# Key Points from ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (September 30, 2012)

• Adapteva's Epiphany architecture was discussed as a promising network-on-chip design of RISC CPUs that could deliver 1.6 TFLOPS per 20 watts with 1K cores, making it potentially valuable for quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, and real-time computer vision applications.

• The Epiphany architecture's design using local RAM instead of cache and separate control flow units for each core makes it more suitable than GPUs for branch-intensive algorithms like multi-body physics engines and potentially for the OpenWorm project simulating C. elegans.

• Participants shared information about affordable custom ASIC development options through services like MOSIS and CMP, which offer small production runs at older process nodes for around $3,000 for 40 chips.

• The discussion covered password security, specifically commercial rainbow table services for password cracking and the feasibility of developing custom hardware to accelerate MD5 cracking.

• Neil Gershenfeld's work on nanoassemblers was highlighted, particularly his development of ~10nm components with properties like electrical conductivity and magnetism for building nanostructures such as 3D integrated circuits.

• Participants expressed criticism of the proliferation of proprietary "desktop genetics" tools and gene compiler programs, arguing that developers should collaborate on open-source projects rather than creating multiple competing solutions.

• The community discussed plans to port the BioCurious wiki to DIYHPlusWiki, suggesting a move away from proprietary wiki platforms toward more open solutions for community resources.