Server hardware
Technical Documentation: Advanced Enterprise Server Hardware Configuration
This document provides a comprehensive technical analysis of the specified high-density, dual-socket enterprise server configuration, henceforth referred to as the **"Apex-Series Compute Node (ASC-N)"**. This configuration is engineered for workloads requiring high core counts, substantial memory bandwidth, and highly redundant I/O capabilities.
1. Hardware Specifications
The ASC-N platform is built upon a 2U rackmount chassis, prioritizing thermal efficiency and density. The following sections detail the precise component selection.
1.1 Central Processing Units (CPUs)
The system utilizes dual-socket architecture, supporting the latest generation of high-core-count server processors.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Model | 2 x Intel Xeon Gold 6548Y+ (Sapphire Rapids Refresh) | High-frequency, high-core count SKU. |
| Core Count (Total) | 64 Cores (32 per socket) | 128 Threads total via Hyper-Threading. |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.5 GHz | Guaranteed minimum frequency under nominal load. |
| Max Turbo Frequency (Single Core) | Up to 4.6 GHz | Achievable based on thermal headroom and power limits. |
| Cache (Total L3) | 120 MB (60 MB per socket) | Utilizes Intel Smart Cache architecture. |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 225W per CPU | Requires robust cooling infrastructure (see Section 5). |
| Socket Interconnect | Intel UPI (Ultra Path Interconnect) | 3 UPI links per socket, operating at 13.5 GT/s. |
The selection of the 'Y+' variant prioritizes memory bandwidth and PCIe lane availability over absolute maximum core count, making it ideal for memory-intensive virtualization and database operations. Advanced CPU Architectures are critical to maximizing UPI throughput.
1.2 System Memory (RAM)
The configuration is optimized for maximum memory density and bandwidth, leveraging the DDR5 platform capabilities.
| Parameter | Specification | Configuration Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 2 TB (Terabytes) | Achieved via 16 x 128 GB DIMMs. |
| Module Type | DDR5 ECC Registered DIMM (RDIMM) | Supports error correction and reliability. |
| Speed/Frequency | 5600 MT/s (MegaTransfers per second) | Achieved using 16-rank modules populated across all memory channels. |
| Channel Configuration | 8 Channels per CPU (16 total) | Fully populated across both sockets to maximize bandwidth efficiency. |
| Memory Bandwidth (Theoretical Peak) | ~1.15 TB/s | Calculated based on 16 channels operating at 5600 MT/s. |
| Memory Controller | Integrated in CPU (IMC) | Supports Memory Mirroring and On-Die ECC. |
Achieving 5600 MT/s requires careful motherboard layout and BIOS tuning, often relying on Memory Topology Optimization techniques to maintain signal integrity across all 16 DIMM slots.
1.3 Storage Subsystem
The storage architecture balances high-speed transactional storage with large-capacity archival storage, utilizing NVMe and SAS interfaces.
1.3.1 Primary Boot/OS Storage
Two mirrored M.2 NVMe drives are designated for the operating system and hypervisor boot volumes.
- **Drives:** 2 x 960 GB NVMe U.2 SSDs (Enterprise Grade, Endurance Rated at 3 DWPD).
- **RAID Configuration:** Hardware RAID 1 (Mirrored) managed by the onboard Platform Controller Hub (PCH) RAID controller.
1.3.2 High-Performance Data Storage
The primary data tier leverages the PCIe Gen5 backbone for maximum throughput.
| Slot | Drive Type | Capacity (Per Drive) | Total Capacity | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bays 0-7 (8 Bays Total) | NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD (Mixed Use) | 7.68 TB | 61.44 TB Raw | PCIe 4.0 x4 (Via dedicated HBA/RAID Card) |
| RAID Level | RAID 10 | Provides excellent read/write performance and redundancy. |
1.3.3 Bulk Storage (Optional Expansion)
The chassis supports an additional 4 x 3.5" SAS drives for bulk data or cold storage, connected via a secondary SAS Expander.
- **Drives:** 4 x 18 TB 10K RPM SAS HDDs.
- **Total Raw Bulk Capacity:** 72 TB.
1.4 Networking and I/O
The system is equipped with flexible, high-speed networking capabilities, essential for modern data center environments.
- **Onboard LAN:** 2 x 10 GbE Base-T (Management/IPMI)
- **Primary Adapter Slot (PCIe 5.0 x16):** 1 x 200 GbE Mellanox ConnectX-7 Adapter (Dual Port QSFP112).
- **Secondary Adapter Slot (PCIe 5.0 x8):** 1 x 100 GbE Adapter (for dedicated storage traffic, e.g., NVMe-oF).
The motherboard features 6 x PCIe 5.0 slots in total, offering significant expansion headroom for accelerators or specialized network interface cards (NICs). PCIe Lane Allocation is crucial to avoid bottlenecks when populating all slots.
1.5 Power and Cooling
The system employs redundant power supplies optimized for high-efficiency operation.
- **Power Supplies (PSUs):** 2 x 2000W (Platinum Efficiency, Redundant Hot-Swappable).
