ARM Servers - New Ampere Altra CPU Server Systems

ARM servers in operation - ARM processor based Servers offer advantages over traditional x86 processors

Today, ARM processors can be found everywhere in everyday life, even though they were mainly used in embedded systems, game consoles, and smartphones for a long time. With the 64-bit microarchitecture ARMv8, developed in 2012, several ARM servers are available on the market.

In particular, for operators of large server farms and data centers, ARM servers represent a viable alternative to Intel's x86 processors (including Intel Xeon) and AMD:

• Computing power thanks to scale-out

  An ARM processor with 64-bit architecture is much more efficient and economical than x86 processors such as the Intel Xeon. Instead of using additional computing power from individual cores, the computing power is provided by a significantly larger number of cores.

• Save energy with ARM processors

  By splitting the workload over a large number of cores, energy consumption per chip is reduced. This means that ARM servers do not need to be cooled as extensively as other models.

• Shared workload with 64 and 32-bit architecture

  Unlike the x86 processor architecture, an ARM server can mix and process 64 and 32-bit workloads.

• Cost-effective replacement of ARM processors

  ARM processors are particularly powerful in mass computing and less complex than other processors. Therefore, they can be replaced at a lower cost in case of failure.

• Compact design

  ARM processors can be used both in large tower servers and as ARM servers in a 1U rackmount chassis.

Gigabyte ARM servers with licensed Cavium ThunderX CPU - processing advantage with SoC using a high density of processor cores

For its ARM servers, Gigabyte relies on licensed ARM processors by Cavium. A SoC CPU (server on a chip) is used, which bundles many ARM processor cores in a small space. These ARM servers also offer a multitude of interfaces, comprehensive memory capacity and bandwidth, virtualized processor cores, and many other features.

Depending on the model, the Gigabyte ARM servers excel thanks to these specifications:

• Cavium ThunderX / Cavium ThunderX2 ARM processors
• Up to 48 cores per chip with ARMv8 processor architecture thanks to SoC (server-on-a-chip)
• SFP+/QSFP+ - ports for high data throughput and low latency
• Multiple PCIe-3.0 expansion slots
• Dedicated management port
• Onboard Broadcom® SAS3008 controller
• Integrated DDR4 memory
• Up to 24x hot-swap option for HDDs and SSDs between 2.5 - 3.5in
• Redundant power supply with 400W - Dual 1200W power supplies

Gigabyte ARM Servers with Ampere Altra CPU

The Ampere Altra is a CPU based on the ARM Neoverse N1 platform. Ampere Altra ARM CPUs belong to the group of RISC processors. The Ampere Altra has 80 cores with a base frequency of 2.8 GHz and a turbo frequency of 3.3 GHz. Each core is designed as a single thread. In terms of caches, each core has a 64-KB L1-I cache (instruction cache) and a 1-MB L2-D cache (data cache). The system level cache is 32 MB. The Ampere Altra has 8 memory controllers, each with a 72-bit address range for DDR4-3200 for 2DPC memory. Thus, up to 4 TB per socket can be achieved.

2 units with 128 elements for SIMD (Single Instruction Multi Data) and the data types INT8 and FP16 are available. 128 PCIe Gen4 lanes are available for the IO.

 Which Ampere Altra CPU models are available

• Altra Max - is available at the end of Q4 2021
• Altra Q80-33 80 3,3 GHz 250W 128xG4 PCIe,  8x3200 DDR4
• Altra Q80-30 80 3,0 GHz 210W 128xG4 PCIe,  8x3200 DDR4
• Altra Q80-26 80 2,6 GHz 175W 128xG4 PCIe,  8x3200 DDR4
• Altra Q80-23 80 2,3 GHz 150W 128xG4 PCIe,  8x3200 DDR4
• Altra Q72-30 72 3,0 GHz 195W 128xG4 PCIe,  8x3200 DDR4
• Altra Q64-33 64 3,3 GHz 220W 128xG4 PCIe,  8x3200 DDR4
• Altra Q64-24 64 2,4 GHz 95W 128xG4 PCIe,  8x3200 DDR4

Small comparison: Ampere Altra CPU versus Xeon & Epyc CPU

A very important difference to AMD and Intel is the definition of the turbo frequency of the Altra processors. The turbo frequency is also called sustained turbo in the Altra systems. This frequency is achieved in 99% of all workloads. The base frequency is generally only reached in idle or low usage periods. (see Figure 1)

This contrasts with Intel and AMD processors, where there is an increase over the base frequency. The TDP defined by Ampere is the maximum average peak power consumption (see Figure 2 and Figure 3).

Who needs a Server with Ampere ARM CPU?

The Ampere ARM Server offers the best performance per watt currently available. With the ability to support PCIe Gen4 cards and the possibility of NVMe and SAS disks, the 1U and 2U R152-P30 and R272-P30 rack systems are predestined for use in the cloud in an OpenStack or Kubernetes environment.

The E252-P30 system can be deployed in edge computing as it has a depth of 449 mm. All ports except the one from the power supply are accessible from the front.

The G242-P31 system can accommodate up to four GPU cards.

Configure and buy ARM Server Systems with your vendor

Here at your vendor HAPPYWARE, we provide customers with technical solutions for a wide range of requirements. We also offer a range of comprehensive services - from express manufacturing of your servers to a possible buyback of your hardware:

• Custom ARM Servers configured with Configure-To-Order Service

  You can set up a Multi-Node ARM server or any other configuration - our configurator allows you to complete and order your individual system with just a few clicks.

• The alternative to buying: rent or lease an ARM server

  If you are interested in leasing your server system from us or if you want to rent it permanently, we will be happy to help you. We offer flexible terms so that you don't have to do without high-quality IT hardware - even on a small budget.

• Warranty packages for ARM Servers

  We are happy to provide you with detailed information about our different warranty packages. These include a wide range of services from an extended warranty period and free pickup & return to short-term on-site service.

Would you like to learn more about Gigabyte ARM servers? At HAPPYWARE, we will find the right server solution for your needs. Send us an e-mail or call us at +49 4181 235770, and we will be happy to help you with your questions.