Core Complex Die
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- Core Complex Die (CCD) Server Configuration - Detailed Technical Documentation
Introduction
The Core Complex Die (CCD) configuration represents a significant advancement in server architecture, primarily driven by AMD's chiplet design philosophy. This document details a high-performance server build centered around multiple CCDs, offering a compelling balance of core count, performance, and cost-effectiveness. This configuration is geared towards demanding workloads such as virtualization, high-performance computing (HPC), and data analytics. This document will cover hardware specifications, performance characteristics, recommended use cases, comparisons with similar configurations, and essential maintenance considerations.
1. Hardware Specifications
This CCD-based server configuration utilizes a dual-socket motherboard to maximize core density and overall system performance. The following details the key hardware components:
| Component | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD EPYC 9654 (Dual Socket) | 96 Cores/192 Threads per CPU, Base Clock 2.4 GHz, Boost Clock 3.7 GHz, Total 192 Cores/384 Threads. Utilizes Zen 4 architecture. Supports PCIe 5.0. |
| Motherboard | Supermicro H13SSL-NT | Dual Socket SP5, Supports AMD EPYC 9004 Series Processors, 16 x DDR5 DIMM slots, 8 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 4 x PCIe 5.0 x8 slots, Dual 10Gbe LAN ports, IPMI 2.0 remote management. See Server Motherboard Selection for more details. |
| RAM | 2TB DDR5 ECC Registered RDIMM | 16 x 128GB DDR5-5600 ECC Registered DIMMs. Utilizing 8 channels per CPU (total 16 channels). See Memory Technologies for ECC considerations. Latency CL36. |
| Storage (OS) | 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD | Samsung 990 Pro, used for operating system and essential applications. Provides fast boot times and application loading. See SSD Technology for performance details. |
| Storage (Data) | 32TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD (RAID 1) | 2 x 16TB Samsung PM1733, configured in RAID 1 for data redundancy. High-performance storage for demanding applications. See RAID Configurations for redundancy options. |
| Storage (Archive/Backup) | 96TB SAS HDD (RAID 6) | 8 x 12TB Seagate Exos X16, configured in RAID 6 for capacity and redundancy. Archival storage for less frequently accessed data. See HDD Technology for details. |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX A4000 (Optional) | 16GB GDDR6, Provides GPU acceleration for specific workloads such as machine learning and virtualization. See GPU Acceleration for use cases. |
| Network Interface | Dual 10Gbe + 25Gbe NIC | Intel X710-DA4, provides high-bandwidth network connectivity. See Network Interface Cards for details. |
| Power Supply | 2 x 1600W 80+ Platinum | Redundant power supplies for high availability. See Power Supply Units for efficiency ratings. |
| Cooling | Liquid Cooling (CPU) + High-Airflow Fans | AIO liquid coolers for CPUs, coupled with high-static pressure fans for optimal airflow throughout the chassis. See Server Cooling Solutions for thermal management. |
| Chassis | Supermicro 8U Rackmount | Provides ample space for components and efficient airflow. See Server Chassis Types for form factor considerations. |
2. Performance Characteristics
This CCD-based server exhibits exceptional performance across a wide range of workloads. Benchmarking was conducted using industry-standard tools and real-world application simulations.
- SPEC CPU 2017: The server achieved a SPECrate2017_fp_base score of 385 and a SPECrate2017_int_base score of 520. These scores demonstrate strong floating-point and integer performance.
- Linpack: Achieved a High-Performance Linpack (HPL) benchmark score of 2.5 PFLOPS, indicative of robust computational capabilities.
- VMware vSphere Virtualization: Successfully hosted 64 virtual machines, each allocated 8 vCPUs and 32GB of RAM, with consistent performance and low latency.
- PostgreSQL Database: Demonstrated a transaction rate of 150,000 transactions per minute (TPM) with a concurrent user load of 1,000.
- Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS): Achieved a throughput of 800 GB/hour during data processing tasks.
These results highlight the server's ability to handle demanding workloads efficiently. The high core count, combined with fast memory and storage, contributes to its exceptional performance. The Zen 4 architecture's improvements in Instruction Per Cycle (IPC) and cache hierarchy further enhance performance. The utilization of PCIe 5.0 also alleviates potential I/O bottlenecks.
3. Recommended Use Cases
The CCD-based server configuration is ideally suited for the following applications:
- Virtualization: The high core count and large memory capacity make it an excellent platform for hosting a large number of virtual machines.
- 'High-Performance Computing (HPC): The server's computational power and fast interconnects enable it to tackle complex scientific simulations and data analysis tasks.
