Powerful Gigabyte R292-4S1 System with Intel Xeon Cooper Lake

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Overview of the Gigabyte R292-4S1 System

• 2.1 Specs of the Gigabyte R292-4S1 System
• 2.2 The Cooper Lake Processors
• 2.3 Intel Optane PMem200
• 2.4 B Float 16 Support

3. Performance and Power Consumption

• 3.1 Clock Speeds and TDP
• 3.2 DDR4 3200 Support
• 3.3 Increased Bandwidth
• 3.4 Scalability and Reduced Latency
• 3.5 Power Consumption Considerations

4. Serviceability and Ease of Use

5. Conclusion

💡 Highlights

• Introducing the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system, a powerful four-socket Cooper Lake system.
• Key specifications include four CPUs, 18 terabytes of memory capacity, and 192 PCIe Gen 3 lanes.
• Cooper Lake is the third generation Xeon Scalable processor, featuring six UPI links and improved memory support.
• The system supports Intel Optane PMem200, delivering higher performance and memory capacity.
• B Float 16 support allows for enhanced AI performance and large memory footprints.

Introduction

Welcome to a review of the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system, an exceptional four-socket Cooper Lake system. In this article, we will dive deep into the specifications, features, and performance of this powerful system. So, let's get started!

Overview of the Gigabyte R292-4S1 System

2.1 Specs of the Gigabyte R292-4S1 System

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system is a high-end server designed for demanding workloads. It boasts four CPUs, each with a TDP of 250 watts. With a total of 48 DIMM slots, the system can support a massive 18 terabytes of memory. Furthermore, it offers 192 PCIe Gen 3 lanes for exceptional connectivity.

2.2 The Cooper Lake Processors

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system utilizes the third generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, known as Cooper Lake. These processors feature six UPI links, providing double the bandwidth compared to previous generations. This enhanced connectivity is especially beneficial in a four-socket configuration, ensuring optimal performance and reduced bottlenecks.

2.3 Intel Optane PMem200

An outstanding feature of the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system is its support for Intel Optane PMem200. Formerly known as Intel DC Persistent Memory, PMem200 offers increased performance and capacity compared to its predecessors. With blue heat sinks distinguishing them, PMem200 modules can be combined with DRAM to achieve an impressive 18 terabytes of memory capacity in the system.

2.4 B Float 16 Support

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system also features B Float 16 support, which is crucial in the AI industry. B Float 16 allows for enhanced AI performance, delivering approximately twice the performance of FP32. This support is especially valuable for applications that require large memory footprints and may not be well-suited for GPUs.

Performance and Power Consumption

3.1 Clock Speeds and TDP

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system offers higher clock speeds compared to its predecessors, thanks to the Cooper Lake processors. With increased clock speeds, applications can experience improved performance, making the system ideal for demanding workloads.

Additionally, the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the system is worth noting. With a total TDP of one kilowatt, the system requires robust cooling solutions to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating.

3.2 DDR4 3200 Support

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system supports DDR4 3200 memory, providing higher memory bandwidth compared to earlier generations. This support enables faster data transfer and enhances overall system performance.

3.3 Increased Bandwidth

Cooper Lake processors offer double the bandwidth between sockets compared to previous generations. This increased bandwidth is critical in a four-socket configuration, reducing bottlenecks and improving system performance. It also allows for seamless scaling and facilitates data-intensive tasks.

3.4 Scalability and Reduced Latency

By utilizing the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system, organizations can experience improved scalability and reduced latency. Scaling up to a large node like this results in fewer switch ports, layers of aggregation, and network cards required. This consolidation leads to cost savings and enhances overall performance.

3.5 Power Consumption Considerations

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system consumes a substantial amount of power due to its high performance and multiple components. However, for organizations investing in these powerful servers, power consumption costs are typically overshadowed by the benefits gained from the system's capabilities. With careful planning, organizations can optimize power utilization and ensure cost-effectiveness.

Serviceability and Ease of Use

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system excels in terms of serviceability, thanks to its well-designed components. While the system's complexity can make certain aspects challenging, such as cable management, Gigabyte has taken steps to make servicing the system as smooth as possible. The inclusion of latches, easily accessible fan partitions, and copper heatsinks enhances serviceability and ensures efficient maintenance.

However, given the complexity involved in building and configuring a system of this nature, it is advisable for organizations to purchase fully integrated and tested systems from reputable vendors. This approach eliminates potential challenges and ensures a seamless deployment.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system stands as an extraordinary solution for organizations seeking robust computing power and scalability. With its impressive specifications, including four CPUs, 18 terabytes of memory capacity, and 192 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, this system delivers exceptional performance for demanding workloads. While power consumption is a consideration, the benefits of the system far outweigh the energy costs. Overall, the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system serves as a testament to the capabilities of Cooper Lake processors and represents a significant advancement in server technology.

Please note that the prices Mentioned in the article are approximate and may vary depending on the configuration and vendor.

📝 FAQ

Q: Can the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system be customized to meet specific requirements? A: Yes, the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system can be customized to meet specific needs. Organizations can choose different CPU configurations, memory capacities, and storage options based on their requirements.

Q: What are the advantages of B Float 16 support in the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system? A: B Float 16 support in the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system enhances AI performance by offering approximately twice the performance of FP32. This support is particularly valuable for applications that require large memory footprints and may not be suitable for GPU acceleration.

Q: How does the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system compare to two-socket servers in terms of memory capacity? A: The Gigabyte R292-4S1 system outperforms two-socket servers in terms of memory capacity. With support for up to 18 terabytes of memory, the system provides significantly more memory for data-intensive workloads.

Q: What is the recommended approach for deploying and servicing the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system? A: It is recommended to purchase the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system as a fully integrated, tested, and validated solution from a reputable vendor to ensure smooth deployment and minimize potential challenges. Professional integration and serviceability expertise are crucial for managing the complexity of the system effectively.

Q: Can the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system be used for AI training tasks? A: Yes, the Gigabyte R292-4S1 system is well-suited for AI training tasks. With its powerful processors and support for B Float 16, the system can handle complex AI workloads that require large memory footprints and high-performance computing capabilities.