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Power and productivity made possible by AMD's Ryzen 9 3950X
As we enter 2020, there's still an overwhelming demand for AMD's latest Ryzen 9 processor – the 3950X. Officially launched back in November, the chips were snapped up incredibly quickly upon their release, and now trying to track one down is like trying to spot a polar bear in the snow. That in mind, we thought we'd take some time to explain why these processors are proving to be so popular, and why we're making it a New Year's Resolution to get our hands on some.
Awesome raw performance
The Ryzen 9 3950X comes ready with a sizeable 16 cores and 32 threads, and in spite of delays to its initial release because of supposedly unsatisfactory clock speeds, has a base clock of 3.5GHz and an impressive boost of 4.7GHz. Where the high-end desktop CPU truly excels though is in its ability to manage multi-core workloads and complete complex productivity tasks, which it does with considerable ease.
How does it compare?
In terms of its multi-core capabilities, the chip does far better than Intel's recent i9-9900KS, if only due to the fact it has twice the number of cores and threads. The Ryzen 9 3950X's Thermal Design Power (TDP) is also that much lower, offering 105W as opposed to 127W, a figure that has the potential to be reduced even further thanks to AMD's introduction of an 'eco-mode'. Its predecessor, the 3900X, also doesn't quite measure up on the cores front, with 12 cores and 24 threads to speak of, and while the 3950X's base clock is 0.3GHz below the 3900X's, its boost is now 4.7GHz versus 4.6GHz.
More news to come
We'll have more information on when the Ryzen 9 3950X chips will be available in our PCs over the next month or so, so keep an eye out for any news! In the meantime, if you would like to know more about the AMD CPUs currently supported in our line-up of rack mount and compact PCs, please speak to one of the team.
Posted by: Geoff Undrell
Posted in: News, Products
Quartz and Provo Canyon: the next generation of Commercial Intel NUCs
Although Intel's chip shortage is predicted to last slightly longer than we anticipated, there is some silver lining to take comfort in – Intel will soon be launching a new 'commercial' line-up of next-generation NUC PCs. While there is plenty of information already available on the upcoming Quartz Canyon NUC, the lesser-known Provo Canyon has been more tightly kept under wraps. Because so little is currently known about it, we wanted to give you a better insight into what to expect from the new NUC to ensure you're suitably prepared for its release.
Get reacquainted with the Quartz Canyon
Before looking into the Provo in any detail, we thought we'd provide you with a quick overview of the Quartz Canyon and why this workstation-specific NUC could be of significant interest. It supports an 8-core Xeon or 9th Gen i7 processor, ECC Memory, and boasts a PCIe expansion slot. A 100W internal power supply is also a notably attractive feature, as is the availability of 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports. We have high hopes the NUC will be fast and furious, offering serious processing capabilities in a small form factor.
Introducing the Provo Canyon
The more elusive Provo Canyon also brings a lot to the table, with support for Intel's latest 8th gen i3, i5, and i7 range of CPUs as well as its own Thunderbolt 3 connector, which could mean super-quick data transfers and a third display output. It's not short on its sheer number of available ports either, with Dual HDMIs and the Thunderbolt port allowing up to three native connections. What's especially exciting about this NUC, however, is the fact that it offers extended display identification data (EDID) emulation. For headless, 2nd virtual, and persistent displays, this important feature ensures extended AV signals are optimised and any EDID information is achievable regardless of the cable types involved in your installation, meaning you can more easily match the needs of the display you're working with. This could really be a gamechanger for audio-visual production environments.
Not long to wait!
We're expecting even more information on Intel's 8th generation NUCs this month, so watch this space for more news. In the meantime, if you would like to find out more about the next-gen NUCs or discover how our innovation has made it possible to rack mount Intel NUC PCs, please get in touch.
AMD's 3970X and 3960X Ryzen Threadripper CPUs on sale!
