Single Dual and Quad Socket

Selecting between single, dual and quad sockets platforms can be a challenging task. This is typically based on the application and processing model used. Whether you are using MPI, OpenMP, process-staged job or a serial job, one must consider the ratio of interconnect bandwidth to processing power. This ratio directly affects the system platform that you may choose. Applications that have a low interconnect bandwidth to processing ratio may be better suited with a cluster that has very high powered nodes, such as quad socket systems. Some applications that use this model are computer animation, advanced simulation and video processing. Applications that have a high interconnect bandwidth to processing ratio are better suited to dual perhaps even single socket systems. Some applications may include database applications, analytics, and distributed PDE based applications.

Single socket servers are rare in most clusters due to issues such as rack space and density requirements. Single socket platforms range from 1U to 4U, limiting the max density to 168 cores per 42U rack. Most single socket systems can provide up to 36 PCIe lanes and have an impressive array of connection options.

Dual socket servers are the backbone of most clusters and offer the most flexibility when it comes to configuration options. Chassis range from 2-in-1U (“TwinU”) to 4U and with today’s multi-core processors it is possible to have many as 16 cores in a 1U enclosure giving you up to 672 cores per 42U rack. With chipsets, such as the Intel 5500 series and nVidia nForce Pro 3000 series, dual socket platforms offer a variety of connection options allowing as many as 72 PCIe lanes in a single node. And with direct connections between the chipsets, the Intel 5500 series chipset is well suited for I/O and memory intensive applications as well.

Quad socket servers are used in specialty applications and offer the most flexibility when it comes to configuration options. Chassis range from 1U to 4U and with to today’s multi-core processors it is possible to have many as 16 cores in a 1U enclosure giving you up to 672 cores per 42U rack. With chipsets, such as the Intel 7500 series and nVidia nForce Pro 3000 series, quad socket platforms offer a variety of connection options allowing as many as 144 PCIe lanes in a single node. And with direct connections between the chipsets and high per socket memory bandwidth in today’s microprocessors, quad socket platforms are well suited for memory intensive applications as well.

 

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