HP unveils new quad-core servers
SINGAPORE--Hewlett-Packard (HP) has expanded its multi-processor server lineup with two quad-core systems designed for data-intensive applications in virtualized environments.
The rack-based HP ProLiant DL580 G5 and the HP ProLiant BL680c G5 are based on the new Intel Xeon processor 7300 series launched this week.
The ProLiant DL580 G5 has double the memory capacity of its predecessor, the DL580 G4, while the HP ProLiant BL680c G5 is the manufacturer's first four-processor quad-core server blade.
According to HP, the latest models are energy efficient and designed for virtualized computing environments that run data-intensive applications such as business intelligence and enterprise resource planning.
Speaking at a media briefing here, Tony Parkinson, vice-president of industry standard servers, Asia-Pacific and Japan, said the servers' increased performance and larger memory capacity make business sense. "Having fewer servers will also cut down license costs on a per machine basis," he said.
The servers will feature 32 DIMMS (dual in-line memory module) sockets--twice as many as compared to its G4 predecessor, which had 16. This, HP said, will allow for further cost savings by using a larger quantity of cheaper, lower capacity RAM, to make up the same memory size as with fewer slots accommodating higher capacity modules.
According to HP, the servers have built-in power management software called Insight, which will enable power capping at specific wattages to save energy costs.
A separate add-on--Dynamic Smart Cooling--features rows of temperature sensors lined up at the back and front of the servers, connected to Insight. The sensors draw up a thermal map of the server room in real-time, communicating to the air-conditioning system which portions need lowered temperatures.
Parkinson said that so far, HP has already signed on one client in Singapore for Dynamic Smart Cooling.
The HP ProLiant DL580 G5 starts at US$9,219 and the HP ProLiant BL680c G5 at US$9,669.