Hardware Procurement
Hardware Procurement: Technical Specification and Deployment Guide for the 'ApexForge X1' Server Platform
This document serves as the definitive technical specification and procurement guide for the **ApexForge X1** server platform, configured for high-density, enterprise-grade compute workloads. This configuration prioritizes a balance between raw processing power, memory bandwidth, and scalable storage I/O, making it suitable for mission-critical infrastructure.
1. Hardware Specifications
The ApexForge X1 utilizes a dual-socket motherboard architecture based on the latest server chipset, optimized for PCIe Gen 5.0 connectivity and high-speed DDR5 memory. All components adhere to stringent enterprise reliability standards (e.g., ECC support, validated firmware).
1.1 Central Processing Units (CPUs)
The configuration specifies dual processors to maximize core count and memory channel utilization.
| Parameter | Specification | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Model | 2x Intel Xeon Scalable Processor (Sapphire Rapids Generation) Platinum Series (e.g., 8480+ equivalent) | Maximizes core density and supports advanced instruction sets (AVX-512, AMX). |
| Core Count (Total) | 112 Cores (56 Cores per CPU) | High concurrency for virtualization and container orchestration. |
| Thread Count (Total) | 224 Threads | Optimal for parallel processing workloads. |
| Base Clock Frequency | 2.2 GHz | Ensures stable, sustained performance under heavy load. |
| Max Turbo Frequency (Single Thread) | Up to 3.8 GHz | Burst performance for latency-sensitive operations. |
| L3 Cache (Total) | 220 MB (110 MB per CPU) | Large, unified cache structure reduces external memory access latency. |
| TDP (Total) | 700W (350W per CPU) | Requires robust cooling infrastructure. |
1.2 System Memory (RAM)
Memory configuration is critical for I/O-intensive and memory-bound applications. We mandate high-capacity, high-speed Registered ECC DIMMs (RDIMMs).
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type | DDR5 RDIMM (ECC) | Error Correction Code mandatory for data integrity. |
| Speed / Data Rate | 4800 MT/s (PC5-38400) | Optimal balance between speed and stability at maximum capacity. |
| Total Capacity | 2048 GB (2 TB) | Achieved via 16 x 128 GB DIMMs. |
| Configuration | 16 DIMMs (Populating 16 of 32 available slots) | Ensures 2:1 memory channel balancing and leaves room for future expansion up to 4TB. |
| Memory Channels Utilized | 8 Channels per CPU (16 total) | Fully saturates the memory controller bandwidth. |
Further details on memory interleaving are available in the companion document.
1.3 Storage Subsystem
The storage configuration focuses on high-throughput, low-latency primary storage using NVMe technology, backed by secondary high-capacity SSDs for archival and bulk data.
1.3.1 Primary Boot and OS Storage
Boot drives are configured in a redundant RAID 1 pair.
- **Drives:** 2 x 1.92 TB Enterprise NVMe U.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- **RAID Level:** Hardware RAID 1 (Managed by the motherboard's integrated controller or dedicated HBA in pass-through mode for OS deployment).
1.3.2 High-Performance Data Storage
This array handles active data requiring maximum IOPS and throughput.
| Slot Location | Drive Count | Capacity per Drive | Total Capacity | RAID Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Bay (Hot-Swap) | 8 | 7.68 TB | 61.44 TB Usable (69.12 TB Raw) | RAID 10 (Requires 4 pairs) |
| Performance Target | > 12 Million IOPS (Read/Write mixed workload) | Achievable with appropriate RAID card configuration. |
1.3.3 Secondary Storage (Bulk/Archive)
Used for less frequently accessed, large datasets.
- **Drives:** 4 x 15.36 TB Enterprise SATA SSDs
- **RAID Level:** RAID 6 (Provides dual-drive redundancy)
- **Total Capacity:** Approximately 46 TB Usable.
