ARM Server Systems with Ampere Altra Max CPU

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 ARMv9 microarchitecture 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 server systems with ARM CPU

GIGABYTE server systems with ARM CPU GIGABYTE ARM servers with licensed Ampere Altra, Ampere Altra Max and AmpereOne CPU - computing advantage through SoC with high density of processor cores

For its ARM servers, GIGABYTE relies on licensed ARM processors from Ampere Computing. An SoC CPU (server-on-a-chip) is used here, which bundles a large number of ARM processor cores in a very small space thanks to its design. These ARM servers also offer a large number of interfaces, extensive memory capacity and bandwidth, virtualised processor cores and much more.

Depending on the model, the GIGABYTE ARM servers are characterised by these specifications, among others:

Ampere Altra CPU, Ampere Altra Max CPU, AmpereOne processor:

• ARM server processors with up to 192 cores (AmpereOne)
• Neoverse V2 architecture based on ARMv9
• Ampere Altra Max with up to 128 cores for higher multithreading performance
• AmpereOne with higher single-core performance and optimised memory connection
• Up to 12 memory channels for DDR5 memory
• SFP+/QSFP+ ports for high data throughput and low latency
• Multiple PCIe 5.0 expansion slots
• Up to 24x hot-swap option for HDDs and SSDs between 2.5 - 3.5 inches
• Redundant power supply with 400W - Dual 1600W 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 - high-performance model with up to 128 ARMv9 cores
• AmpereOne - Scalable model with up to 192 ARMv9 cores and improved energy efficiency
• 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.

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.

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

At HAPPYWARE, we provide our customers with technical solutions for a wide range of requirements - be it with rack servers, AMD servers, ARM servers, Intel servers or blade servers. 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 server 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.