Bringing ARM into the Server World

Presenting a genuine alternative to x86 for your next server deployment. The ThunderX2® is the 64-bit ARMv8 SoC that offers an unprecedented level of integration and industry leading performance, with custom fully out-of-order cores, single and dual socket configurations, very high memory bandwidth, large memory capacity, integrated I/O, server class virtualization and RAS features, and extensive power management. The ThunderX2® further accelerates adoption of ARM servers for mainstream cloud and HPC applications by providing the next level of computing performance and ecosystem readiness.

2nd gen. ARM server SoC
2 – 3X higher performance than ThunderX®

ThunderX2® CPU Key Features

ComputeUp to 32 custom ARM v8.1 cores
Memory8 channels DDR4
I/O56 PCIe Gen3 lanes
Cache32KB L1 / 256KB L2 / 32MB L3 distributed
CPU Interconnect600Gbps Cavium Coherent Interconnect (CCPI2)
CPU Cores
  • Fully out of order, 1 / 2 / 4 threads per core
  • Up to 2.5 GHz in normal mode, up to 3 GHz in turbo mode
  • 3X single thread performance compared to ThunderX®
Memory Optimization
  • Memory speed up to 2666MHz
  • Up to 16 DIMMS per socket, up to 4 TB of memory per system in dual socket configuration
Advanced Power Management
  • On-chip management engine for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling across the chip
  • Full turbo mode support
Flexible IO
  • Integrated 56 lanes of PCIe Gen3 interfaces, x1, x4, x8 and x16 support, 14 integrated PCIe controllers
  • Integrated SATA v3, GPIOs, USB interfaces
Advanced Server Class RAS Features
  • Covering memory, CPU, cache, CCPI2 and PCIe interfaces

A Real x86 Alternative

  • Performance of ThunderX2 is on par with x86 for many general purpose data center applications, excellent price / performance ratio
  • A wide ARM server ecosystem now exists including many of the most popular platforms for HPC, cloud & telecommunications applications.
  • Allows for a seamless front end / back end connection using the same system architecture to millions of ARM handheld and IoT devices

R181-T90 System Block Diagram

R181-T90 Product Overview

Dense Add-On Slot Design

GIGABYTE brings you the most comprehensive add-on slot options available: Low Profile/ OCP/ Full Height Half Length/ Full Height Full Length

3 x Low Profile & 2 x OCP in 1U

6 x Full Height Half Length & 2 x Low Profile & 2 x OCP in 2U

Carefully Selected Components

GIGABYTE SERVER passive components are meticulously selected to guarantee a super stable operating environment and allow the processors and the memory to deliver their maximum performance. With some of the longest service lifetimes in the industry, our server motherboards are built with ultra long lasting components to attain the highest reliability levels.

Design Features for Easy Maintenance

GIGABYTE platforms contain many tool less design features for easy installation, maintenance and removal – never worry about forgetting your toolbox or losing a screw again!

Tool-less Rail Kits

Rail kits attach to the side of the server chassis via clipping mechanism.

Tool-less 2.5” & 3.5” Drive Bays

Clipping mechanism secures the drive in place. Install or replace a new drive in seconds.

Efficient, Reliable Power Supply

GIGABYTE servers are designed to guarantee high conversion efficiency regardless of load. Redundant 80 Plus ‘Titanium’ PSUs, combined with GIGABYTE’s precision engineering, translates to super efficient power usage which maximizes the system’s power : performance ratio and reduces OPEX for the user.

Intelligent Power Management Features

Cold Redundancy

To take advantage of the fact that a PSU will run at greater power efficiency with a higher loading, GIGABYTE has introduced a power management feature called Cold Redundancy for servers with dual PSU. When the total system loading falls lower than 40%, the system will automatically place one PSU into standby mode, enabling the other PSU to take over the greater load. This can enable total system power efficiency savings of up to 10%.

System Power Efficiency

SCMP (Smart Crises Management / Protection)

SCMP is a GIGABYTE patented feature that will automatically force the system’s CPU to enter ULFM (ultra-low frequency mode for minimum power consumption) when the BMC is alerted to a PSU fault or error (such as power loss, power surge, overheating or a fan problem). This feature will prevent shutdown in systems with less than 1 + 1 PSU redundancy when one PSU is lost. In a 2U 4 Node server, only two nodes will be switched to low power mode, while two remaining nodes can continue normal operation. When the fault is resolved or the PSU is replaced, the system will automatically return to normal power mode.

System Loading Curve

GIGABYTE BMC Interface

Easy BIOS Upgrade

GIGABYTE has developed this integrated function (requiring no additional software) that allows users to update the BIOS of motherboards through the BMC controller:

  • No need to install core components such as CPUs, memory, drives and OS
  • No need to power on the system (NB. PSU must be connected)
  • Update individual (IPMI 2.0) or multiple boards simultaneously (Command Line)

Dynamic Fan Speed Control

GIGABYTE servers are enabled with dynamic fan speed adjustment. Individual fan speed will be automatically adjusted according to the system’s current temperature (according to CPU, DIMM, M.2, HDD, GPU temperature sensors), to achieve the best cooling and power efficiency. When the BMC detects a temperature change, fan speed will be automatically adjusted accordingly. Fan speed profiles may also be manually created and edited* when necessary according to the user’s custom requirements.

* Enabled on selected models & performed through BMC console management GUI

Environmental Compliance

GIGABYTE maintains its commitment to green products, and adheres to the latest RoHS regulations (in effect July 2017).

VMware Technology Alliance Partner

Being a member of VMware's Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program enables GIGABYTE to rapidly develop and certify joint solutions or go-to-market products that leverage VMware virtualization and cloud solutions, enabling our customers to modernize their data centers and implement IT infrastructure and application services with speed, agility, and cost optimization.

Enquire with your GIGABYTE sales representative for more information about combining or integrating this server product with VMware solutions.