Demand for high-performance storage solutions is on the rise, and Ultran Technology has stepped up to the challenge with its latest innovation. At Computex, the company introduced a groundbreaking PCIe 5.0 x16 add-in card that accommodates 28 M.2 NVMe SSDs, delivering an astonishing read and write throughput of 109 GB/s and a staggering storage capacity of up to 224 TB.
Key Takeaways
- Massive Storage: Supports up to 224 TB with 28 M.2 SSDs.
- High Speed: Achieves read speeds of 109 GB/s and over 418,000 IOPS.
- Power Consumption: Requires approximately 400W of power.
- Cooling System: Features a compact cooling solution with a radiator and high-pressure fan.
- Price Point: Expected to retail for around $3,000.
Innovative Design and Performance
At the core of this impressive device is the Broadcom PEX89144, a 144-lane PCIe 5.0 switch that efficiently manages connectivity and bandwidth across all drives. This design allows for simultaneous access to all 28 SSDs through a single PCIe x16 slot and two x8 cables, effectively bypassing traditional lane and slot limitations.
The performance metrics are remarkable, with an aggregate sequential read throughput exceeding 109,600 MB/s and an average I/O response time of just 0.48 milliseconds. This level of performance is particularly appealing for data center applications that require both high capacity and speed.
Power Requirements and Cooling
While the card offers exceptional performance, it is also power-hungry, drawing about 400W. This raises questions about its power supply, as it only features one eight-pin auxiliary PCIe power connector. To manage heat, Ultran has implemented a compact cooling system that includes a radiator and a high-pressure fan, making it suitable for rack-scale storage deployments.
With the potential to house eight of these cards, users could achieve a total storage capacity of 1.792 PB, although the density may not be the highest. However, the performance capabilities make it a compelling option for demanding storage applications.
Considerations and Features
While the card boasts impressive specifications, there are some important considerations:
- Non-Hot Swappable: The card cannot be swapped out while the system is running.
- Power Loss Protection: There is no built-in power loss protection, so users must ensure that the SSDs used have their own power loss protection features.
- Management Functions: The card supports management functions like USB terminal control for external monitoring and firmware updates.
Availability and Pricing
Ultran plans to launch its 28-way M.2 adapter this summer, with a price tag of approximately $3,000. While this may seem steep, the advanced technology and capabilities offered by the Broadcom PEX89144 justify the investment for businesses and data centers looking to enhance their storage solutions.
In conclusion, Ultran’s new add-in card represents a significant leap forward in storage technology, combining massive capacity with unparalleled speed, making it an exciting development for the tech industry.
Via Tom’s Hardware