AMD's 3rd generation of Ryzen Threadripper desktop processors has finally arrived, and just in time for Christmas too – having gone on sale at 2pm today. Built using AMD's 7nm Zen 2 microarchitecture, the latest additions to their incredible line-up of CPUs are the 3970X and the 3960X. Both are run with the new TRX40 motherboard chipset, and promise higher clock speeds and improved efficiency and performance to help content creators "realise their creative vision". The chips will very soon be available within selected models of our products, so for now we wanted to give you a taste of what you can expect from them.
Power, punch, and PCIe lanes
Purpose-built to handle lightning-fast creative workloads, there is a lot to get excited about from the new Threadripper CPUs. The 3960X boasts 24 cores and 48 threads with a base clock of 3.8GHz and a boost of 4.5GHz, with its higher-end sibling, the 3970X, offering a massive 32 cores and 64 threads and a base and boost clock of 3.7GHz and 4.5GHz respectively. Most impressive, though, is the availability of up to 88 PCIe 4.0 lanes in both chips, something which makes them ideal for multi-GPU configurations. It's no wonder that AMD is claiming the 3970X is the world's most powerful desktop processor, especially with 144MB of combined cache.
Following the official launch of the 3rd gen Threadripper CPUs, AMD will be releasing its flagship 16-core and 32-thread Ryzen 9 3950X chip on 25th November, which has been anticipated for some time. Along with this, AMD has stated they'll be providing the new Ryzen 3000 processors with a new 'eco-mode', wherein you can scale your Thermal Design Power (TDP) back to significantly reduce power consumption. This can even take the 3950X's TDP down from 105W to 65W, but does come at the expense of some performance. Having said that, AMD has confirmed that the chip can successfully run at 77% standard performance using only 44% of its power.
AMD Threadripper in G2 PCs
We've already started building the new 3rd gen Threadripper chips into members of our product family, adding to the growing amount of AMD chips already available in our PCs. We even engineered a solution for a customer that allowed the 3970X to consistently run thanks to the introduction of water-cooling components, successfully lowering the 3970X's temperature and cooling our host 2U PC down to a safe operating range.
If you would like to find out how to take advantage of the powerful CPUs in a G2 PC, please speak to one of the team.
Our new 3U PC is purpose-built for PCIe expansion
After our announcement back in July that the new 3U PC was on its way, we can officially confirm that it is now available to purchase. We're thrilled to finally welcome the unit into our product family, where it has taken its rightful place as the first of our 3U units.
The perfect PC for PCI expansion
We've designed the 3U PC to be as versatile as possible, meaning it's ideal for PCIe expansion. And because our units are used for all kinds of different applications across various industries, we've allowed for even greater flexibility by offering two variants of the unit, with horizontal and vertical PCIe slots respectively. This makes it so much easier to enjoy the benefit of multiple graphics (GFX) cards inside a single rack mount PC.
Our horizontal model rises the PCI card through 90 degrees, enabling 2x consumer GFX cards to fit comfortably into the machine thanks to 5x full height single bays. Importantly, any GFX cards with power connectors built into the top edge, like NVIDIA GTX, can be used without compromising on the height of the unit – something which is typically difficult to achieve in 19" Rack units. By comparison, the vertical model of the 3U PC offers 7x full height single bays, allowing up to 3x professional GPUs to be fitted, whether Quadro or AMD.
Here's what you can expect from our latest PC:
448(W)x457(D)x133(H)mm
2x 3.5″ or up to 6x 2.5″ hot swappable SSD/HDD bays
Up to 7x PCIe x16 slots
Dual Socket AMD EPYC or Intel Xeon CPU Support
Rubber mounted internal cooling fan(s)
Optional 800W Redundant Power Supply
Optional water-cooling functionality
Get it while it's hot!
We can't wait to show you what our 3U PC can do. It's got a load of PCIe potential to look forward to, so if you would like to find out how you can make the most out of your graphics cards by getting your hands on the new unit, get in touch with one of the team.
Power over Ethernet: The perfect rack mount solution
As specialists in the design and manufacture of PCs for challenging environments, we understand how difficult many PC installations can be, sometimes stopping a project in its tracks before it's even begun. And it's not simply a case of negotiating considerations such as case size and weight – the tidiness of your comms cabinet as well as the setup of a reliable Wi-Fi connection can also prove obstructive depending on your unique circumstances. We believe that a big part of the solution in the future will be making the most of the possibilities presented by Power over Ethernet.
