This GPU server packs up to eight Nvidia RTX GPUs, 192 AMD EPYC cores — but it’s not meant to play Cyberpunk 2077
A plethora of boutique vendors have released powerful GPU servers in recent months based on AMD’s EPYC 9000 series – these are essentially upgraded workstations. Velocity Micro is the latest to join the fray with its ProMagix G480a GPU, which can use up to eight dual-slot Nvidia GPUs to accelerate CUDA or Tensor-compatible workflows (no AMD Instinct MI300 yet).
No gaming here (although you should be able to run Cyberpunk 2077 – and Crysis – without much problem if you want to), just numbers on a scale that would have required a supercomputer just a few decades ago.
Housed in a massive 4U chassis, the dual-socket motherboard can house up to two EPYC 9654 CPUs with a total of 192 cores and paired with 1TB of DDR5, much less than we’d expect. Buyers can rely on an integrated VGA card from Aspeed (remember this one) or equip the server with up to eight 48GB PNY Nvidia RTX 6000 Ada generation workstation graphics cards. All this is powered by three (yes, three) 3 kW power supplies, with an additional redundant power supply.
Who needs one of these monsters?
Velocity Micro says these are perfect for “AI or Machine Learning, complex simulations, demanding scientific calculations.” “By emphasizing scalability, functionality and performance, we have created a range of server solutions that continue the legacy of our high-end brand while offering businesses alternative options to more specialized solutions for the most in-demand workflows,” said Randy Copeland, president and CEO of Velocity Micro.
A fully equipped server with 384 threads, 1 TB of memory and eight RTX 6000 Adas brought almost $135,000. Velocity Micro offers up to a three-year warranty with a lifetime upgrade plan available for maintenance, upgrades and tuning. There are cheaper options from Dihuni (for example)less than $97,000), Xicomputer (lower than $90,000) or Bizon-Tech (less than $92,000); so it’s worth shopping around, looking at the small prints and getting after-sales support.