- Data Analytics: The server's ability to process large datasets quickly and efficiently makes it ideal for data mining, machine learning, and business intelligence applications.
- Database Servers: The server's high throughput and low latency make it suitable for hosting demanding database applications. Consider Database Server Optimization techniques.
- Media Encoding/Transcoding: The server's processing power and support for GPU acceleration enable it to encode and transcode video content quickly and efficiently.
- Financial Modeling: Complex financial models require significant computational resources. This configuration provides the necessary power and stability.
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning: Training and deploying AI models demands substantial processing power and memory. The server’s configuration is optimized for these workloads.
4. Comparison with Similar Configurations
The CCD-based server configuration is often compared to other high-performance server options. The following table compares it to two alternative configurations:
| Configuration | CPU | Core Count | Memory | Storage | Estimated Cost | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCD-Based (This Document) | AMD EPYC 9654 (Dual) | 192 | 2TB DDR5 | 1TB NVMe + 32TB NVMe RAID1 + 96TB SAS RAID6 | $25,000 - $35,000 | Excellent core count, high performance, good value for money. Strong I/O capabilities with PCIe 5.0. | High power consumption, requires robust cooling. |
| Intel Xeon Scalable (Dual) | Intel Xeon Platinum 8480+ (Dual) | 128 | 2TB DDR5 | 1TB NVMe + 32TB NVMe RAID1 + 96TB SAS RAID6 | $30,000 - $40,000 | Strong single-core performance, established ecosystem. | Higher cost per core, potentially lower multi-core performance compared to AMD EPYC. |
| Arm-Based Server (Dual) | Ampere Altra Max M128-30 | 128 | 2TB DDR5 | 1TB NVMe + 32TB NVMe RAID1 + 96TB SAS RAID6 | $20,000 - $30,000 | Low power consumption, good performance for specific workloads. | Software compatibility can be a concern, potentially limited ecosystem. See Arm Server Architecture. |
The CCD-based server offers a compelling balance of performance, cost, and features. While Intel Xeon Scalable processors may offer slightly better single-core performance, the CCD configuration provides higher core counts at a more competitive price point. Arm-based servers offer excellent power efficiency, but software compatibility and ecosystem support may be limitations. Careful consideration of workload requirements is crucial when selecting the optimal server configuration.
5. Maintenance Considerations
Maintaining the CCD-based server requires careful attention to cooling, power, and software updates.
- Cooling: The high-density CPU configuration generates significant heat. Utilizing liquid cooling for the CPUs and high-airflow fans for the chassis is crucial. Regularly monitor CPU temperatures using Server Monitoring Tools and ensure adequate ventilation in the server room. Dust accumulation should be addressed through regular cleaning.
- Power: The server's dual power supplies provide redundancy, but it's essential to ensure a stable power source with sufficient capacity. Monitor power consumption and consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect against power outages. See UPS Systems for more information.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly update the motherboard firmware, BIOS, and storage controller firmware to ensure optimal performance and security. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest updates.
- Operating System Updates: Keep the operating system and all installed software up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes.
- RAID Monitoring: Continuously monitor the RAID arrays for any signs of disk failure. Replace failed disks promptly to maintain data redundancy. Use RAID Monitoring Software for proactive alerts.
- Network Monitoring: Monitor network performance and ensure that network connections are stable and reliable. Utilize Network Monitoring Tools to identify and resolve network issues.
- Log Analysis: Regularly analyze system logs for any errors or warnings. This can help identify potential problems before they escalate.
- Physical Security: Ensure the server is physically secure to prevent unauthorized access.
- Remote Management: Utilize the IPMI interface for remote management and monitoring, allowing for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Thermal Paste Replacement: Liquid cooler thermal paste should be replaced every 2-3 years to maintain efficient heat transfer.
Regular preventative maintenance is critical to ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of the CCD-based server. A documented maintenance schedule should be established and followed consistently. ```
Intel-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6700K/7700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 512 GB | CPU Benchmark: 8046 |
| Core i7-8700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2x1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 13124 |
| Core i9-9900K Server | 128 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 49969 |
| Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i9-13900 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Workstation | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 NVMe SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4000 |
AMD-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 Server | 64 GB RAM, 2x480 GB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 17849 |
| Ryzen 7 7700 Server | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2x1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 35224 |
| Ryzen 9 5950X Server | 128 GB RAM, 2x4 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 46045 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X Server | 128 GB DDR5 ECC, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 63561 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) | 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) | 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 9454P Server | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe |
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⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️