New Server for HPC Ups Memory, Power, and I/O

By Anthony J. Lockwood

September 19, 2007 — Entry-level users can now build high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and applications using the Appro 1U XtremeServer 1512H, which offers a single socket server platform based on Quad-Core AMD Opteron Processor 2000 series.

Designed and offered by Appro, which is based in Milpitas, CA, the Appro 1U XtremeServer 1512H uses second generation, Dual-Core AMD Opteron processors as well as the upcoming third generation, Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors. It delivers accelerated server performance and throughput using its integrated processor and memory optimization, thereby allowing one single processor to handle up to 32GB of memory, all at a base configuration price starting at $1,050.00 — suitable for the budgets of many small- and medium-sized businesses.

 

“The HPC server and cluster market continues to grow at high rates, and many users are moving to larger memory size and higher processor counts to support their growing application requirements.” — Earl Joseph, IDC Research Vice President and HPC User Forum Executive Director

This combination lets small to medium-sized business users build HPC clusters at attractive prices. Plus, users can upgrade to Quad-Core in the same thermal envelope to increase capacity without altering datacenter infrastructure.

“The HPC server and cluster market continues to grow at high rates,” said Earl Joseph, IDC Research vice president and HPC user forum executive director, “and many users are moving to larger memory size and higher processor counts to support their growing application requirements.”

The 1U XtremeServer, suited for computational, memory-intensive applications, is based on AMD Opteron processors with high-bandwidth DDR2 memory and provides better performance for floating-point applications frequently used by design professionals and researchers in engineering and electronic simulation, life sciences, oil and gas, automotive, and finance.

The general-purpose server offers advanced features including the one-processor server supporting AMD Opteron processor 2000 series, which is designed to run cool and efficiently in demanding enterprise environments; a large memory capacity of 8 DIMM Sockets per CPU, up to 32GB; up to two SATA hot-swappable drives; 1 PCI Express x16; dual-port Gigabit NICs; ServerDome Remote Management that is IPMI 2.0 compliant; and cable-free design that is ready to run, simple to install, service, and maintain. Plus, AMD PowerNow! technology with Optimized Power Management (OPM) minimizes power consumption without sacrificing performance on demand.

The system administrator can deploy, configure, manage, and maintain thousands of servers using the Appro ServerDome remote management software, which automates and simplifies IT and networking tasks, providing remote server management for the Appro 1U and 3U XtremeServers. Plus, the ServerDome Remote management capabilities are IPMI 2.0 compliant and work with either Windows or Linux.

In sum, the specifications include the Single AMD Opteron Processor 2000 Series; NVIDIA MCP55V-Pro chipset; memory type is registered ECC DDR2 533/667 and capacity is up to 32GB per system (8 DIMM sockets, using 4GB modules). The disk controller is integrated SATA; drive bays support slim CD ROM (optional) and two hot-swappable SATA HDDs. Storage capacity is 2.0TB SATA and the graphics chip is an XGI Volari Z7 VGA chip -16MB; the network interface is integrated with two Marvell 88E1116 PHY.

I/O ports include one VGA port, one serial port, two PS/2 connectors, plus two RJ45 Ethernet ports and four USB 2.0 connectors. Expansion slots include one PCI-Express x16 slot; power supply is 110-240VAC, auto-sensing, 300W single with PFC. The AC amperage is 4.0A @110VAC; 2.0A @ 220 VAC. Cooling is supplied by one system blower; it weighs 20 ponds (9.07kg) maximum configuration. It measures 1.71 in. x 16.85 in. x 17.68 in., and can operate in a range from 10 to 35°C; with storage to 70°C max. The remote server management is ServerDome IPMI 2.0 compliant.

Support is offered in a two-year standard warranty, with options including on-site maintenance and installation service options. Base configuration starts at $1,050.00. For more information, please visit Appro.