Reference design shows frugal cluster processing

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Oct 21, 2005

The VIA Cluster Server Platform is an ultra-energy-efficient high-density server reference design powered by the dual VIA Eden-N processor-based VIA VT310-DP Mini-ITX mainboards.

The VIA Cluster Server Platform is an ultra-energy-efficient high-density server reference design powered by the dual VIA Eden-N processor-based VIA VT310-DP Mini-ITX mainboards.

Launched this week at China's leading technology show eMEX, the VIA Cluster Server Platform reference design comprises low profile 1U units each with two VIA VT310-DP Mini-ITX mainboards, enabling each 1U unit to operate as two individual server nodes.

Leveraging the superb power-performance ratio and thermal properties of the fanless 1GHz VIA Eden-N processors, the VIA Cluster Server Platform draws up to a very low 1kW from a standard AC power outlet, making it the performance per watt leader of its class and extending high density computing into much wider applications than traditional cluster server solutions.

"The ever-increasing demand for processing power in education, business and other organisations that are increasingly cost, space and power conscious has generated a need for more innovative high density server solutions", commented Eric Chang, Special Assistant to the CEO, Strategic Marketing, VIA Technologies.

"Our energy efficient, cost effective Cluster Server Platform packs a powerful processing punch into a really small space, putting massively parallel computing into the hands of whole new markets".

The VIA VT310-DP Mini-ITX in a 1U unit of the cluster reference design permits two 3.5in IDE/SATA hard drives to be installed with the mainboards, enabling high density local storage for applications such as data mining.

Combined with relevant middleware, the reference design empowers all cluster configurations, including high performance, high availability and load balancing designs.

The VIA PadLock Security Engine integrated into each VIA Eden-N processor features a quantum based random number generator and military-grade AES encryption, providing developers with the tools to secure data stored and transmitted in real-time with little penalty to processor utilisation.

Through the ultralow power consumption of VIA VT310-DP Mini-ITX mainboards, the VIA Cluster Server Platform enables high density server solutions that require no power or cooling infrastructure changes, and also makes redundant the need for system and processor fans for near-silent operation, bringing the benefits of a cluster server solution without the traditional high implementation, operation and maintenance costs.

The reference cluster design is available to OEMs and system integrators looking to develop affordable high density server solutions.