We've recently seen an overwhelming demand from our customers for products that capitalise on Power over Ethernet (PoE), and are therefore delighted to announce that we've designed a device to help you get the most out of PoE within selected models of our product range.
Why Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet is the ideal solution for complicated PC installations. Seamless yet incredibly powerful, PoE enables both power and data to be transmitted through a single Ethernet cable. For this reason, it's the perfect fit for challenging and remote installations, particularly in locations where a mains power cable would prove impractical. With less cables to contend with, it makes mounting your G2 units easier and ensures your comms cabinet remains uncluttered. Most helpfully of all, as the Ethernet cable required to run our PoE hardware is usually already installed in many office buildings, PC installation is instantly more cost-effective. And, thanks to its transmission via a wired Ethernet connection, your data stays far safer and connectivity is more stable. More and more often, PoE-powered products are proving themselves as the best possible choice for tricky PC installations. That's why we've introduced PoE support to some of our most popular products.
Nothing but Ethernet
Available across both our 1U NUC and Bantam PCs, but soon to extend to the rest of our product line-up, our bespoke Power over Ethernet device enables you to take advantage of all four PoE standards:
IEEE 802.3af-2003, Type 1
IEEE 802.3at-2009, Type 2 or PoE+
IEEE 802.3bt-2018, Type 3
With all of this captured in a single PC, you could therefore not only benefit from PoE+, which can support devices with up to 30W of power such as VoIP phones, but PoE Types 3 and 4, which support information kiosks, video conferencing, high-performing digital signage, and much more. Conformity with all the prevailing standards means our products offer lots of flexibility when designing solutions using PoE.
However, what's important to keep in mind when considering PoE is that it is a developing technology. It's not possible to use it to simply power any legacy PC, so it's critical to understand what you'll be investing in, as well as the practical and commercial implications, before you decide to make the change.
Our range of PoE-powered PCs were designed specifically with complex installations and all of the necessary considerations in mind, so you're free to enjoy all of the opportunities Power over Ethernet represents.
If you would like to learn more about how you can harness the power of PoE in one of our products, or else find out the best way to migrate to PoE-powered hardware, please get in touch with one of the team.
Posted in: Development Projects, Products, Technical Articles
Get ready to meet our brand-new unit: the 3U PC
We're excited to officially reveal that we have a brand-new rackmount unit in the works – the 3U PC. The very first 3U computer to join our ever-expanding line-up of Mini and Rack PCs, we've created the 3U PC in response to an increasing demand for multi GPU configurations.
Why are multiple GPU slots so hard to come by?
The fundamental issue with consumer grade GPUs, while cost effective, is that they come built with power connectors on their top edge. This means they are generally very tall, and difficult to fit into more compact, space-sensitive PCs, restricting the number of graphics cards that can be deployed in a single unit. By comparison, the power connectors on 'professional' cards can be found on the back of the GPU rather than the top edge, thereby only affecting case depth, which is a much easier challenge to negotiate.
Enter the 3U PC
Our new 3U PC was designed to alleviate the issues associated with multiple GPU slots. As the need for PCs with a smaller height but sufficient room for more expansion cards continues to grow, our 3U case allows professional GPUs to be mounted vertically, making it possible for customers to add several to their unit.
Available in two variants, the 3U PC takes both pro and consumer cards into consideration. The first variant will offer 7x full height single bays able to fit up to 3x dual-width NVIDIA RTX or AMD professional graphics cards. The second variant rises the bays through 90 degrees, offering 5x full height single bays able to fit up to 2x dual-width NVIDIA RTX/GTX consumer graphics cards.
But that's not all there is to get excited about – the 3U PC is bursting with other brilliant features:
425(W) x 547(D) x 133(H) mm
4x 3.5" or 8x 2.5" hot swap bays
Water-cooling functionality (optional)
Redundant power supply (optional)
DVD/Blu-ray Bay (Optional)
Proving three's not a crowd
We can confirm that the 3U PC has now been fully designed and is currently awaiting initial production samples, but we don't anticipate it'll be very long before the new unit joins our family of compact and rackmount PCs. We anticipate availability in around 5 weeks' time, so watch this space for any updates on how you can get your hands on one.