1.4 Networking and I/O Adapters
The platform utilizes PCIe Gen 5.0 slots to ensure the network interfaces are not bottlenecked by the interconnect fabric.
| Slot Type | Slot Specification | Adapter Installed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCP 3.0 Module | PCIe Gen 5.0 x16 (Dedicated) | 2 x 100GbE Ethernet (RDMA capable) | Primary Data Fabric Connection. |
| PCIe Slot 1 (Full Height) | PCIe Gen 5.0 x16 | 1 x NVIDIA ConnectX-7 (400GbE InfiniBand/Ethernet) | High-Speed Interconnect / GPU Communication (if applicable). |
| PCIe Slot 2 (Full Height) | PCIe Gen 5.0 x8 (Wired to Chipset) | 1 x 10GbE Management NIC (Dedicated IPMI/BMC) | Out-of-Band Management. |
| PCIe Slot 3 (Half Height) | PCIe Gen 5.0 x4 | Dedicated RAID/HBA Controller | Offloading storage processing from the CPU. |
The selection of 100GbE RDMA-capable adapters is crucial for minimizing network latency in clustered environments, detailed in Network Interface Card Selection Criteria.
1.5 Power and Chassis
The system is housed in a 2U rack-mountable chassis designed for high thermal dissipation.
- **Chassis:** 2U Rackmount, Hot-Swappable Fans (N+1 redundancy required).
- **Power Supplies:** 2 x 2200W Titanium-rated (96%+ efficiency at typical load).
- **Redundancy:** 1+1 (Hot-Swappable).
- **Power Distribution:** Input via Dual C19 connectors (A/B feed required for full redundancy).
Understanding Titanium vs. Platinum power ratings is essential for operational expenditure forecasting.
2. Performance Characteristics
The ApexForge X1 configuration is engineered for maximum throughput and sustained performance under continuous load. The primary performance drivers are the high core count, massive memory capacity, and the Gen 5.0 storage subsystem.
2.1 Synthetic Benchmarks
The following results represent typical performance under standardized synthetic testing environments (e.g., SPEC CPU 2017, FIO).
| Metric | Result (Dual CPU) | Unit | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPECrate 2017 Integer | ~1250 | Score | High concurrency baseline. |
| SPECspeed 2017 Floating Point | ~950 | Score | Scientific/HPC performance indicator. |
| IOPS (4KB Random Read, QD32) | 12,500,000+ | IOPS | Stress testing the 61TB NVMe array. |
| Storage Throughput (Sequential Read) | 45 GB/s | GB/s | Limited primarily by PCIe Gen 4 lanes allocated to the storage controller. |
| Memory Bandwidth (Aggregate) | ~368 GB/s | GB/s | Measured using STREAM benchmark across all 16 DIMMs. |
2.2 Real-World Workload Simulation
Performance validation shifts from theoretical peak to application-specific metrics.
- 2.2.1 Virtualization Density
With 112 physical cores and 2TB of RAM, this platform excels at hosting large numbers of virtual machines (VMs) or containers.
- **Workload:** Hosting standard Linux virtual machines (4 vCPU / 16GB RAM each).
- **Density Achieved:** Approximately 28 standard VMs, with significant headroom for bursting due to high core count.
- **Overcommitment Ratio:** Can safely support a 4:1 overcommitment ratio (CPU) while maintaining acceptable QoS for general-purpose workloads, due to the large physical core pool.
- 2.2.2 Database Transaction Processing
For in-memory databases (e.g., SAP HANA, large PostgreSQL/MySQL instances utilizing massive buffer pools), the 2TB RAM capacity is the primary constraint.
- **TPC-C Benchmark Simulation:** Expected throughput improvement of 35% over the previous generation (PCIe Gen 4) platform, primarily driven by faster memory latency and increased cache size.
- **Latency:** Average transaction latency under 1ms is consistently achievable for OLTP workloads accessing the primary NVMe array.
