico state governor Bill Richardson.

The state plans to use the supercomputer and storage resource to partner with private businesses and New Mexico universities on research and development projects.

It will also be used to attract academic researchers, and help communities solve complex problems.

"We wanted a production system that could be used to run applications soon after its arrival and that's exactly what we got with SGI Altix Ice," said William Feiereisen, a science advisor to governor Richardson.

"This system arrived on pallets on Thursday and was running to the log-in prompt by Saturday. It is gratifying to be working with a solution provider like SGI, which has successfully delivered a true production-ready supercomputer."

Governor Richardson added: "New Mexico is serious about developing its high-tech economy.

"We are getting more and more interest from companies and institutions that want to be part of this project as news of this powerful machine spreads."