If you would like to learn more about the 3U PC, or any of our other products, please get in touch with one of the team.
We water-cooled Intel's i9-9900K in an epic 2U rack PC
We know just how important it is to ensure our customers are always getting the most out of their choice of processor – it's one of the many reasons why we're constantly developing and refining our versatile line-up of Rack and Mini PCs. A recent example saw us commissioned by our customer Epic Games to engineer a solution that would mean they could run Intel's flagship i9-9900K CPU at its Turbo frequency of 5GHz for a sustained period of time – a feat that presented some interesting challenges.
Overclocking is not a game
A video game and software development company, Epic Games is renowned for many highly successful video games, including the hit sensation Fortnite. Driven by the need for powerful, responsive and stable compute, Epic Games' initial requirement was for a machine that could achieve a Turbo speed of 5GHz across the first couple of the processor's cores only. However, the only way to ensure this speed was consistently reached while maintaining stability was by fully overclocking the Intel chip, meaning all cores would need to be activated.
Playing it cool
The drawback of overclocking the CPU to this extent was that it resulted in the processor's power consumption almost doubling from 95W to 180W. This massive leap caused the host 2U PC to reach temperatures of up to 85 degrees – a mere 15 degrees less than Tjunction, Intel's recommended maximum. The reason for this surge in heat was largely down to the CPU's die surface area, which was little more than the size of a stamp. Dissipating the heat from such a small area is tricky, and as such, we knew that the only way of solving the challenge was to introduce water-cooling. By bringing the CPU's hot surface into contact with a cool, temperature-controlled liquid, we managed to successfully lower the i9-9900K's temperature and thereby cool the 2U PC down to a safe operating range that wouldn't exceed 70 degrees.
An epic solution
Our solution didn't just stop at water-cooling, either. Because most off-the-shelf water-cooling components aren't typically designed for smaller units, their height can be difficult to accommodate. To ensure Epic Games' solution was able to fit neatly inside a compact 2U PC, we therefore had to reengineer the Alphacool water-cooling parts we had selected by reducing their height while retaining their effectiveness. This perfectly suited Epic Games' space-sensitive deployment needs. The depth of the case also presented a different challenge – as the 2U PC is a deeper unit, it needed greater airflow to circulate and expel the CPU's heat. We designed fans specifically to accomplish this task, enabling Epic Games to truly get the most from the i9-9900K. Finally, we kitted the 2U unit out with a redundant power supply, protecting the processor from any downtime due to a power failure. The result of some rigorous testing, the final product was a sophisticated solution that did exactly what Epic Games needed it to.
If you would like to find out more about how water-cooling could benefit your PC's CPU, or how we can help you maximise your choice of processor, get in touch with one of the team.
Posted in: Products
The impact of Intel's chip shortage is almost behind us
In both Q3 and Q4 of 2018, overwhelming demand for Intel's 14nm processors meant that both consumers and suppliers of products reliant on Intel chips were faced with considerable stock constraints. Now well into 2019, we're still feeling the effects of the CPU shortage, which only looks set to continue into the next quarter. This does sadly mean that both the prices and lead times of our products are still being impacted, but we are doing everything we can to alleviate this issue for our customers. This may even influence previously issued quotes, so if you have recently received a quote from us for any upcoming projects that involve an Intel chip, please contact us for an updated quote.
Why is there a chip shortage?
Intel's chip shortage is down to a number of different factors surrounding the supply of their 14nm 8th generation processors. Due in large part to a record demand for the CPUs, as well as a delay in the 10nm manufacturing process, this resulted in a significant supply gap in the latter half of 2018 which has since rolled over into 2019. This is likely to be augmented in Q2 '19 by an anticipated demand for Chromebooks containing Intel's lower-end CPUs, which may mean their i3 processors could overtake the highly sought-after i5 quad-core Kaby Lake-R chips as the hardest to get your hands on.