- 2.2.3 High-Performance Computing (HPC)
While not strictly an HPC bare-metal node (lacking dedicated high-density GPU accelerators), the platform is excellent for CPU-bound simulations requiring fast inter-node communication. The 100GbE RDMA link is critical here, facilitating rapid message passing in MPI environments. MPI performance scales linearly with available memory bandwidth in many CFD/FEA codes.
3. Recommended Use Cases
The ApexForge X1 configuration is a premium, versatile workhorse designed to consolidate multiple traditional server roles into a single, highly resilient hardware footprint.
3.1 Enterprise Virtualization Host (Hyperconverged Infrastructure - HCI)
This is perhaps the most ideal use case. The combination of high core count, massive RAM, and fast, redundant local storage makes it perfect for running software-defined storage layers (like vSAN or Ceph) or traditional hypervisors (VMware ESXi, KVM).
- **Key Benefit:** Reduced rack density requirements and simplified management through hardware consolidation.
- **Resource Allocation:** The 2TB of RAM allows for the creation of 'anchor VMs' that require large memory reservations without impacting the density of smaller workloads.
3.2 Mission-Critical Database Server (OLTP/OLAP)
For databases where data size fits within the 2TB operational memory, this server offers exceptional performance.
- **OLTP:** High IOPS from the 61TB NVMe array ensures rapid commit times and query execution.
- **OLAP:** The 112 cores allow for rapid parallel execution of complex analytical queries against large result sets stored in RAM.
3.3 Large-Scale Container Orchestration Platform
Running Kubernetes or OpenShift clusters requires significant CPU resources to manage the control plane and worker nodes efficiently.
- **Control Plane Resilience:** The dual CPUs handle the overhead of etcd and API server processes with ease.
- **Worker Density:** Can host hundreds of smaller microservices pods, leveraging the high core count for scheduling efficiency.
3.4 Data Analytics and In-Memory Caching
Systems requiring fast access to large datasets, such as Redis clusters or Spark executors, benefit directly from the 4800 MT/s DDR5 memory.
- **Caching Layer:** Can serve as a primary caching tier for petabyte-scale storage arrays, buffering frequently accessed data directly in RAM.
4. Comparison with Similar Configurations
To justify the procurement cost and technical complexity of the ApexForge X1, a direct comparison against two common alternatives is necessary: a high-density, lower-core-count system (focused on latency) and a GPU-accelerated system (focused on AI/ML).
4.1 Comparison Table: ApexForge X1 vs. Alternatives
| Feature | ApexForge X1 (This Spec) | Alternative A: Low-Latency Single-Socket System (e.g., 1x 64-Core CPU) | Alternative B: GPU Compute Node (e.g., 2x Mid-Range CPU + 4x GPU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Core Count (Total) | 112 Cores | 64 Cores | 64 Cores (CPU only) |
| Total System RAM | 2 TB DDR5 | 1 TB DDR5 | 1 TB DDR5 (CPU) + 160 GB HBM (GPU) |
| Primary Storage IOPS | 12.5M IOPS (NVMe Gen 4) | 8M IOPS (NVMe Gen 4) | 4M IOPS (Smaller NVMe Array) |
| General Compute Cost/Performance Ratio | High | Medium-High | Low (Excellent for specific tasks, poor for general virtualization) |
| Best Suited For | Consolidation, Database, Large-Scale Virtualization | Network Edge Processing, Low-Latency Trading | Deep Learning Training, Scientific Simulation |
| PCIe Bandwidth Availability | High (Multiple Gen 5.0 x16 slots) | Moderate (Fewer slots, often Gen 4) | Very High (Requires Gen 5.0 x16 for GPU links) |
- 4.2 Architectural Trade-offs Analysis
The primary trade-off made in the ApexForge X1 design is the reliance on CPU and memory bandwidth over specialized accelerators.