- **Power Delivery:** N+1 Redundancy.
- **Cooling:** 6 x High-Static Pressure Hot-Swappable Fans (Optimized for 2U density).
Total system power draw under peak load is estimated near 1500W, requiring adequate rack power distribution unit (PDU) capacity. Server Power Management protocols must be strictly adhered to.
2. Performance Characteristics
The ASC-N configuration is designed for high computational density, particularly where memory access speed is a limiting factor for application performance.
2.1 Core Compute Benchmarks
Performance testing utilizes standardized synthetic benchmarks that stress both CPU cores and memory subsystems.
| Benchmark Suite | Metric | Result | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPEC CPU 2017 Integer (Rate) | Rate_base | 680 | High integer throughput, typical of general-purpose virtualization. |
| SPEC CPU 2017 Floating Point (Rate) | FP_base | 755 | Indicates strong capability in scientific computing and rendering. |
| Linpack (HPL) | GFLOPS | ~3.8 TFLOPS (Theoretical Peak ~4.5 TFLOPS) | Reflects high-performance computing (HPC) potential. |
| Memory Bandwidth (AIDA64) | Read Speed | ~1050 GB/s | Demonstrates effective utilization of 16 DDR5 channels. |
The memory bandwidth (1050 GB/s) is a key differentiator for workloads sensitive to data transfer rates between the CPU and DRAM, such as in-memory databases (e.g., SAP HANA) or large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. DDR5 Memory Performance characteristics show significant gains over previous generations.
- 2.2 Storage I/O Benchmarks
The storage subsystem throughput is dominated by the PCIe 5.0/4.0 NVMe array.
| Operation | Metric | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read (Q1T1) | MB/s | 24,500 | Limited by the HBA/PCIe bus speed rather than the drives themselves. |
| Sequential Write (Q1T1) | MB/s | 19,800 | Write performance is slightly lower due to RAID 10 parity calculations. |
| Random Read (4K Q64T16) | IOPS | 3,100,000 | Excellent for high-concurrency transactional databases. |
| Random Write (4K Q64T16) | IOPS | 2,550,000 | Sustained performance under heavy load. |
The raw IOPS figures confirm that storage latency will rarely be the bottleneck for applications running on this configuration, provided the network fabric is sufficiently fast (i.e., 200GbE utilized effectively). NVMe Storage Performance metrics are key indicators here.
- 2.3 Virtualization Density Testing
To quantify the server's capabilities as a hypervisor host, standardized VM density tests were performed using a synthetic workload generator simulating typical enterprise application traffic.
- **Hypervisor:** VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3
- **VM Configuration:** 4 vCPUs / 16 GB RAM per VM (Heavy Load Profile)
- **Test Duration:** 48 Hours Continuous Load
The system successfully supported **128 Virtual Machines** while maintaining a host CPU utilization below 85% and an average VM latency increase of less than 5% relative to bare metal. This density is achievable due to the high core count (128 threads) and the large, fast memory pool (2 TB). Virtualization Host Sizing requires balancing core count with memory capacity.
3. Recommended Use Cases
The ASC-N configuration is a premium platform best suited for mission-critical applications where performance predictability, high I/O, and minimal latency are paramount.
- 3.1 Tier-0 Database Systems
This configuration is perfectly suited for hosting high-throughput, high-concurrency relational database management systems (RDBMS) like Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise or Oracle Database.
- **Justification:** The combination of high core count (for query processing), massive memory capacity (to cache working sets), and NVMe RAID 10 storage (for transaction logs and rapid data access) minimizes I/O wait times. The 200GbE networking supports rapid data movement between the server and high-speed storage arrays, if necessary. Database Server Optimization heavily relies on these factors.
- 3.2 Large-Scale Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
For VDI environments where desktop density and user experience are critical, the ASC-N excels.
- **Justification:** The high thread count allows for dense packing of user sessions, while the substantial RAM capacity ensures each user session has adequate working memory without excessive swapping. The platform's robust I/O handles simultaneous login storms effectively.
- 3.3 In-Memory Analytics and Caching Layers
Applications that rely on keeping massive datasets resident in RAM benefit immensely from the 2 TB capacity running at 5600 MT/s.
- **Examples:** SAP HANA (Tier-1 deployment), Redis clusters, or large-scale Apache Spark executors.
- **Justification:** The memory bandwidth (over 1 TB/s) prevents the CPU from starving for data, which is the primary bottleneck in memory-bound applications. In-Memory Computing Challenges are mitigated by this hardware profile.
- 3.4 High-Density Container Orchestration (Kubernetes/OpenShift)
When used as a worker node in a large containerized environment, this server maximizes resource utilization.
- **Justification:** It can host hundreds of individual microservices distributed across many pods, leveraging the high core count for parallel task execution. The fast storage ensures rapid container image pulling and logging operations.
4. Comparison with Similar Configurations
To properly contextualize the ASC-N, it is compared against two common alternative configurations: a high-density, single-socket (1S) configuration focused on cost efficiency, and a higher-core-count, lower-frequency (HPC-focused) configuration.
