TAIPEI, Taiwan, Nov. 2, 2018 — GIGABYTE is bringing more choices to its AMD EPYC server line-up with the release of a new dual-socket 2U 4 node server: H261-Z61, and two new single-socket motherboards: MZ01-CE0 and MZ01-CE1.

H261-Z61 Dual Socket Density Optimized Rackmount Server

The H261-Z61 is the new variant of GIGABYTE’s first AMD EPYC 2U 4 node H261-Z60 server released in June, adding support for 8 x U.2 drives (2 x U.2 drives per node) for additional ultra-fast flash storage capacity. Both the H261-Z60 and H261-Z61 combine 4 individual hot pluggable sliding node trays into a 2U server box. The node trays slide in and out easily from the rear of the unit.

Each node of the H261-Z61 supports dual AMD EPYC 7000 series processors, with up to 32 cores, 64 threads and 8 channels of memory per CPU. Therefore, each node can feature up to 64 cores and 128 threads of compute power. Memory wise, each socket utilizes EPYC’s 8 channels of memory with 1 x DIMM per channel / 8 x DIMMS per socket, for a total capacity of 16 x DIMMS per node (over 2TB of memory supported per each node).

GIGABYTE has recently demonstrated that its server design is optimized for AMD EPYC, claiming the world record for the MOST energy-efficient AMD-based server by achieving the top score of the SPECpower_ssj2008 benchmark (measuring performance to power ratio) for dual socket AMD EPYC server systems.

Ultra-Fast Storage Support

In the front of the unit are 24 x 2.5” hot-swappable drive bays, featuring support for 2 x U.2 drives and 4 x SATA / SATA drives per each node (for a total capacity of 8 x U.2 drives and 16 x SATA / SAS drives per system). In addition, each node features dual onboard M.2 ports to support additional flash storage device such as an OS boot disk.

Expansion Flexibility

Dual 1GbE LAN ports are integrated into each node as a standard networking option. In addition, each node features 2 x half-length low profile PCIe Gen3 x 16 slots and 1 x OCP Gen3 x 16 mezzanine slots. GIGABYTE delivers best-in class expansion slot options for this form factor.

Easy & Efficient Multi Node Management

The H261-Z61 features a system-wide Aspeed AST1050 CMC (Central Management Controller) and LAN module switch, connecting internally to Aspeed AST2500 BMCs integrated on each node. This results only in one MLAN connection required for management of all four nodes, resulting in less ToR (Top of Rack) cabling and less ports required on your top of rack switch (only one port instead for four required for remote management of all nodes).

Ring Topology Management for Even Greater Efficiency

Going a step further, the H261-Z61 also features the ability to create a “ring” connection for management of all servers in a rack. Only two switch connections are needed, while each server is connected to each other in a chain. The ring will not be broken even if one server in the chain is shut down. This can even further reduce cabling and switch port usage for even greater cost savings and management efficiency.

Efficient Power & Cooling

GIGABYTE’s H261-Z61 is designed for not only greater compute density but also with better reliability and cost efficiency in mind. The system architecture features shared cooling and power for the nodes, with a dual fan wall of 8 (4 x 2) easy swap fans for cooling redundancy and 2 x 2200W redundant PSUs. In addition, the nodes connect directly to the system backplane with GIGABYTE’s Direct Board Connection Technology, resulting in less cabling and improved airflow for better cooling efficiency.

MZ01-CE0 / CE1 Single Socket ATX Motherboards

GIGABYTE has also added two new server motherboards to our AMD EPYC product line-up: MZ01-CE0 and MZ01-CE1, featuring a workstation friendly ATX form-factor and layout, and the ability to install up to four dual slot GPU cards.

The MZ01-CE0 and MZ01-CE1 both feature single socket AMD EPYC 7000-series processors for up to 32 cores and 64 threads of compute power, and with 8 channels of memory and 8 x DIMM slots for a total capacity of 1,024TB of memory.

These motherboards utilize well the single socket EPYC’s massive I/O capabilities by featuring four PCIe x16 expansion slots and one PCIe x8 expansion slot, which can be used to install up to four dual slot GPU cards (such as NVIDIA’s Tesla V100 GPGPU ) or other options such as a Mellanox 100GbE / EDR Infiniband networking card. Both motherboards also feature an onboard M.2 port for a high speed flash storage device, as well as four SlimSAS ports for up to 16 x SATAIII storage devices.

The difference between these two motherboards is in networking: MZ01-CE0 and MZ01-CE1 both feature dual onboard 1GbE LAN ports as standard, while MZ01-CE0 adds additional dual onboard 10GbE Base-T LAN ports. Both motherboards also feature a dedicated management port and Aspeed AST2500 BMC for remote management with GIGABYTE’s user friendly GSM (GIGABYTE Server Management) software platform.

Source: GIGABYTE