1. **Single-Socket vs. Dual-Socket:** While single-socket systems (Alternative A) offer lower licensing costs and potentially lower idle power consumption, they halve the available memory channels (8 vs. 16 utilized here) and significantly limit the total core count, hindering consolidation efforts. The ApexForge X1 doubles the memory bandwidth available to the CPU complex. 2. **GPU vs. CPU Compute:** Alternative B is vastly superior for tasks heavily reliant on massive parallel floating-point operations (like AI inference or rendering). However, for data processing, virtualization, or database transactions, the general-purpose nature and massive L3 cache of the Xeon CPUs in the ApexForge X1 provide superior performance consistency and utilization efficiency. The ApexForge X1 can easily integrate GPUs later via its extensive PCIe capabilities, whereas Alternative B cannot easily scale its general-purpose CPU resources. Server Scalability Metrics discusses this further.
5. Maintenance Considerations
Deploying a high-density server like the ApexForge X1 requires meticulous attention to physical infrastructure, especially power delivery and thermal management, due to the combined 700W CPU TDP plus high-power NVMe drives.
- 5.1 Power Requirements and Redundancy
The system's peak power draw can exceed 3000W under full CPU load with all NVMe drives active and network adapters saturated.
- **Minimum PDU Rating:** Each rack unit housing this server should be provisioned with a minimum 5kW PDU capacity to safely accommodate power headroom and future expansion (e.g., adding a high-end GPU).
- **UPS Sizing:** Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems must be sized not just for the server's running wattage but for the transition surge when switching between A and B power feeds, as specified in UPS Sizing for High-Density Racks.
- **Power Cords:** Use high-quality, properly rated C19 power cords capable of handling the sustained current draw.
- 5.2 Thermal Management and Airflow
The 350W TDP per CPU generates significant localized heat, necessitating high-airflow infrastructure.
- **Rack Density:** Limit the density of these 2U units in a single rack. A typical 42U rack should host no more than 15-18 ApexForge X1 units to maintain safe ambient inlet temperatures (< 27°C).
- **Airflow Path:** Strict adherence to front-to-back airflow is mandatory. Blanking panels must be installed in all unused rack spaces to prevent bypass airflow recirculation.
- **Fan Redundancy:** The chassis relies on N+1 redundant hot-swap fan modules. Regular preventative maintenance should include fan replacement schedules based on operational hours, detailed in the Preventative Hardware Maintenance Schedule.
- 5.3 Firmware and Lifecycle Management
Maintaining the platform's performance and security requires disciplined firmware management.
- **BMC/IPMI:** The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) must be kept on the latest validated firmware version to ensure proper thermal throttling control and security patches. Remote management relies entirely on the stability of this component.
- **BIOS/UEFI:** Processor microcode updates and memory timing profiles are delivered via BIOS updates. A strict quarterly review cycle for vendor-released BIOS updates is recommended.
- **Storage Controller Firmware:** The HBA/RAID controller firmware must be synchronized with the operating system kernel drivers to prevent data corruption issues under heavy I/O stress. Refer to Storage Controller Firmware Best Practices for synchronization matrices.
- 5.4 Component Replacement and Hot-Swapping
The 2U chassis design facilitates component replacement with minimal downtime, provided the correct procedures are followed.
- **Drives:** All 12 primary data drives (NVMe and SATA) are hot-swappable. Replacement must occur only after the drive status light indicates failure or the storage management software has gracefully marked the drive as offline.
- **Memory/CPU:** Memory replacement requires a full system shutdown (graceful OS shutdown followed by power cycle). CPU replacement mandates extensive thermal paste application procedures and torque wrench usage to prevent socket damage. CPU Installation Torque Specifications must be strictly followed.
- **PSUs/Fans:** All power supplies and fan modules are designed for hot-swapping while the system is operational, maintaining N+1 redundancy during the replacement procedure.
Server Hardware Monitoring Tools should be configured to alert administrators immediately upon detection of any component failure or thermal anomaly.
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 |
Order Your Dedicated Server
Configure and order your ideal server configuration
Need Assistance?
- Telegram: @powervps Servers at a discounted price
⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️