Next-gen enterprise hardware: M6-series four-socket servers with Intel 3rd-generation Xeon Scalable Processor
Following the launch of the latest 3rd-generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, Inspur released on June 16 two all-new M6 series four-socket servers: the 2U cloud-optimized NF8260M6 and the 4U NF8480M6 for enterprise applications.
The new generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processor can scale to four and eight socket servers with a single CPU reaching up to 28 cores, and features the Bfloat16 instruction set to enhance AI performance and computing speed. It is also application-optimized for cloud computing, in-memory database, deep learning, and virtualization. Inspur’s M6 servers leverage these CPU advancements to provide customers with upgraded hardware delivering higher density, performance, and reliability.
Compute density and memory to tackle massive data sets
The NF8260M6 supports the compute density of 4 processors in 2U, up to 112 cores. Compared with a 2U 2-socket platform, it presents TCO savings by cutting down on physical space by 50%, operation and maintenance costs by 40%, and power consumption by 7%.
Both four-socket servers feature increased memory capacity, supporting a maximum of 48 DIMMs, DDR4 and the new Intel Optane Memory 200 series. Each channel can provide a maximum of 4.5TB memory (6*512GB Intel Optane memory + 6*256GB DDR4 DRAM) for applications like as in-memory databases, data warehouses, SAP HANA and OLAP, to help customers analyze and mine massive data sets for more precise business decision-making. Moreover, the non-volatile characteristics of Intel Optane memory ensures the integrity of memory data in case of abnormal conditions like sudden power failure.
Load balancing to meet different business needs
Architecturally, both systems use a balanced topology design to ensure even service load distribution, improve overall business performance, and reduce cross-CPU service processing delays, providing a more efficient solution for load-balancing, deep packet inspection (DPI) and other data scenarios.
In terms of IO expansion, the NF8480M6 and NF8260M6 can support up to 6 standard PCIe slots onboard – more than enough to fulfill over 90% of customer business needs, though further riser expansion could be achieved for even more intensive workload demands. Faced with the different storage needs of customers, M6 series four-socket servers can provide various solutions on-demand to meet the high-IOPS and high-cost-performance requirements of mainstream businesses.
Stability and reliability to sustain business applications
In addition to greater processing capabilities, the four-socket server must also boast good RAS characteristics — reliability, availability, and serviceability — to ensure the uninterrupted continuity of service. Inspur’s M6 four-sockets adopt systematic fault-tolerant technologies at the chip, component, machine, and system levels. Hot switching, intelligent detection, intelligent management, and other technologies can effectively isolate the impact of hardware and signal errors on the system and reduce unplanned downtime, ensuring data stability and smooth, continuous business operation.
At its core, the new M6 four-socket series is incepted based on Inspur’s ruling principle of “scenario-based ultimate design”: according to the user’s specific applications, effectively combining platform and modularization strategies so that each product can efficiently change and flexibly expand with application needs, helping enterprises adapt to and capitalize on the digital era.