Things are looking up for Q3 '19
According to DigiTimes research, however, the worst of the shortage may be over by Q3 of this year. Acknowledging that their shift in capacity for high-end processors was one of the causes behind the chip shortage, Intel has been taking steps to address the problem and it's now predicted that we'll see a new 14nm capacity expansion of around 25%, which will supposedly mean the end of the issue for good. Likewise, with the data centre boom seemingly almost over, things could be looking up for the supply of Intel's chips as we move further into 2019.
It's always darkest before the dawn
We're hoping that the shortage won't last much longer and are working to ensure this has a minimal impact on our customers' orders. If you would like to better understand how Intel's chip shortage will affect the prices and lead times of your G2 order, please get in touch.
ISE saw the launch of our new Fanless NUC
The exhilarating atmosphere of Integrated Systems Europe 2019 not only provided the platform for our debut as an exhibitor, but also the official launch of our brand-new Fanless NUC. Having recognised a gap in the market for a fanless variant of the extremely popular Intel NUC as well as a growing demand for this within the audio-visual industry, we've built a solution that provides AV and digital professionals with greater flexibility than ever before.
The many fortes of the Fanless NUC
The result of an extensive research and development project, the Fanless NUC is a high-performing, compact PC ideal for sound-sensitive installations where controlling noise is crucial. Thanks to the removal of the frequently noisy cooling fan, the unit is rendered practically soundless, running almost silently and with a minimal build-up of heat over time. Being fanless, the PC benefits from one less point of failure, reducing the risk of any internal damage and vastly increasing its reliability. At only 180mm deep, it's a perfect fit for smaller comms cabinets but can also be rackmounted with ease, our uniquely designed chassis and front panels enabling users to rackmount two of the fanless units side-by-side in 1U. A nifty internal 60W power supply also keeps the PC tidy, condensed, and robust.
Flexible, feature-rich, and fanless
The Fanless NUC, although compact, is overflowing with great features:
Support for latest Intel 8th Generation i7, i5, and i3 NUC motherboards
Industrialised 60W 110-230VAC internal power supply
Additional multi NIC capability
1 x M.2 (2280) & 1 x 2.5'' SSD/HDD
M.2 Dual Gigabit Ethernet card
Wi-Fi connectivity options
Optional RS232 port
Creating a whole wealth of new possibilities for NUC users, the Fanless NUC achieves something few of our competitors are able to offer. With no moving parts and a ruggedised case, it's portable, resilient, and highly versatile – an excellent choice for any industrial or more challenging applications.
If you'd like to learn more about the latest addition to our line-up of compact and rackmount PCs and why it's ideal for AV and digital media professionals, get in touch with the team today.
Posted in: Development Projects, News, Products
Meet the Fanless NUC – reliable, robust, and resilient
Following a recent upgrade to our highly popular 1U NUC PC to provide important support for Intel's 8th generation i7 NUC motherboard, we are now pleased to also be able to offer our customers a fanless variation to the product. We've seen a lot more demand for fanless NUCs, and for good reason.
Why go fanless?
Fanless PCs offer even more versatility versus their fan-cooled cousins, and as a result are growing in popularity. While making our NUCs fanless doesn't necessarily have any particular impact on their core specs or performance, what it does do is offer even more flexibility, expanding the range of different environments they can be used in.
A lot of the noise emitted from your average PC originates from its fan(s). This almost goes without saying, but by removing the fan from a NUC, noise is eliminated and the unit is able to run almost silently. This makes it ideal for sound-sensitive environments or for use in AV production where noise can prove disruptive.
One less point of failure
On occasion fans can also malfunction or breakdown because of trapped dust or debris, particularly in industrial applications, which can end up having an adverse effect on the electrical components within a PC. Going fanless eradicates this issue entirely, protecting the machine against dust, shavings, and even water penetration, meaning the risk of damage or downtime to the PC is minimised. The fact that the unit is completely sealed also makes it perfect for use in sterile environments such as hospitals or laboratories.
