What is a common characteristic of supercomputers?

Supercomputers are distinguished by their extreme computational capabilities, enabling them to perform calculations at incredibly high speeds and process vast amounts of data simultaneously. This characteristic allows them to tackle complex simulations and large-scale data analysis, which are essential in fields such as climate modeling, molecular modeling, and high-energy physics. The design and architecture of supercomputers are optimized to maximize performance, often involving thousands of processors working in parallel, which is a key factor in their ability to execute tasks that are infeasible for regular computers.

In contrast, low processing power would be inadequate for the intended applications of supercomputers. High heat generation is indeed a factor due to their powerful components, but it is not a defining characteristic; rather, it's a challenge that is addressed through advanced cooling systems. As for portability, supercomputers are typically large, stationary installations rather than portable machines, which is another reason why this characteristic does not apply.