During my blog post last week titled "processors-cpus-cores-arent-they-all-the-same", I got a request to talk more about server terminology, going beyond the CPU. So here we go.
The processor does all your computational calculations. The chipset is attached to the processor and manages information and data flow from the processor to the other system components like memory and other I/O (input / output) devices. If the processor is the "brain", then the chipset is the "heart". Memory and I/O devices are like "arms" and "legs" - you need them all working together. The term chipset, memory controller, and memory controller hub (MCH) are often used interchangeably
At Intel, we refer to the platform as the combination of all of these devices that comprise a server. From a hardware perspective, I see the following terms used interchangeably: platform, solution, system, server, workstation, and there are probably others I'm missing. However, I have also seen platform refer to the software stack, as well as the complete hardware and software solution together.
Another term that you may also here is form factor. Form factor refers to the size and shape of the final system you would buy from a manufacturer. The most common server form factors are rack mount, pedestal, towers and blades.
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C_Peters
in response to: Bernard Dugas
Bernard, I may address your questions in several parts and seek some help with the more technical ones (ie motherboard voltages).
There are several chipsets included on the board. The MCH (memory controller hub), IOH (I/O hub) as well as others all serve various functions and are referred to as chipsets. All server platforms offer multi-chip solutions for the functionality typically demanded by server usage models.
The primary and most common chipset on the intel platform is the MCH that controls FSB (front side bus) traffic with the CPUs and coordinates with I/O devices both directly and through the IOH, as well as managing memory traffic. This has been the technology design approach intel has used for many, many years with leading performnace results. This approach has provided some unique benefits in flexibilty and stability (change memory design without affecting CPU architecture or change CPU architecture without forcing redesign of server I/O and memory interfaces) and reliability (many of the unique intel reliability features reside in the MCH).
However, looking at our roadmap, you will see us begin to integrate the MCH (as we have done with other technology functions in the past) into our future platform designs. I was recenty interviewed by the Register on this subject and I will post a blog on that interview when it posts in the next few weeks so you can learn more). Even after that integration you will here Intel talk about chipsets, as they will continue to serve unique platform functions required by server users.
On your second question... Here is a link to an Intel server chipset/cpu compatibility matrix. Our Intel 3xxx chipsets support only one Xeon CPU and provide the base functionality you are asking for (cpu memory, I/O, LAN) at affordable entry level price points. (http://www.intel.com/products/server/chipsets/index.htm#s1=Server&s2=all&s3=all?iid=chipsets_body+server)
Additionally, our high volume processor product lines including desktop (core 2 brands) and server (xeon) are built with a common architecture. The CORE 2 DUO is the same underlying architecture as the Dual-core Xeon 3xxx and Dual-Core Xeon 51xx processors. The CORE 2 QUAD is the same architecture as the Quad-Core 32xx Quad-Core Xeon 53xx and 54xx processors.
Green Computing: There are many blogs on Intel Open Port on this topic for additional reading. Bottom Line is that Intel is committed to delivering a variety of technology-based solutions to reduce power and boost performance per watt in servers. One such advancement was the 50W Quad-Core and 40W Dual-Core processors based on 45nm process technology. You can read more about thest at the following blog (http://communities.intel.com/openport/blogs/server/2008/03/25/50w-quadcore-how-would-you-use-them#comments-1909)
In addition to offering the lowest power quad-core and dual-core CPUs, Intel servers deliver the highest scores on energy efficiency as measured by SPECPower, the industry's first and only industry standard benchmark for server level performance per watt. Review the most recent scores here: http://www.spec.org/power_ssj2008/results/power_ssj2008.html
Hope that helps. Chris
S_Huck
in response to: Bernard Dugas
Bernard, the voltages currently in a platform are partially a legacy issue, but also because different components simply require different voltages. Historically, 15+ years ago, mechanical devices like hard drives and fans needed 12V and IC devices (processors, memory, chipsets etc.) needed 5V. While most mechanical devices still need 12V today, IC’s over time have required lower and lower voltages. The lower voltages are required by the more advanced silicon processes with smaller geometries that allow the IC’s to operate faster and use lower power. 3.3V was added a while back to address this need, but today many IC’s require voltages in the 1.5 volt range, some even lower.
To address the many different voltages, today’s power supplies typically supply ~5 standard voltages (+/- 12V, +/-5V & 3.3V). Then on-board voltage regulators locally reduce one of these voltages to the voltages required by the IC’s. The most advanced IC’s, using the most advanced process technology, like the processor, will typically use the lowest voltage. The less advanced IC’s, will use higher voltages corresponding to their older and less expensive process technology.
While it would be great if the platform used only one or two voltages, it isn’t very practical. Each component in the platform is optimized to perform its function at the least expensive price. Meaning some components will use the latest process technology, while others function just fine using an older processes technology. The consequence of this cost & function optimization is that you have many different voltage requirements within the system.
Thank you for your text, but i have questions on Chipsets and CPU :
As current chipset consume lot of power for producing heat, a special server version would be far more efficient and green for datacenters...
Thanks a lot for any answer...