Less moving parts
Minus its fan, the number of moving parts in the 1U NUC is significantly reduced, making it far more robust, resilient, and durable – a ruggedised PC ready for use in more challenging environments. Because the PC is so compact, it also offers flexible mounting options, meaning two fanless NUCs can be rackmounted side-by-side in a 1U space.
Due to the fact that the PC no longer has a fan, the NUC needs to find alternative ways to cool. Because of this, the machine is built to use much less power and consequently generate less heat in order to minimise the energy used to run it.
If you're interested in finding out more about the benefits of a fanless 1U NUC PC, then please get in touch.
Posted in: Development Projects, Products
Our Rack PCs are now reversible!
We've always prided ourselves on providing flexible mounting options for our products. It's in large part because of how our products get used in environments where physical space is often at a premium. It's with this idea of flexibility in mind that we have made a dramatic change to our Rack PCs.
Revolutionary reverse-mounting
For the first time, several of our units can now be rack-mounted from both the front and the rear of the machine. Put simply, this opens up the option for customers to reverse-mount their PCs if this is a preference, ensuring that the PC's connectors are facing the front of the rack, as opposed to the glowing power button. Users can therefore enjoy better cable management, easier access to connectors, and a quick means of reaching the machine's power and LED switch, meaning greater convenience overall.
Although our units are typically mounted in short-depth rack cabinets, being able to rackmount from both the front and the back of the PC proves a large advantage for deeper cabinets. The versatile mounting option can mean up to two units could be mounted within the same rack – one reverse-mounted and one forward-facing, resulting in a much tidier cabinet and better utilised rackspace.
Take advantage of reverse-mounting
This option to reverse-mount is currently only available in our 1U PC, 1U Nano, 2U Nano, and 4U Nano, however we're already working on extending this innovation to the remainder of our product portfolio. As well as this design change, an ultra-short-depth 370mm case and new redundant power supply unit (PSU) options make our extremely compact 2U Nano and 4U Nano PCs ideal for use in AV and digital media productions where high-performance output is required in a space-sensitive environment.
If you would like to learn more about the changes to our units or the benefits of reverse-mounting a Rack PC, get in touch with one of the team.
Intel's 9th gen CPUs now available in G2 PCs
Officially unveiled earlier this month at Intel's Fall Desktop Event, we're excited to announce that their brand-new 9th generation of chips is now available in selected models of our Rack PCs. While the 9th gen Coffee Lake CPUs are still based on a 14nm architecture, these have now been dubbed "14nm++" and offer serious power and performance boosts over their 8th gen predecessors.
The wow factor: i9-9900K
Boasting 8 cores, astounding clock speeds, and compatibility with LGA1151 Coffee Lake desktop boards, we're particularly impressed with Intel's flagship i9-9900K processor. With a fairly standard base clock (for an i9 chip) of 3.6GHz, it is the first ever Intel CPU to have a Turbo speed of 5GHz, which is really setting it apart as a monster of a processor.
Hailed as potentially the best gaming processor in the world today, it's got some awesome specs:
Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
16 Core Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
Intel L3 SmartCache 16MB
Up to 16 PCIe lanes
More future-ready
Helpfully, the 9th gen CPUs are backwards compatible with all of Intel's 300-series chipsets, as well as the latest Z390 motherboard, meaning less restrictions and far more flexibility than previous generations. The chips have also been built with silicon-level hardware fixes to tackle some of the Spectre and Meltdown security vulnerabilities that were exposed at the start of this year, and see the welcomed return of Intel's Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) over paste.
Due to the fact that the 9th gen chips now offer seriously advanced overclocking, particularly the i9-9900K, the resulting power can mean the CPUs get very hot, and therefore need an equally powerful cooler to contain the excess heat. Talk to us about how best to optimise your PC for a 9th gen CPU.
If you would like to learn more about Intel's 9th generation of chips and how to maximise their potential within a G2 PC, contact us and speak to one of the team.
Redundant PSU option makes the 1U PC more reliable than ever before
Intel's new Xe graphics cards are on track for a 2020 launch
All material © 2017 G2 Digital
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