Supermicro's New Multi-Node Liquid Cooled Architecture with Maximum Performance Density Purpose-Built for HPC at Scale

Rhea-AI Summary

Supermicro (NASDAQ: SMCI) has unveiled its new FlexTwin family of systems, designed for high-performance computing (HPC) tasks. These multi-node liquid-cooled servers offer unprecedented compute density, supporting up to 96 dual-processor nodes in a 48U rack. Key features include:

- Support for high-frequency CPUs up to 500W with direct liquid cooling (DLC)
- Multi-vendor CPU support with up to 12 memory channels per CPU
- Front-accessible hot-swap components for easy maintenance
- Enhanced reliability with redundant power supplies and hot-swappable cooling pumps
- Optimized for rack-level liquid cooling solutions

Supermicro offers complete rack-scale integration services, with a global manufacturing capacity of up to 5,000 racks per month, including 1,350 liquid-cooled racks.

Positive

• Introduction of FlexTwin systems with high compute density (96 dual-processor nodes in a 48U rack)
• Support for high-performance CPUs up to 500W with direct liquid cooling
• Improved energy efficiency with up to 90% of server-generated heat removed by liquid cooling
• Enhanced serviceability with front-accessible hot-swap components
• Large-scale manufacturing capacity of up to 5,000 racks per month

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

Supermicro's new FlexTwin architecture represents a significant leap in high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. The system's ability to support up to 96 dual-processor compute nodes in a standard 48U rack is truly impressive, offering unprecedented compute density. This design could be a game-changer for data centers struggling with space constraints.

The integration of direct liquid cooling (DLC) for CPUs up to 500W each is particularly noteworthy. This allows for higher performance and energy efficiency, potentially reducing operational costs and environmental impact. The claim of removing 90% of server-generated heat through liquid cooling is substantial and could significantly lower cooling costs in data centers.

However, the true impact will depend on the adoption rate and real-world performance. While the technology is promising, factors such as implementation costs and compatibility with existing infrastructure will influence its market success.

Financial Analyst

Supermicro's FlexTwin systems could potentially strengthen the company's position in the competitive HPC market. The focus on performance density and energy efficiency aligns well with current industry trends, which could drive demand from data centers and research institutions.

The company's ability to offer a complete solution, including servers, racks, networking and liquid cooling components, could lead to increased revenue per customer and improved margins. This end-to-end approach may also help Supermicro differentiate itself from competitors.

However, investors should consider the capital investment required for manufacturing these advanced systems and the potential impact on short-term profitability. The success of FlexTwin will likely depend on Supermicro's ability to effectively market the technology and secure large-scale deployments. While the innovation is promising, it's important to monitor actual sales figures and customer adoption rates in the coming quarters to gauge the financial impact on Supermicro.

The New Rack-Scale Ready FlexTwin™ Systems Deliver Unprecedented Compute-Density in a Multi-Node Form Factor, with DLC dual CPUs up to 500W Each per Node, Front Node Access and Optimized Networking 

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI) a Total IT Solution Provider for AI/ML, HPC, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge is announcing the all-new FlexTwin family of systems which has been designed to address the needs of scientists, researchers, governments, and enterprises undertaking the world's most complex and demanding computing tasks. Featuring flexible support for the latest CPU, memory, storage, power and cooling technologies, FlexTwin is purpose-built to support demanding HPC workloads including financial services, scientific research, and complex modeling. These systems are cost-optimized for performance per dollar and can be customized to suit specific HPC applications and customer requirements thanks to Supermicro's modular Building Block Solutions® design.

"Supermicro's FlexTwin servers set a new standard of performance density for rack-scale deployments with up to 96 dual processor compute nodes in a standard 48U rack," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "At Supermicro, we're able to offer a complete one-stop solution that includes servers, racks, networking, liquid cooling components, and liquid cooling towers, speeding up the time to deployment and resulting in higher quality and reliability across the entire infrastructure, enabling customers faster time to results. Up to 90% of the server generated heat is removed with the liquid cooling solution, saving significant amounts of energy and enabling higher compute performance."

For more information about FlexTwin systems, please visit here.

This new multi-node design incorporates Supermicro's modular Resource Saving Architecture which uses shared power supplies and DLC of critical components to reduce raw materials usage, maximize power efficiency, and lower data center PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness). The new FlexTwin architecture includes a range of new and industry standard technologies which not only improve performance but also enhance workload flexibility and serviceability for large-scale data centers.

• Support for the latest generation of high-frequency CPUs up to 500W with DLC enabling compute densities unachievable with traditional data center air cooling
• Multi-vendor CPU support with up to 12 memory channels per CPU
• Front-accessible hot-swap compute nodes, I/O ports, and optional drive bays to enhance serviceability and simplify maintenance from the cold aisle
• Enhanced reliability with redundant power supplies and hot-swappable liquid cooling pumps to minimize downtime
• Optimized total rack level solutions for in-row and in-rack liquid cool deployments

To support the deployment of the FlexTwin architecture at scale, Supermicro offers rack-scale integration services to design, build, validate, and deliver complete solutions of any size thanks to an industry-leading global manufacturing capacity of up to 5,000 racks per month (including 1,350 liquid cooled racks), extensive rack-scale integration and testing facilities, and a comprehensive suite of management software solutions.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Supermicro (NASDAQ: SMCI) is a global leader in Application-Optimized Total IT Solutions. Founded and operating in San Jose, California, Supermicro is committed to delivering first to market innovation for Enterprise, Cloud, AI, and 5G Telco/Edge IT Infrastructure. We are a Total IT Solutions provider with server, AI, storage, IoT, switch systems, software, and support services. Supermicro's motherboard, power, and chassis design expertise further enable our development and production, enabling next generation innovation from cloud to edge for our global customers. Our products are designed and manufactured in-house (in the US, Taiwan, and the Netherlands), leveraging global operations for scale and efficiency and optimized to improve TCO and reduce environmental impact (Green Computing). The award-winning portfolio of Server Building Block Solutions® allows customers to optimize for their exact workload and application by selecting from a broad family of systems built from our flexible and reusable building blocks that support a comprehensive set of form factors, processors, memory, GPUs, storage, networking, power, and cooling solutions (air-conditioned, free air cooling or liquid cooling).

Supermicro, Server Building Block Solutions, and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

All other brands, names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

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SOURCE Super Micro Computer, Inc.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of dual-processor compute nodes Supermicro's FlexTwin can support in a 48U rack?

Supermicro's FlexTwin can support up to 96 dual-processor compute nodes in a standard 48U rack, offering unprecedented performance density for rack-scale deployments.

What is the maximum CPU power supported by Supermicro's FlexTwin systems with direct liquid cooling?

Supermicro's FlexTwin systems support high-frequency CPUs with up to 500W power consumption using direct liquid cooling (DLC).

How much heat can be removed by the liquid cooling solution in Supermicro's FlexTwin systems?

The liquid cooling solution in Supermicro's FlexTwin systems can remove up to 90% of the server-generated heat, resulting in significant energy savings and enabling higher compute performance.

What is Supermicro's (SMCI) monthly rack manufacturing capacity, including liquid-cooled racks?

Supermicro (SMCI) has a global manufacturing capacity of up to 5,000 racks per month, including 1,350 liquid-cooled racks.