HPE Synergy 480 Gen10 Multi-MXM Graphics Expansion Module

Description

There are three different configurations for the HPE Synergy 480 Gen10 Multi-MXM Graphics Expansion Module. One that supports two full-height, full-length, double-wide 300W GPUs. Another that supports four full-height, full-length, single-wide GPUs. And this version, which features up to six MXM graphics cards from Nvidia. Up to four Synergy Frame 12000 chassis can be hosted in each rack and can provide thousands of user sessions per rack. Two pass-thru mezzanine slots on the Graphics module provide a pass-thru connection to the compute module, which is attached to the graphics module with two screws. The Synergy Frame 12000 supports both Synergy 480 and 660 Gen10 compute and storage modules.

HPE Synergy 12000 Frame Compute, Storage, and Graphics Modules

Performance

The HPE Multi-MXM Graphics Expansion Module only houses the GPUs, while the attached compute module does the processing with dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors supporting up to 2TB with both processors installed. Both 1st and 2nd generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors are supported and support memory speeds of up to 2666MT/s or 2966MT/s, respectively. Each processor supports 6x memory channels and 12x memory module slots.

Memory

With two 2nd generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors (Cascade Lake) installed the system will support up to 9TB using CPUs with an “L” suffix. Using 1st generation intel Xeon Scalable processors the system can support a maximum of 3TB using Load-Reduced (LRDIMM) memory modules or 1.5TB using Registered (RDIMM) memory modules but only with CPUs featuring an “M” suffix. Regular 1st generation processors will support only 780GB each for a total of 1.5TB. Non-Volatile (NVDIMM) memory modules, and Intel Optane Data Centric Persistent memory modules (DCPMM) are also supported, using the appropriate processors.

Storage

The Synergy 480 Gen10 compute modules has two 2.5-inch front drive bays. Additional storage can be added in the form of a M.2. It is also compatible with uFF drives that feature two M.2 SSDs per HD tray for a total of 4x uFF drives. SATA drives are supported natively, while SAS and uFF drives will require a discrete HD/RAID controller, which mounts just under the drive bays. You can also install a P416ie-m SR Gen 10 Smart Array Controller to access the Synergy D3940 storage module, which supports up to 40x 2.5-inch storage devices. The P416ie-m can also be used to support the drives in the front storage bays with an appropriate HD cable.

Expansion

The MXM Graphics Expansion module can support six MXM form factor GPUs. Two PCIe connectors connect the graphics mezzanine to the compute module. Additional HD/RAID controllers can also be installed for support of SAS and uFF drive types. Optional dual port Fibre Channel mezzanine cards provide redundant Storage Area Network (SAN) connections.

Management

System management leverages the integrated Lights Out module in each compute node accessible from the HPE Synergy console on the front of the Synergy 12000 Frame or from the Frame Link Module on the rear of the chassis. A custom version of HPE’s OneView provides one to many systems management either at the chassis or remotely with an advanced license. Additionally, The Synergy Image Streamer supports the composable nature of the system allowing rapid image/application changes using software defined intelligence from the HPE Synergy Composer, which manages all of the physical resources on the system.

Summary

The HPE Synergy 480 Gen10 Multi-MXM Graphics Expansion module is an excellent addition to the Synergy 12000 Frame offering graphic support for applications in engineering, architecture and financial analysis. The unique composable architecture offered by the 12000 Frame provides an agile and resilient network that’s easy to provision virtual and physical aspects of compute, memory, and storage.