Gigabyte R181-Z92 Server

Description

The Gigabyte R181-Z92 Server spans three generation of AMD EPYC processors with two revisions from the initial rev.100 release. It is deigned for networking applications like use as a virtual server, as a shared Internet connection, for remote access via VPN, and as a shared file server. With NVMe storage along the front of the system, it offers fast access to shared files. Outfitted with dual processors and up to 8TB of memory, it delivers impressive computational credentials that will benefit whichever workload is assigned to it. Power is provided by dual redundant 1200W PSUs, although if using 280W CPUs 1600W PSUs are required.

Performance- Rev.B00

With the rev.B00 update, this system is compatible with 3rd generation AMD EPYC MILAN, 7003 series processors. Milan processors deliver a noticeable bump in performance with a new chiplet architecture to reduce latency. Like the 2nd Gen 7002 series CPUs these too support 4TB of memory each with an 8-channel memory architecture.

Rev.A00

Released a few short years ago, rev.A00 was the first update to this platform. It required an update to the BIOS for support of AMD’s 2nd generation EPYC CPUs, code names ROME. This effectively doubled the potential core count supported on this system from the 32-core architecture supported on the initial release using AMD EPYC Naples 7001 series CPUs to ROME, which supports CPUs with up to 64 physical cores and 128 virtual threads.

Rev.100

This system was initially outfitted with AMD’s first generation EPYC series processors, code-name NAPLES. NAPLES 7001 series CPUS deliver a top core count of 32x physical cores and 64x virtual threads. They are limited to 2TB of memory per socket and PCIe 3.0. Like later AMD EPYC generations, they offer 128x PCIe lanes and support for 8-channel memory.

Memory

With 32x memory module slots on the system board, there are 16 memory module slots assigned to each socket. The 8-memory channel architecture supports two DIMMs per channel for maximum memory density. 3DS Registered (RDIMM) and Load-Reduced (LRDIMM)memory modules are supported and offer the highest capacity at up to 8TB using 256GB modules in all slots. Standard RDIMMs and LRDIMMs are also supported offering half that capacity at up to 4TB. Memory speeds include 3200MHz and 2933MHz.

Storage

10x storage bays up front support NVMe storage devices by default with a backplane that offers 10x x4 PCIe ports. Providing RAID options for NVMe devices is the GRAID SupremeRAID SR-1000 PCIe mounted card. It offers a hardware/software solution and RAID functionality that won’t impact CPU performance. Also supported is a single M.2 drive that can be used to support the OS.

Expansion

There are 3x low-profile PCIe 3.0 expansion slots available on the system board. One of those slots is occupied by an NVMe HBA card for support of the upfront drive bays. The other two slots include one with a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and the other with a PCIE 3.0 x8 slot. Additionally, there are 2x OCP mezzanine card slots with a PCIe Gen3 x16 bandwidth. Each OCP card is optional and can support 2-4 networking ports with choices for network link connection speeds. Another x4 slot on the system board can be used to support a single PCIe 3.0 M.2 drive for super-fast bootup of the system.

Management

Gigabyte provides a few free of charge management software utilities to help Administrators get the most out of the system. The Gigabyte Management Console comes preloaded on the system and provides for at chassis and remote management of the system. It can help with power settings, cooling, status reporting, and storage. It’s compatible with the industry standard MegaRAC SP-X web interface. The Gigabyte Server Manager (GSM) offers more tools and can manage multiple servers or large clusters of servers. Access to the ASPEED AST2500 baseboard management controller (BMC) is through the RJ45 management port on the back of the system.

Summary

Featuring Dual 3rd Gen AMD EPYC processors, the Gigabyte R181-Z92 Server delivers the performance you need to support your growing business. With 10x NVMe storage bays up front, this platform excels at standard networking applications including use as shared Internet provider, for highly virtualized environments, and to support remote clients through VPN. This 1U server’s large compliment of memory also delivers exceptional compute potential that can be applied to support other business critical workloads.