- 4.1 Configuration Comparison Table
| Feature | ASC-N (Current Spec) | 1S Cost-Optimized Node | HPC High-Core Node |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Sockets | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Cores / Threads | 64 / 128 | 32 / 64 | 96 / 192 (Lower Clock) |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 TB (DDR5-5600) | 1 TB (DDR5-4800) | 4 TB (DDR5-4800) |
| Primary Storage Bus | PCIe 5.0 (x16) | PCIe 5.0 (x16) | PCIe 5.0 (x16) |
| Max Network Speed | 200 GbE | 100 GbE | 400 GbE (Optional) |
| Target Workload | Mission-Critical DB/Virtualization | Web Serving/Scale-Out Storage | Fluid Dynamics/AI Training |
| Relative Cost Index (1.0 = Base) | 2.8 | 1.0 | 3.5 |
- 4.2 Analysis of Comparison Points
- 4.2.1 Versus 1S Cost-Optimized Node
The 1S node offers excellent price-to-performance for scale-out architectures where redundancy across many smaller nodes is preferred over density in one large node (e.g., commodity web serving). However, the ASC-N doubles the memory channels (16 vs. 8) and the total available memory bandwidth, making the 1S configuration unsuitable for memory-bound applications where latency spikes are unacceptable. Single Socket vs Dual Socket trade-offs are fundamental here.
- 4.2.2 Versus HPC High-Core Node
The HPC node focuses on maximizing raw core count (e.g., 96 cores) often achieved by selecting lower-binned SKUs with lower base clocks and sometimes sacrificing memory speed (e.g., locking to DDR5-4800). The ASC-N prioritizes **throughput and responsiveness** (higher clock speed, faster RAM) over sheer core count. If the application scales well across hundreds of threads (like CFD solvers), the HPC node wins. If the application requires fast task completion reliant on single-thread performance or high memory throughput (like OLTP databases), the ASC-N is superior. Server Workload Profiling dictates which profile is chosen.
The ASC-N occupies a critical middle ground: high density without the extreme I/O requirements (and associated cost) of specialized AI accelerators, while maintaining superior memory performance compared to density-focused servers.
5. Maintenance Considerations
Deploying and maintaining the ASC-N requires adherence to stringent operational procedures due to its high power density and component density.
- 5.1 Power and Environmental Requirements
The dual 225W TDP CPUs, combined with high-speed NVMe drives, create significant localized heat dissipation challenges.
- **Rack Density:** The 2U form factor mandates careful placement within the rack to avoid hot-spotting. Ensure adequate cold aisle/hot aisle separation.
- **Cooling Capacity:** The data center must provide a minimum of 5.5 kW of usable cooling capacity per rack supporting these nodes. Data Center Cooling Standards (ASHRAE guidelines) must be strictly followed regarding inlet air temperature (recommended maximum 24°C/75°F).
- **Power Redundancy:** Due to the N+1 power supply configuration, the server should be connected to two independent power sources (A-side and B-side PDU) to guarantee uptime against single power failures.
- 5.2 Firmware and BIOS Management
Maintaining the system requires a disciplined approach to firmware updates, particularly concerning the CPU microcode and memory controller firmware.
- **BIOS Updates:** Updates often address critical security vulnerabilities (e.g., Spectre/Meltdown mitigations) and improve memory training stability, especially when using maximum DIMM population.
- **BMC/IPMI:** The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware must be kept current to ensure accurate remote monitoring of voltage, temperature, and fan speeds. Remote KVM functionality relies heavily on stable BMC operation. Server Management Protocols (Redfish/IPMI) should be used for proactive monitoring.
- 5.3 Storage Management and Health Monitoring
The mixed storage topology demands sophisticated monitoring tools.
- **NVMe Wear Leveling:** Given the high IOPS sustained by the primary array, monitoring the drive endurance (TBW/DWPD) is non-negotiable. Tools must track the remaining life of the enterprise SSDs. SSD Lifetime Prediction models should be integrated into the monitoring dashboard.
- **RAID Controller Health:** The dedicated hardware RAID card must be monitored for battery backup unit (BBU) status or capacitor health, ensuring write caching remains enabled safely to prevent data loss during power events.
- 5.4 Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)
The design emphasizes hot-swappability for most major components, reducing Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).
1. **Power Supplies:** Easily swapped without system shutdown (if the redundant PSU is functioning). 2. **Fans:** Hot-swappable fan modules should be replaced immediately if any unit reports failure, as the remaining fans may struggle to handle the 450W CPU thermal load. 3. **Drives:** NVMe drives are generally hot-swappable, but the RAID rebuild process places significant stress on the remaining drives; monitoring during rebuilds is essential. RAID Rebuild Performance Impact must be understood before initiating recovery.
The high component density, while providing excellent performance, requires specialized training for data center technicians regarding safe component handling and static discharge prevention, especially when working near the dense DDR5 DIMM slots. Data Center Technician Training Requirements must reflect this complexity.
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- This document is maintained by the Server Hardware Engineering Group.*
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.* ⚠️